The majestic Illimani at the southern end of the Cordillera Real is one of the most beautiful mountains in the world, with the city of La Paz at its foot. It is considered a symbol of La Paz and, in the Andean cosmovision, is the son of Pachamama (Mother Earth), Achachila Mayor and protector, the place where the souls of the ancestors live and which is revered by the native Aymara people of the region. The German climber Hans Ertl described the Illimani in 1953 as one of the most beautiful mountain groups in South America, because it’s not just a single mountain, but a massif. Its glacier measures 8 km in length. Three peaks can be seen from La Paz, but there are five in total. The three most important are the Pico Sur, which is the highest summit of the Illimani with its 6,462 meters and the second highest peak in Bolivia, followed by the Pico Central with 6,287 meters and the Pico Laika Khollu with 6,159 meters.

Itinerary:

First day: Drive to the village of Pinaya, ascent to the base camp „Puente Roto“

Transfer from La Paz to the village of Pinaya at 3800m. Although it is only 3-4 hour drive from the capital, the village has retained its authentic charm and lifestyle. On the way to Pinaya, we cross the Palca Canyon, which is an unexpected scenic highlight of the journey to the starting point of the mountain climb. From Pinaya we hike 3 hours (600m difference in altitude) on a simple but arduous route to the base camp "Puente Roto" at 4400 m. From the camp we enjoy a beautiful view towards La Paz, and on clear days to the Sajama National Park with the highest mountain in Bolivia, the Sajama volcano, which is easily recognizable as a pyramid from here. Overnight in the "Puente Roto" base camp (walking time approx. 3 hours, 600 m ↑). (-/BL/D)

Second day: Ascent to the high camp „Nido de Condores“

After breakfast, ascent to the high camp "Nido de Condores" on a well-marked but sometimes very steep path, with sections of crossing unstable rock passages. The path first leads to the "Markirivi" pass before we continue to follow the ridge. For the 1000 m difference in altitude we need about 5-6 hours. The rest of the day is dedicated to setting up the camp, ensuring adequate fluid intake, and checking the climbing equipment. In our opinion, "Nido de Condores" at 5450 m is the most beautiful high camp in Bolivia, located on a plateau before the glacier begins. Overnight in the high camp "Nido de Condores" (walking time approx. 56h, 1000 m ↑) (B/BL/D)

Third day: Ascent to the summit of Pico Sur, descent to base camp „Puente Roto“

We start climbing the summit a few hours before sunrise between 2-3 a.m. First, we follow the ridge, which is technically not very difficult, but exposed. After a rest, we cross some crevasses before climbing a steep 300-meter passage of the West face between 5800m and 6100m, with an incline of over 50 °, a literal "stairway to the sky". This connects to the north ridge at 6300m, where the terrain gets easier before we follow it to the south summit at 6462 m. The descent is via the ascent path and requires full concentration, especially on the steep sections, as various serious accidents have been recorded here over the years. We strongly recommend that you descend to the base camp on the same day, where recovery is much better. Overnight in the base camp "Puente Roto" (walking time approx. 15-17h, 1050 m ↑, 2050 ↓) (B/BL/D)

Fourth day: Descent to the village of Pinaya, return to La Paz

If you don't feel like descending 2600m on the summit day and drive another 3-4 hours back to La Paz, the 4th day is an option that even experienced mountaineers prefer, and we highly recommend it to our customers. On this 4th day we can take it easy, enjoy the landscape, and hike down from the base camp "Puente Roto" to the village of Pinaya, then drive back to La Paz with many scenic photo stops. (Walking time approx. 2-3h, 600 m ↓) (B/BL/-) - END OF OUR SERVICES

Note:

Mountaineering experience and the safe handling of ice axe and crampons are required, as well as a very good physical condition and acclimatization.

Best travel season:

May to October

Included in the package:

- Private transport from/to La Paz
- 3 nights in a tent (single tents available at extra charge)
- Certified English-speaking mountain guide
- Pack animals during the trek (for luggage, food and camping equipment)
- All entrance fees
- Meals according to itinerary (see above) (B/L/D)
- Equipment (ice axe, crampons, climbing harness)

Reservation:

Please do not hesitate to contact us for price requests, reservation, general question, and individual tour inquiries, at: contact(at)landmarktravelbolivia.com

Link

https://www.landmarktravelbolivia.com/bergsteigen-illimani