The Cordillera Real of Bolivia is one of the world's major ranges and offers some of the finest and most varied alpine climbing.
For those who would like the experience of climbing in an uncrowded area, exploring a remote and exotic land leaving minimal impact, the Cordillera Real offers an unparalleled opportunity.
Our Bolivia programme allows for significant instruction time while completing some fantastic climbs at low-intermediate grade at altitudes up to 6,200m / 20,340ft.
A five-day ascent of the massive Nevado Illimani (6,462m / 21,201ft) is an ideal add-on to capitalise on your existing acclimatisation and make this expedition even more enjoyable. It is the highest peak in Bolivia's Cordillera Real and allows you to climb a serious high altitude peak without the hardships of climbing in very low temperatures.
Illimani Ascent
Many climbers participating in our Bolivia programme stay on for an additional five days to make an ascent of Illimani, the highest peak in the Cordillera Real. Though it stands at 6,462m/21,201ft, climbers enjoy an extremely high rate of success because of their thorough acclimatisation in the earlier part of the programme.
Dates & Prices
August 26–30, 2022 NOT OPERATING
The cost of the Illimani Add-on ex La Paz, Bolivia is US$1,330, bringing the total cost of the full expedition to US$5,800.
Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high altitude expedition climbing. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers the best possible chance of success.
We employ strong and specialized Expedition leaders and support staff, who are some of the most pre-eminent in the industry. We pride ourselves on operating with small teams, the best back-up and support available. This includes nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable base camp facilities, reliable communications systems and the necessary medical back up.
Many of our expedition members come to us because they have seen us in action on a previous trip and decide to opt for our level of service and proven experience. Others return because they know we do our very best to make expeditions safe and successful.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
Exclusions
The price of your trip does not include:
Expedition Fee
Please contact us for further information on expedition costs.
Account Information
All payments should be made by bank transfer to the following bank and account:
Bank of New Zealand
Offshore Branch
42 Willis Street
Spark Central
Wellington
New Zealand
for the account of Adventure Consultants Limited
Account # 1000-594771-0000
Account Type: US Dollars
Swift Address: BKNZNZ22
Note: All bank transfer charges are for the remitter's account.
We can accept your deposit and balance payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) plus a 3% card transaction fee.
Deposit
A non-refundable deposit of US$500 is payable to secure a place on the expedition.
Balance
The balance is payable 90 days prior to the trip start date.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Once you have paid your deposit your trip is confirmed, subject to payment of the balance of fees owing 90 days prior to your trip commencement date. An expedition member may then cancel their participation on the following basis:
Trip Cancellation Insurance
We strongly recommend you take out trip cancellation insurance via your travel agent if you wish to be covered against cancellation due to medical or personal reasons.
Trip Notes provide detailed information and background for Adventure Consultants' Bolivia—Huayna Potosi Skills Expedition.
You can view the trip notes online by clicking the image or download a pdf by clicking the following link:
Team Membership
The maximum climber to guide ratio is 4:1. The team will have a minimum size of 3 climbers and 1 guide maximum size of 8 members and 2 guides.
Partnership with American Alpine Institute
This trip is offered as part of our partnership with American Alpine Institute (AAI) in Bellingham, Washington. When you sign on we will alert the AAI office about our discussions and your choice of a trip and have them contact you. AAI will know about your background, how your last trip went, your skill level, and your current plan for a next program. AAI and AC will work together to assure that you are well taken care of and that all your planning and preparation goes smoothly, and that everything is in place to help you achieve your goals.
Our Guides
The expedition leader will be scheduled approximately six months out from the trip start. All of our trip leaders have extensive experience at altitude and a proven record of safety, success and compatibility.
Head Office Support Team
Running successful journeys and expeditions is more about experience, knowledge and strategic management than any other factors. As an organisation, we place a substantial amount of time and resources into ensuring our trips are well planned and supported. You can be assured that the AC staff will provide you with friendly advice and knowledgeable support throughout the planning stages of your trip and we will be there to provide backup while the trip is running.
Hayley Furze, Client Liaison
Hayley joins the AC team with a wealth of experience working in the tourism and hospitality industry along with a love of travel. She works as Client Liaison on a number of our European and international ascents, treks and expeditions.
Your Health
Expedition members will be provided with pre-trip medical advice and a medical questionnaire and asked to visit their family physician to receive a full medical examination. This information will be sighted only by the expedition leader and our medical adviser and treated with full confidentiality.
