Ice Climbing La Paz: Learn Crampons & Axe on Huayna Potosi

Eight hours on ice: from technique lesson to climbing small walls on the glacier

A full-day ice climbing class on the Huayna Potosi glacier near La Paz teaches cramponing, ice axe handling and basic mountaineering to climbers with or without experience. The day runs 8 hours total: a 90-minute drive to base camp at 4,700m, instruction and practice on the lower glacier, then supervised climbing on small ice walls with ropes, finishing with a photo session before the return to La Paz by 5:30pm. Minimum age is 18. The class suits all fitness levels but is not recommended for travelers with cardiovascular or spinal conditions, or pregnant travelers.

The experience

The day starts with a 90-minute drive from La Paz to Paso Zongo, climbing to 4,700 meters. At base camp, lunch is served before the guides walk you to the lower glacier and show the core techniques: how to walk on ice and snow, how to use crampons and an ice axe, and how to move safely on steep terrain. You practice each skill with the guides and their equipment before moving to the small ice walls where you'll climb with safety ropes in place.

All gear is provided: crampons, boots, harness, jacket and trousers, plus mountaineering equipment and ropes. The guides stay with you throughout, adjusting the pace to your level. A vegetarian lunch option is available if you request it when booking. The day ends with a photo session on the glacier before the drive back to La Paz, arriving around 5:30pm.

What’s included

• Local guide, crampons, mountaineering boots, harness, insulated jacket and trousers, ice axe, ropes and mountaineering equipment.
• lunch served at base camp.
• driver and all local taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesUp to age 6

GroupUp to 6

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Andes 2 Amazon

Is this one for you?Eight hours round-trip from La Paz leaves the rest of your day free if you start early elsewhere, but the high altitude (4,700m) and the physical demand of climbing on ice mean this is a full commitment. Plan nothing else that day, and arrive in La Paz at least a day or two before to acclimatize.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What techniques do I actually learn on this ice climbing class?

The guides teach cramponing (walking on ice with spiked boots), ice axe technique, how to move safely on snow and ice, and basic mountaineering skills. You practice each one with the guides on the lower glacier, then apply them on small ice walls with ropes for safety.

How long is the drive from La Paz to the glacier, and what altitude will I be at?

The drive takes 90 minutes and reaches Paso Zongo at 4,700 meters above sea level. Lunch is served at base camp before you walk to the lower glacier for instruction and climbing.

Do I need climbing experience to join this class?

No experience is required. The class is designed for everyone, with or without prior mountaineering background. The guides adjust the instruction and practice to your level, and all equipment is provided.

What's included in the price, and what should I bring myself?

The class includes a local guide, all climbing gear (crampons, boots, harness, jacket, trousers, ropes), mountaineering equipment, lunch and local taxes. Bring your own sunglasses, sunblock, fleece and inner gloves. A valid passport is required on the day of travel.

What time does the day end, and will I be back in La Paz by evening?

The class finishes with a photo session on the glacier, then the drive back to La Paz. You arrive around 5:30pm, leaving the rest of your evening free.