Mountaineering in Bolivia: ascent of Nevado Illimani
Duration : 3 days
Bolivia
Level : slightly difficult +
from 574 € / p. from 1 to 10 persons
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Description
Clearly visible from La Paz and an object of adoration since ancient times, Nevado Illimani (6438m) is probably the most beautiful summit of the Real Cordillera. In the local Aymara language, its name means "golden eagle". It was first climbed in the 19th century by a Franco-Bolivian expedition that found llama leather straps on the summit of the peak now known as Layqa Qullu. Indeed for many pre-Colombian civilizations the high peaks of the Andes were places of worship and offerings.
Shortly before the Second World War, German emigrants living in Bolivia planted a gigantic Nazi flag on the highest point of the mountain. It was shot down a few weeks later by an English mining engineer accompanied by his local mechanic, who used spikes for the first time.
The route proposed here is the normal route to the South summit, which takes place in a sumptuous high mountain environment.
If you want to climb other beautiful peaks of the Bolivian Andes, I also suggest:
- the ascent of Huayna Potosi,
- to climb Chachacomani and the Chearoco in the Cordillera Real,
- the ascent of Wila Lluxita and Janq'Uyu - Jisk'a Pata crossing.
Program
D1: La Paz - Puente Roto - Nido de Condores.
Today we climb up moraines and a long, easy rocky ridge to reach the Nido de Condores camp (5460m), suspended above the glaciers.
5-hours of walking.
D2: Ascent of Nevado Illimani.
Setting off during the night, we climb various and relatively technical passages in a majestic glacial environment to the col, then the summit of the Sputh Peak.
7-hour ascent, passages at up to 50 degrees.
After well-deserved photos, we descend to the high camp.
D3: Descent to base camp and return to La Paz by vehicle.
The price includes
- Supervision by the English-speaking mountain guide (1 guide / 2 persons).
- Private transport.
- The cook and complete food (breakfast, lunch and dinner), with drinking water at will.
- Tents and foam mattresses.
- Carriers and mules for carrying the bags.
- Collective equipment: rope, ice screws, crevasse rescue kit.
- Fees and other local charges.
- A small handcrafted souvenir.
- First aid kit, emergency oxygen, satellite phone...
| Number of participants | 1 | 2 or 3 | 4 to 7 | 8 to 10 |
| Price per person | 920€ | 552€ | 470€ | 450€ |
The price does not include
- Return flight to La Paz.
- Hotel in La Paz (but I'll be happy to help you book it).
- Insurance.
- Sleeping bag and other individual mountaineering equipment (can be rented in La Paz at reasonable prices).
- Anything not mentioned in "The price includes".
Accommodation
- In tent.
No scheduled departure, but you can contact me to book your dates.
Infos & Booking