Bolivia - Isla del Sol Trek
& Parinacota 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 6,330 meters / 20,767 feet, Parinacota is one of the highest mountains located in the Cordillera Occidental of Bolivia. Parinacota is a beautiful cone shaped volcano situated on the Chilean and Bolivian border. From its summit, incomparable views of its sister volcanoes Sajama (6,549 meters or 21,486 feet) to the northeast and Pomerata (6,222 meters or 20,413 feet) directly to the north are possible, and on a particularly clear day, the Pacific Ocean to the west can be discerned. After a straightforward climb up the snow capped volcano, mountaineers are rewarded with a panoramic view of the Cordillera Occidental and a glimpse down and into the enormous crater found at the snow covered summit.

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 three-hour ride back to La Paz.

Day 5 In the morning we depart La Paz bound for the Village of Sajama (elevation 4,250m or 13,944ft) situated near the base of Volcan Sajama. Travel is via 4x4 vehicles over both improved and unimproved roads for approximately five hours. We arrive at the village of Sajama and make our way to a local house (pueblo) where we will cache our gear and spend the evening. Nearby the pueblo is a hot springs where we will partake in a relaxing soak within view of the mighty Sajama. After sunset, we return to the pueblo where dinner is ready and waiting for us.

Day 6 After a leisurely breakfast, we depart via 4x4 vehicles from the Village of Sajama heading west toward base camp (elevation 5,096m or 16,720ft). After a bumpy two-hour drive, we arrive at base camp which is situated between the volcanoes Pomerata and Parinacota. The remaining afternoon can be spent performing a light acclimatisation hike, taking a few photos or just relaxing. After dinner, we turn in early in preparation for a very long day tomorrow.

Day 7 After a pre-dawn wake up and a hearty breakfast, the expedition sets off on foot at daybreak for the summit of Parinacota. After approximately nine hours of gentle traverses over the snow-covered volcano, the expedition finds itself standing on the summit of Parinacota poised on the edge of a massive extinct crater. After a round of congratulations and photos, we begin the three-hour descent to base camp. The expedition's members arrive at base camp hungry, tired yet satisfied after a successful summit. Dinner is waiting and not long afterwards, base camp is silent.

Day 8 After breakfast, the expedition loads up into the 4x4 vehicles for the long seven-hour journey back to La Paz. Plenty of photo opportunities are available as we traverse the Cordillera Occidental on our way back to the capital city.

Climbing Season: April - October

Price Indication per person:  USD1350 - USD1470                                     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.