Conquer the guardian of La Paz, 6,438 m, and reach the sky of the wonder city.
Day 1.- We'll head by private transport to the town of Pinaya, the starting point of the ascent to Illimani from La Paz, on a journey of approximately 3 hours through the Bolivian highlands.
From Pinaya, we'll start a moderate 3- to 4-hour hike to the Illimani Base Camp, located at 4,700 m. On the way, you'll cross glacial valleys, high-altitude vegetation, and majestic landscapes dominated by the silhouette of Illimani. Upon arrival, we'll set up the tents, have dinner, and rest in a quiet and pure environment.
Final altitude: 4,700 m
Hike duration: 3–4 hours
Type of accommodation: Tent at Base Camp
Day 2. After breakfast, we'll start the hike to the High Camp, known as the Nest of Condors, located at an altitude of 5,550 m. This ascent will take about 6 hours, following a demanding trail that crosses moraines, rocky slopes, and perpetual snow.
This camp is strategic for the 3-day Illimani climb, as we'll head to the summit from here. Upon arrival, you'll rest, check the technical equipment (ice axe, crampons, harness, helmet, rope), and get a safety briefing from the guide. We'll have dinner early and sleep in the shelter of the mountains.
Final altitude: 5,550 m
Hike duration: 6 hours
Type of accommodation: Tent in High Camp
Day 3. We'll start the ascent to the summit of Illimani at 1:00 – 2:00 a.m., with headlamps and all the technical equipment. The ascent takes between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the group's physical condition and the weather. The route includes snowy slopes, technical steps, an active glacier, and breathtaking views.
Once at the summit of Illimani (6,439 m), one of the highest points in Bolivia, you'll enjoy an unforgettable sunrise over the Cordillera Real, with views of the highlands, the Yungas, and the city of La Paz. Then we'll start the descent to Camp Alto, where we'll pack up and continue down to Pinaya.
From there, we'll take our private vehicle back to La Paz, arriving approximately between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., thus closing this challenging and memorable expedition to Illimani.
Maximum altitude: 6,439 m
Total duration: 10–12 hours (ascent + descent)
Tour ends: between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. in La Paz