Level of Experience Required
To climb in Bolivia you need to be physically fit, have strong mental stamina and be capable of strenuous exercise for several days’ duration. Expedition members need to be capable of carrying a moderate pack.
Climbing at altitude affects people differently; most climbers notice a lower performance rate than normal. Our climbing days are mostly short to accommodate this and vital rest days are usually welcomed! Our graduated acclimatisation program allows you to progressively consolidate your fitness. See our Fitness Training Programs for information on how we can help you prepare for the expedition.
Difficulty Rating
Each of our trips is individually rated according to its physical and technical difficulty, displayed in the icons towards the top of each trip page. You can click on the accompanying question mark for additional descriptions and the full run-down of our grading system is available on our Difficulty Ratings page.
History
The Cordillera Real of Bolivia is one of the world's major ranges and offers some of the finest and most varied alpine climbing, but it is probably the least known and least climbed range among comparable mountain groups. This is due to the country's remoteness and its lack of any traditional tourism. As a result, for those who are used to climbing and backpacking in wilderness areas, for whom the experience of a minimally impacted and uncrowded area is important, and who find great appeal in exploring a remote and exotic land, the Cordillera Real offers an unparalleled opportunity.
Food
During the expedition you will enjoy high quality and nourishing food. Please indicate any specific dietary requirements you may have on your application form.
Clothing & Equipment
Expedition members will be sent a list detailing all necessary individual clothing and personal equipment to be provided.
| Day | |
| 1 | Arrive La Paz and overnight at hotel |
| 2 | La Paz exploration and city tour |
| 3 | Depart La Paz for the Cordillera Real, trek into first camp at Rifugio Ajuane (4hrs) |
| 4 | Trek over a pass at 4,600m/15,000ft and continue to next camp at Laguna Sistana (6 hrs) |
| 5 | Trek over mountain passes and onwards to Refugio Juri Khota to camp |
| 6 | Trek out of the valley and transfer back to La Paz for the night |
| 7 | Preparation day in La Paz for the remainder of the expedition |
| 8 | Visit the ancient Tiwanaku Archaeological site |
| 9 | Drive to the Condoriri trail head and hike to Base Camp in the Condoriri Valley (4,600m/15,000ft) |
| 10-14 | Work on climbing skills and ascending peaks in the Condoriri Cirque area, potential peaks are Pico Austria, Pico Tarija and Pequeño Alpamayo, among others in the area |
| 15 | Trek out and drive to Rifugio Casa Blanca to camp for the night |
| 16 |
Begin the ascent of Huayna Potosi and establish High Camp at (5,500m/18,000ft) |
| 17 | Climb Huayna Potosi (6,088m/19,974ft) and return to La Paz |
| 18 | Either depart for home or spend a day in La Paz preparing for the Illimani ascent if continuing on |
| Illimani Extension | |
| 19 | Drive from La Paz to Pinaya meet the arrieros and their horses and trek to Base Camp at Puente Roto (4,600m/15,000ft) |
| 20 | Climb to Nido del Condór High Camp (5,500m/18,000ft) with the assistance of the porters |
| 21 | Climb to the summit of Illimani (6,438m/22,401ft) and descend to Base Camp or Pinaya |
| 22 | Return to La Paz for an evening of celebration and relaxation |
| 23 | Depart for home |
Topics intended to be covered during instruction include:
Cordillera Real
After spending two days in the city of La Paz, we head north to the central region of the Cordillera Real. We begin our trek and travel over a series of valleys and passes over a period of three days, and enjoy camping out each night. This is an opportunity to take in the scenery and enjoy spotting the native wildlife. After a final day of trekking, a vehicle is waiting to transport us back to La Paz, where we will have a day to prepare for the next stage of the adventure.
Condoriri Valley
The next day we visit the Tiwanaku Archaeological Site, a ruined ancient city near Lake Titicaca. Dominating the ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage site, once the seat of the pre-Columbian Tiwanaku culture, are the Akapana Pyramid and a semi-subterranean temple with carved images of human heads. Nearby Kalasasaya is an open temple with stone monoliths and the huge Gate of the Sun arch.
We then drive to the foot of the central Cordillera Real and proceed to a trailhead, where we meet our llamas and support staff. With the animals carrying the bulk of our gear, we make an easy-paced ascent to our Base Camp. The trek takes us through some beautiful valley landscapes and our camp provides excellent views of the many surrounding mountains.
