Its strategic position with respect to La Paz has permitted the city to demonstrate to the world that it is a city with exceptional characteristics; thus, Illimani is the “Symbol of La Paz”.

Without a doubt, this is a great mountain with an extensive history behind it. From the year 1877 to the present day, its flanks and summits have been the site of innumerable great adventures.

It has three main summits of which the south peak, called “Laikha Kollu” (the Enchanted mountain) is the highest at 6.490 m. above sea level.

In spite of being so popular, Illimani is not climbed often, and only those very few who have managed to get to the summit have had the opportunity to view La Paz city from quite a different angle.

To climb this mountain you should have some experience and be very well acclimitised. We recommend that you have spent at least 7 days above 3000 meters and have done some high altitude trekking or climbed another 5500 meter plus peak.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION In our Offices in La Paz
DEPARTURE TIME Please arrive by 8:30 AM for a prompt departure at 9:00 AM.
RETURN TIME Approximately 18:30 PM.
WEAR Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking boots, hat, jacket and sunscreen.
INCLUDED
Private transportation to and from the climb Qualified Mountain Guide , Spanish speaking
Camping equipment – tent, mattress, cooking equipment  Equipment – Climbing Boots, Crampons, Ice Axe, Mountain jacket and Trousers, harness, ropes, gloves etc
Meals including drinks at camp meals Pack animals add porters where indicated
NOT INCLUDED
Sleeping Bag (required to at least -10) – you can rent a sleeping bag -18 from us if required (deposit required) Head torch – if you dont have your own we can supply this – you supply batteries
Thermal under trousers , fleece jacket and thermal upper body wear, fleece hat, perosnal gloves for inside mountain gloves Backpack 50 to 60 liters for carrying personal equipment
Water (2 liters bottle required – refills available) Chocolate or high calorie sweets /snacks
Warm gloves for wearing inside Mountain Gloves, Warm Hat Sunglasses, Sun cream and Lip balm – essential.
Travel Insurance – recommended

Important booking Information

This climb is available only from May to October due to weather conditions. The is a minimum requirement of 2 people for this climb. If you are just one person and wish to climb you can pay double and the climb will be confirmed – price is per person

There is one guide for 2 people, 2 guides for 3/4 people, 3 guides for 5/6 people. Larger group sizes are better as they provide more flexibility. For example if there are just 2 people and one guide and one person cannot continue the climb then both climbers must return with the guide and no refunds will be given. If there is a larger group one guide can bring 1 or 2 people down whilst others continue.

–> You must be well acclimitised to climb this mountain and have some basic mountain climbing experience.

Day 1

La Paz to Pinaya

We leave La Paz in the morning to start out journey to Pinaya which will take around 3 to 4 hours. From here we will load up the pack mules and walk to Puente Roto. This wil take a further 2 to 3 hours and here we will set up camp for the night and have a wonderful view of La Paz and El Alto at night. (4500 meters – 14763 feet).
Day 2

Nido de Cóndores

After breakfast we will leave Puente Roto and the trek up to the high camp of Nido de Cóndores (Condors Nest). The terraine will be scree and rock. This will take around 6 to 8 hours and when we arrive we will set up camp for the night. For this section we will have porters to help carry the equipment (5500 meters – 18044 feet).
Day 3

Ascent to the summit

We awake early around 1/2am to start our ascent to the summit. It will be very cold at this time and we will try to warm ourselves with coca tea before putting on the crampons and roping up. The ascent is heavily crevassed, a mixture of ice and snowy ridges and has a number of 50 degree sections, so combined with the altitude this can make for tough going.

Also, due to the face the sun rises on the other side of the mountain it will be cold for the whole climb. Normal ascent time is around 6 to 9 hours. After reaching the peak and resting to enjoy the spectacular views for a while we start our descent back to the high camp where we will meet with the porters before descending back to Punte Roto to stay the night.

Day 3

Return to La Paz

On this final day we have a short walk back down to Pinaya to meet up with our vehicle for the return drive to La Paz, arriving in the city around midday.

Tour Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Leave a Review

Rating