Introduction to Ice Climbing - One Day

Itinerary

ITINERARY

Depart La Paz on a 2 hour drive to the Huyna Potosi basecamp (4,700m). En route, we will be able to enjoy views of the Chacaltaya peaks, Lake Titicaca and the Milluni Lagoon. Arriving at basecamp, we get our kit ready and start the short (45 min) trek to the base of the glacier.

Your experienced instructors will be there to help get your equipment fitted correctly, before trekking onto the glacier itself. To begin with, you will be enjoying a trek over the base of the glacier, enjoying the haunting creaks and cracks of the moving ice field. Techniques such as basic crampon and ice axe work will be covered, as well as some ropework.

Following on from this, your guide will set up a toprope in a suitable location, giving the opportinity to try your hand at a more challenging icewall. Go as far as you can, before leaning back and enjoying an abseil back down.

Return to basecamp and drive back to La Paz arriving late afternoon.

All technical equipment will be provided, as well as transport, lunch and of course your instructor. A great introduction to ice climbing for those unable to commit to a summit attempt.

Did you know?

Huayna Potosi is an indigenous Aymara term meaning "Thunderous Youth". Local folklore tells us that this mountain was the first and most cherished son of the king and queen mountains Illampu and Illimani. Its glacial meltwater feeds one of the largest hydroelectric power plants in Bolivia, providing electricity for much of the city.