We tailor our schedule of instruction and practice climbing to suit the needs of the participants acclimatising at different rates. We give instruction in climbing technique on a glacial practice area near our camp, while team members gradually acclimatise to the higher altitudes, and then cover additional skills in the process of making summit climbs. Possible peaks include Pico Austria (5,320m/17,454ft), Pico Tarija (5,344m/17,533ft) and our primary goal, Pequeño Alpamayo (5,917m/19,412ft); a hidden peak with a very impressive pyramidal summit. We climb a broad glacier to a col, traverse along a ridge to the base of the summit pyramid and then ascend directly to the top. The entire route is photogenic, offers excellent climbing and makes use of all the skills taught earlier in the programme.
Huayna Potosi
We then move south past a series of colourful altiplano lakes and make our way to the Zongo Pass, right at the very foot of Huayna Potosi. We camp a night at Casa Blanca Refugio before taking a full day to establish a high camp at 5,500m/18,000ft. Setting off from camp the following morning with sunrise over the Amazon Basin to our east, we climb a beautiful route which includes serious glacier travel and intermittent sections of moderately steep ground—challenging climbing but well within the skill level developed by the climbing team during the preceding days of the program. With Huayna Potosi’s summit (approximately 6,088m/19,974ft), a well-defined point at the end of a beautifully sculptured ridge and the last few steps to the top provide an exhilarating finish to a great climb.
Following our ascents above, we return to La Paz and return home, or for those also completing the Ilimani Ascent, spend a day and a half to preparing for this next stage of the expedition.
We leave the city, travelling south-east over very rugged roads to a small settlement, where we meet our arrieros and their llamas. With our gear loaded, we climb gradually higher while enjoying brilliant views of Illimani. In this region, Aymara life is very traditional with thatch-roofed homes constructed of mud brick and stone, and villagers busy attending to the soaking, drying and freezing of their potatoes in what must be the world’s original freeze-drying process.
We establish Base Camp at Puente Roto (4,572m /15,000ft), where in the evening we enjoy the beautiful view of the sunset over the Altiplano.
The next day, we make a 915m/3,000ft ascent up trails and a rock ridge to reach a snowy bench at Nido del Condór High Camp (5,500m/18,000ft). From this camp, we get great views into the enormous, steep-walled cirque of Illimani and across Lake Titicaca into Peru. The next morning we begin our ascent of the peak’s steep Southwest Buttress. The route is broken by a series of large crevasses and we carefully zig-zag our way up, using snow bridges and ice ramps where we can to shorten our route.
Eventually, we climb a 40 to 45-degree glacial face and gain the final ridge to the summit. A gently rising, exposed and very photogenic finish that provides some of the finest views in the Andes. Always scenic and offering rewardingly varied alpine climbing, this is an exciting expedition on one of South America’s greatest peaks.
From the teeming rivers of the Amazon to the spectacular Incan ruins at Machu Picchu, your South American expedition needn't finish at the bottom of the mountain.
Check out our dedicated South America Add Ons page for a whole host of ways to maximize your experience on the continent.
Finding the right travel and rescue insurance for your mountaineering adventure can be tricky! Rest assured when you book with the expedition specialists here at Adventure Consultants we'll help by sending through advice on what you'll need, including:
For further information check out our Travel and Rescue Insurance page or contact us.
The following is to serve as a helpful guideline on our South American expeditions. Please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions. Our team is here to help!
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
Please note you will be emailed a set of Team Reference Notes upon registration. This extensive booklet includes detailed information to assist in the planning of your trip, from travel and medical advice to equipment lists and photography tips.
How long has Adventure Consultants been in operation?
Adventure Consultants started in 1990 and we have been guiding internationally ever since. You can read more on the history of Adventure Consultants here.
A few outfitters claim to have the same level of experience and prestige as Adventure Consultants. In this league, what makes you the first choice for your climbers?
We are renowned for the quality of service and strategy applied to our expeditions. Our reputation is attributed to the meticulous planning and logistics coordination done by our head office. Once on the ground in South America, you can expect to be well looked after by our guides to that you can relax and enjoy trekking through this amazing region.
What showers and washing (clothes) will be available on the expedition?
Showers will be available in the city hotels that are utilised prior to and after your climb. After your departure from town, please do not expect a shower each day but these will be offered where possible. We advise people to bring wet-wipes for impromptu washes in between available showers.
What food will be available?
You’ll get breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, as well as ample hot and cold drinks but if you have any special treats you like, we encourage you to bring some along. When staying in the cities, expect a wide variety of options. Once on the climbing programme, our well-trained cooks prepare high-quality Western food as well as popular local dishes. Please indicate any specific dietary requirements you may have on your application form as we are happy to accommodate those with specific diets.
