HUAYNA POTOSI — Zig Zag Eco Tours & Treks

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HUAYNA POTOSI

Huayna Potosí is the most popular peak in Bolivia as it is easily accessible to novices. At 6088m it surpasses the magic 6000m mark, meaning you’re kicking ass if you reach the summit. This climb is certainly a challenge but attainable to anyone who is acclimatized. It is worth every oxygen-depleting step. The breathtaking views, the twinkling night lights below you and the shimmering stars above you makes you feel like you’re floating between two worlds. The incredible sunrise and views over the city and Cordillera Real mountain range make this climb one of the most memorable and rewarding experiences in SA.

Program

Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night

HUAYNA POTOSI CLIMB
Available April to November
Program 2 Days / 1 Night

Day 1: La Paz – Base Camp - High Base Camp
Departure at 9:30 am from La Paz towards El Alto. While in the highway you can enjoy unique views of this growing capital city, its surroundings, and some of the highest peaks in Bolivia such as the Illimani, Mururata, Huayna Potosí , and many other peaks reaching over 16,400 ft. (5,000 m). The trip continues through the unpaved road to the Zongo Valley, one of the closest cloud forest or ´yungas´ from La Paz. This road passes puna grasslands and alluvial valleys with characteristic flora and fauna. There will be short stops, one of them to view the Milluni Lagoon, and a nearby abandoned tin mine.By 12:00 hr you will arrive to the Low Base Camp located at 15,416 ft. (4,700 m). Lunch. Later you will climb to the High Camp until 17,220 ft. (5,250 m). This slow climb can be done in 2 hrs. This part of the tour will be useful to condition you for the next day. Warm light dinner and early sleep in a Refugio. (L,D)

Day 2: High Camp - Huayna Potosi Summit - La Paz
Breakfast at 1:00 am. Slow ascension in the dark starts at 2:00 am, this ascention is early to avoid the later intense snow reflection. You will start walking with flashlights. The ascension will be Grade 2 (or represent a 45 degree slope climbing) and will last approximately 6 hrs. Arrival to the summit is expected by 8:00 am. Sunrises at the Huayna Potosí are astonishing.
In clear days you will enjoy a spectacular 360 degree view of this beautiful part of the Eastern Andes. The open landscape shows the distant Sajama Volcano; the highest peak in Bolivia, the steaming cloud forest or yungas and La Paz and El Alto cities. Later descent from the summit to the 1st camp will last around 3 hrs. Lunch by 1:00 pm at this camp. Departure to La Paz by car. On your way back, during sunset , you can enjoy more enchanting views of the Huayna Potosi and glacial valleys. (B, L)

Included