Lipez Volcanoes Ascent

Mountains

Lipez

The “Cordillera de Lípez” from the extreme south of Bolivia to the chilean border hosts volcanoes of lower altitude. The head of their cones isn’t covered by glaciers and their sides represent real palettes of varied colours. The main volcanoes which rise above 5.000 are : el Licancaburel Uturuncu el Iruputuncu y el Alto Toroni.

The volcanoes of the south of Lipez offer diversified pleasures and represent an excellent acclimatization for those who desire to climb the andeans summits, higher and technically more demanding.

The hike to the volcanoe Tunupa (4.665 m) is nice and easy to access. It offers a splendid view to the Salar de Uyuni and offers the possibility to observ the multicoloured crater of the volcanoe Tunupa.

 

The Uturuncu with a sumit at 6.008 m enables the unitiated people to try their first 6.000 m. The 4×4 vehicle will stop at 5.700, but you will have to provide a big effort on a rocky path!

 

The volcano Licancabur (5.916 m) offers the joys of a real ascent with a departure by night, difficult climatic conditions (violent and frozen wind), and a significant drop. The efforts will be rewarded! Indeed, you will discover a frozen lake in the middle of the crater but also and above all the view of la Laguna Blanca and la Laguna Verde.

 

The ascent of the Iruputuncu (5.163 m) is yet to be discovered. It is lower and physically less exhausting. Notice that this volcanoe is still in activity with an impressive crater of sulphur. If the winds are favourable, it will possible to avoid the smokfilled crater in order to reach the top.

 

The Alto Toroni also called el Sillajhuay (6.002 m) is stuck between el Salar de Coipasa el Salar de Uyuni. It is unknown, snowy almost year round and offers an atmosphere of “high mountain”. A small steep and snowy slope at the base of the first viewpoint impose the use of spikes and mountaineering equipment. A nice race offering breathtaking landscapes!

 

This region offers a concentration of unlimited volcanoes… and may be you would like to go after the Ollagüe (5.870 m), an other active volcano!