What are the hotels/lodges like?
We use centrally located mid-range hotels for city nights and for lodge-based expeditions, we book tidy, clean, modern lodges through our local agents. Our standard trip inclusions are based on shared rooms, usually twin share. Once on your climbing programme, you will be staying in tents which will be part of a larger camp.
Do I need to arrive the day before the trip starts? And when should I book my flight to leave?
No, our trip programmes all have an arrival day and a departure day built into them. You are welcome, and encouraged, to arrive a bit earlier to explore your arrival city if you have the time.
My travel agent says I can just get an e-ticket (electronic ticket) and will not need to be actually issued a physical ticket.
E-tickets are the standard practice these days and are now acceptable in most locations. Do ensure you print your itinerary and have your booking number with you, as this allows you to change your return flight plans if need be.
When should I book my ticket?
Generally, we ask you to wait until 90 days prior to your trip start date to ensure your trip has met the minimum numbers and will operate. If you see a good deal and want to book your flights early then please ensure you can make changes to your tickets and we highly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance. If the circumstance arises that we have to cancel the trip for any reason, we are usually able to help you book on to an alternate departure, either with us or another operator.
Can I get a cheap ticket online?
The problem with these tickets is that you usually end up having to pay quite a lot more if you have to make any changes to your ticket. Some of the places we go to aren't straightforward and we highly recommend using a travel agent for such travel, as there are many intricacies that they can help you with. In the long run, they save you money!
Will I be picked up from the airport?
Where possible, an Adventure Consultants representative will be there to meet you off your flight on the scheduled arrival date. If you are arriving before the scheduled trip start date, we can often make arrangements for a pick-up, although taking a taxi is generally the easiest form of transport before your trip starts.
What if I am arriving early or departing late?
Adventure Consultants can make reservations for you and can often make recommendations for attractions that you can enjoy while waiting for your trip to begin. Please let our office know your specific plans as we love to pass on sightseeing tips.
Do I need to get a visa to travel to Peru, Chile or Argentina?
Most visitors who stay for less than three months do not require a visitor’s visa, but you must check this with your local embassy or travel agent for updates.
Do you have a recommended list of clothing we should bring?
Yes, you will get be sent a personal clothing and equipment list once our office has received your trip registration and deposit.
Do I really need all the equipment on the equipment list?
Yes, these lists have been carefully prepared so that you have clothing/equipment for all eventualities. Please bring everything on the list!
How warm do we need our sleeping bags to be?
This will be clearly stated in your recommended gear list. We suggest buying a sleeping bag big enough to allow you to wear extra clothes in if it is especially cold. Sleeping in a warm hat can greatly improve a bag's warmth.
What altitude medication will be available on the expedition? Do we need to take tablets before or during the climb?
All our guides carry extensive medical kits. You need to bring any medications you regularly use (don’t forget to tell us about them), plus extras. Also bring a small first aid kit including a blister kit and mild headache medication for the normal altitude headaches.
How much weight do we carry on the climb?
When on the trekking portion of your itinerary, you will carry your daypack with warm clothes, water, snacks, sun block, camera and whatever else you need for the day. Generally, it will be light, 5-10kg/10-20lb. On Alpamayo, your pack will be much heavier, so do make sure that you are 'pack fit' prior to arriving onto the expedition.
Who goes on your trips?
Our climbers come from a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, countries and skill levels. From those seeking skill development to those seeking assistance with the world's highest mountains or purely adventure, we provide courses, expeditions, treks and guided ascents for all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
I would like to arrange a private trip, is this possible?
We are happy to arrange a private group trip to the destination of your choice and we have run many successful private trips and expeditions including summits of 8,000m peaks such as Manaslu and Kanchenjunga, all Seven Summits and remote destinations such as Antarctica. There is no specific group size, but obviously larger groups are more cost-effective. Please contact the office for more information or visit our Private Customised Expeditions page.
What kind of physical condition should I be in for a climb?
We cannot recommend enough being fit prior to the expedition as this will make all the difference to your acclimatisation, and ultimately, your enjoyment. For our South American expeditions, you should be comfortable walking for 6-8 hours with an appropriately weighted pack. Walking a few hours each day, then 6-8 hours on the weekends is generally a good realistic training programme.
How do I know this is the right trip for me?
We offer trips to suit all levels of ability and ambition, from your first mountain experience to extreme ascents and everything in between. To help you navigate the choices available, our trips are graded by both the level of physical exertion and the level of skill required, allowing you to find your perfect expedition match. These ratings are displayed in the icons at the top of each expedition page, with a further explanation available by clicking on the accompanying question mark. A full run-down of the categories can be found on our Difficulty Ratings page and our team is more than happy to discuss your experience to find the right trip for you.
