Mountains & Ascents

Illimani Ascent

The Illimani is a mythical summit in the Cordillera Real. Protective deity of La Paz, it stands out from the other peaks nestled in the Cordillera. It dominates the city of La Paz, with its imposing ridges and peaks culminating at more than 6000 m above sea level. His ascent is quite technical and well underway (AD + / IV). It’s a summit that you deserve even in its normal way. For mountaineers with experience and who love beautiful sporting challenges and wide open spaces. Breathtaking views of La Paz and the imposing ridges of this glacial massif.

Overview
  • Duration 4 days
  • Transport Private vehicle
  • Site fees Comprise
  • Guide IFMGA english speaking guide (subject to availibity)
  • Altitude from 3.600 m asl to 6.439 m asl
  • Best time from May to October

Indicative price, excluding international flights. All nights, meals, guides and transfers included.

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Main stops
  • Aerial high camp, with breathtaking views on the massif.
  • Sharp summit ridge
  • Gorgeous views on the massif, a mythic and exceptional ascent, for mountain lovers.
Day 1

LA PAZ - PINAYA - PUENTE ROTO (4470 m a.s.l / 14 665 FT)

  • Start 08:00 am
  • Accommodation tent
  • Meals lunch, dinner
  • Transport 3h30
  • Walk / Bike 2/3h

Depart to the small village of Pinaya (3880 m asl / 12 729 FT) at the foot of Illimani massif. Meet with mule team and porters. Easy climb to Puente Roto, base camp of Illimani.

Day 2

PUENTE ROTO – NIDO DEL CONDOR (5470 m a.s.l / 17 946 FT)

  • Start 09:00 am
  • Accommodation tent
  • Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Walk / Bike 4/5h

We follow a well-traced path along the north and central peaks of Illimani before crossing some streams and an orange moraine. Our porters accompany us, making many trips between the base and high camps. We arrive to a rocky ridge at 4950m asl (16 240 FT). From there, the trek becomes more technical. We make a gradual, but steep and rocky, ascent to the Nido de los Condores, the Nest of the Condors. We camp on the edge of the glacier.

Day 3

ASCENT OF ILLIMANI (6439 m a.s.l / 21 125 FT)

  • Start 01:00 am
  • Accommodation tent
  • Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
  • Walk / Bike 12/13h

AD+/IV - We depart in the night, making our way up long ridge with steep, but non-technical, slopes (45º/50º). The cliff faces towards the west and stays shady and cold. Around 6300 m above sea level (20 669 FT), we arrive to a glacial plateau between the central peak and the south peaks. We head towards the south-east and the summit ridge. The final approach to the summit is steep (55º). We descend to base camp.

Day 4

PUENTE ROTO - PINAYA - LA PAZ (3600 m a.s.l / 11 800 FT)

  • Start 10:00 am
  • Accommodation none
  • Meals breakfast, lunch,
  • Transport 3h30

Descent to the village of Pinaya and return to La Paz.

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