Bolivia - Isla del Sol Trek
& Huayna Potosi Climbing Expedition

Climbing - 6000 metres high and suitable for novice climbers

If you are competent with ice axe and crampons you can hike and climb various 6000 metre plus mountain peaks in Nepal, the USA and the Andes with Muir's Tours.  

At 6,088 meters or 19,974 feet, Huayna Potosi (literally, "Young Riches") is a beautiful and massive glaciated peak which dominates the view as you come in to land at the La Paz airport. Multiple route choices are available ranging from a number of standard routes on the beautiful east face to some of the most challenging and direct routes to be found anywhere in the Andes on the imposing west face. Although situated on the outskirts of La Paz, sufficient time must be spent acclimating before any summit attempt on this high-altitude peak. This climb can be adjusted to fit the skill level and timeframe of any client.

The trekking section of 4 days begins at the beautiful village of Copacabana on the southern shore of Lake Titicaca and then spends the next two days exploring Isla del Sol (the "Island of the Sun"). Copacabana is known for its pleasant and sunny climate, its lively fiestas and its beautiful cathedrals. The trek follows the lakeshore to Yampapata where a boat will ferry us to Isla del Sol. There are numerous Inca ruins on the island and a number of traditional villages. Since there are no vehicles on the island, nothing will spoil this unique step back into pre-Colombian history.

Day 1 Today we depart La Paz bound by jeep for Copacabana on the shores of beautiful Lake Titicaca. Along the way, a stop is made at the ancient Tiahuanaco ruins. From the Akapana pyramid to the 175,000 kg basalt megaliths, this archeological site is fascinating to explore. After a thorough tour of the site and a short jeep drive, travellers arrive in Copacabana. This small village is known for its pleasant and sunny climate, its lively fiestas and its beautiful cathedrals. The night is spent in one of the lovely lakeside hotels.

Day 2 After two days of gradual acclimatisation, expedition members are given the opportunity to stretch their legs and their lungs on a seven and a half-mile trek along the shores of Lake Titicaca to the village of Yampupata. The village is located at the extreme point along a peninsula, which juts into Lake Titicaca. Next, expedition members embark on a short boat ride to Isla Del Sol and the Inca archeological ruins of Pilco Kaima. Nearby, camp is set up and dinner prepared for the expedition members.

Day 3 With an early start, expedition members set out to explore Isla del Sol. Ancient Inca terraces cover the landscape and surround our first point of interest the Fuente Del Inca, where a spring pours from the ground. Next, expedition members continue over an island high point and then return to the beach and the small village of Challa, where camp is set up. After setting up camp, the trek continues as expedition members encounter three additional archeological sites, to include the sacred rock of the puma and the Chincana ruins. As the sun fades, expedition members return to Challa and camp for the evening.

Day 4 Today is a day of contrast, as we journey by foot to the ferry, which will transfer us by boat to Copacabana. We then load up in jeeps for a short drive to the base of Huayna Potosi. Overnight at Huayna Potosi hut (4749m / 15580ft.).

Day 5  The day can be spent practicing basic snow and ice climbing techniques on a nearby glacier.

Day 6  Continue acclimatization and practicing basic snow and ice climbing techniques, or move on to high camp at Nido de Halcones (5549m / 18204ft.).

Day 7  For those at high camp, a summit attempt with an early departure, or for those at base camp, an ascent to high camp at Nido de Halcones. For the summit group, we descend to base camp and return to La Paz.

Day 8 Summit attempt with an early departure; after which, we descend to base camp and return to La Paz.

Season: April through October
Duration: 4 - 8 Days
Departure Dates (climb): Every Monday throughout the season
Level of Experience: Beginner/Intermediate

Price Indication per person:  USD1250 - USD1350                             Email for current price

What is included
Transportation to and from the trek and climb. Transportation to and from the airport. Tents, guides, cooks, porters, llamas, mules, and ropes are supplied. All food while trekking and climbing.

What is not included
The price allows for joining in La Paz and does not include international airfare and departure taxes. Hotels in La Paz (we can help with these). Personal insurance, visa fees, vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature and all drinks. Personal climbing equipment: harness, (2) locking karabiners, helmet, (1) ice axe, crampons, boots, outer- and underwear, etc. (you can hire these items from us, if necessary).

Visas
A visa is not currently required for UK & US passport holders.