Will there be any access to a satellite phone? If yes then what would be the charges for usage?
Yes, most of our expedition guides take satellite phones and you are welcome to use these, generally at US$3 per minute depending on the region. Most often, your guide will post daily dispatches on the AC website in which your friends and family can follow your progress.
I want to contact my friend or relative, who is on one of your trips, how can I reach them?
Many of our climbs send daily internet dispatches, and we receive updates from our guides while they are in the field. The best place to reach a loved one is through our office.
Will there be any power source for charging batteries, etc. available throughout the climb? What are the voltage requirements?
We take solar panels and sometimes battery power packs on our expeditions. Our first priority is to charge our computers, satellite phones and expedition electrical equipment. There is usually enough power to then charge your personal electrical equipment. If your equipment has a cigarette lighter car charger, bring that and you can plug it in to charge. We do NOT recommend bringing rechargeable digital cameras as they tend to run out when power is not available. Use cameras with replaceable batteries and we recommend lithium batteries. We can cater for special power requirements at an extra cost - please enquire with our office.
What insurance do I need to get?
On all of our international expeditions we require you to have travel insurance covering medical evacuation and repatriation. This should cover you in the event that any mishap occurs and an expensive evacuation is initiated. We also highly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive policy to cover trip cancellation, delayed flights, lost luggage, etc..
Do I need evacuation insurance?
Yes, it is very important. Many of our expeditions are in remote places with no roads and developing medical services. In the unlikely event you get sick, you want to get to good medical care ASAP.
Who do you recommend for insurance?
Coverage varies based on your nationality and the trip that you are taking with us. When you have booked on for a trip with us we will send you comprehensive information on various insurance options which will serve as a good starting point for obtaining the best coverage available.
What is trip cancellation insurance?
Trip cancellation insurance is an option that may allow you to cancel your trip without losing the total cost of the trip. Adventure Consultants highly recommends cancellation insurance for all of our trips. If circumstances cause us to cancel a trip (minimum numbers are not reached or travel to a country becomes too dangerous) then we refund your fees paid but trip cancellation insurance covers your airfare and any other costs you may have incurred.
Can I pay by credit card?
We can accept both the trip deposit and balance payment on credit card. Please note that there is a 3% fee for all card transactions. Please contact our office or visit our online payment system.
What is included in the cost of my trip? Does it include airfare?
Please see the 'Payment Conditions' section above for the inclusions and exclusions for this particular trip. There is also a downloadable pdf document in the 'Trip Notes' section above. International airfares are not included in the trip price. We can however recommend excellent travel agents with whom we have worked should you require help with arranging your international flights.
Why are you sometimes more expensive than other operators?
Many of our trips are very similar in price to our competitors. Some companies even wait for us to set our prices and use ours as a guideline!! Some of our main selling points, which sometimes do cost more, are internationally qualified Western guides, proven dependable local operators, small group sizes and safe client-to-guide ratios, quality equipment and high summit success rates, among other things. You do get what you pay for which is why we stand out from the rest. Many clients come to us after failing on one of our competitors ‘cheaper’ trips.
How do I sign up for a trip?
The best way to reserve your space on the trip is to contact our office or complete our online booking form (click 'Book Now' below). Your deposit can be submitted by bank transfer (please see 'Payment Details' in the 'Payment Conditions' section above) or via our secure online payment system.
info@adventure.co.nz
NZ: +64 3 443 8711 (Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm PST + 19 hours)
What is the best equipment for photography in Alpine environments?
There is an extensive section in our reference notes, which are sent out on receipt of your trip registration form and deposit, explaining about photography in the mountains.
Remember photos are wonderful records of your expedition but keep camera gear simple and light to best enjoy the trip you are on. Disposable and digital cameras are the lightest weight, but all cameras have maintenance issues that need to be carefully considered before bringing them to high elevations.
I want to become a mountain guide, where do I start?
Those with limited experience generally start by taking an alpine climbing course and then go out and climb for a few years. You generally should have at least 5 years of climbing and/or teaching/guiding experience. You need avalanche and medical training and then you can apply to do an NZ Mountain Guides Course or the equivalent in your country, aligned with the IFMGA.
Please see Adventure Consultants Mountain Guide Scholarships on our Career Opportunities page and check the New Zealand Mountain Guides Association for more information.
