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Published: 17-02-2023
Huayna Potosi is one of a number of peaks that reaches over 6000 meters in the Cordillera Real. The Cordillera Real is a mountain range in eastern Bolivia and a sub-range of the Andes. Reaching 6,088 meters above snow level the snow-capped peak of this Andean Giant can be seen beckoning in the distance from Bolivia’s capital La Paz.
A popular activity for adventurous travelers is to climb to the summit. The accessibility of the mountain, combined with a relatively non-technical route to the summit, means Huayna Potosi is considered an ‘entry level’ 6000+ meter mountain. Three-day tours have a high success rate of summiting and even novice climbers can reach the summit.
Cordillera Real
Advantages of The 3-day Climb
The three-day guided Huayna Potosi climb starts off gently, allowing plenty of time to get used to the climbing gear and acclimatize before the grueling task of summiting the mountain which begins just after midnight on the final day.
Is Climbing Huayna Potosi Dangerous?
In a nutshell YES! It can be. There is an inherent danger when climbing to the altitudes you will need to ascend to reach the Huayna Potosi Summit. Unpredictable weather, avalanches, sheer cliffs, and dangerous ice climbing are all part of this high-altitude climb. The key to making the Huayna Potosi climb as safe as possible is to go with an experienced guide and with a reputable Travel Agency. Local Guides who have spent a lot of time on the mountain understand the route, the weather, and the risks involved.
Huayna Potosi Summit
Huayna Potosi Difficulty Level
Huayna Potosi has developed a reputation as an ‘entry level’ or ‘beginner’ high-altitude climb. The route to the summit is not as technical as other high-altitude climbs and can be completed by novice climbers who have had the ice pick and crampon training included with the guided climb. That being said the Huayna Potosi climb should not be underestimated. The first two days of the tour are relatively easy. Day one of the Huayna Potosi guided tour is spent at the base camp practicing scaling an ice wall with picks and crampons in preparation to navigate the glacier you will need to climb to reach the top. The second day is spent acclimatizing and hiking for about two hours up to the high camp refuge. It is a steep ascent, but short and sweet.
Huayna Potosi Climb
This mountaineering expedition on day three is a truly challenging experience. Starting just after midnight you must reach the top before the first light to avoid the risk of avalanches as the snow begins to melt in the morning sun. Tethered to your climbing party, marching through the dark night up and up through snowdrifts as bitterly cold winds whip icy sleet into any exposed skin. An ice wall must be scaled and the mountain becomes steeper and steeper as you approach the summit. Battling the unpredictable weather, altitude, and gruelingly steep final ascent, the mountain will test even the fittest hikers and casual climbers.
The Summit
The Challenge
The main difficulty in climbing Huayna Potosi is the altitude. Because altitude affects everyone differently, it is tough to say whether the trek will be hard or not. Some people do not have any problems with altitude, while some start to feel it towards the top, the middle, or even the beginning of the trek. It’s important to have a backup plan in case the altitude gets to you. However, the best measure is to make sure that you have acclimatized BEFORE starting the journey. This will help to avoid any issues on the Huayna Potosi climb.
Above the Clouds
Best Time To Climb
The best time to climb Huayna Potosi is from May to September. From October onwards, Bolivia enters the rainy season which at high elevations can mean wet conditions snow and avalanches, making it impossible to climb the mountain.
Spectacular Views
Why Choose The Three-Day Option?
The 3-day climb of the Huayna Potosi peak is highly recommended as it allows you to acclimatize much better. As already mentioned, the high elevation catches out many people so the slower you climb it the better! We recommend a 3-day acclimatization period in La Paz for the experience and adequate acclimatization so that you can get the best out of this Huayna Potosi climb.
Cordillera Real
Book the incredible 3-day Huayna Potosi climb with Va Expeditions here
