Huayna Potosí
Cordillera Real, Bolivia, Potosí
Sometimes considered one of the world’s most doable high-altitude summits, Huayna Potosí is easily accessible from La Paz and is popular among climbers and bikers alike. Even beginners can scale the glaciers in the company of expert guides to enjoy views over the city below from the apex of one of the Cordillera Real’s highest peaks.
The Basics
Although you can access Huayna Potosí independently, most travelers opt to climb the mountain in the company of an experienced guide during 3-day excursions from La Paz. These packages typically include round-trip transport, tents, food, and other equipment, as well as 1-day training sessions for your safety. Meanwhile, more experienced climbers can tackle the tricky West Face of Huayna Potosí, while non-climbers can admire the distant peak of Huayna Potosí from the La Paz cable car.
Things to Know Before You Go
Climbing Huayna Potosí alone is possible but ill-advised, especially for beginner climbers; book a guided climb instead.
Travelers must acclimate to the altitude in La Paz before attempting the Huayna Potosí climb.
The hike is challenging but accessible even for beginner climbers, providing you have a moderate fitness level.
Pack extra layers, coca leaves/ coca leaf tea, and other altitude sickness medicine for the climb.
Tours to Huayna Potosí typically include transportation, equipment, meals, accommodation, and a training day prior to starting the climb.
Huayna Potosí is not accessible for wheelchair users.
How to Get There
Huayna Potosí is situated around 15 miles (25 kilometers) north of La Paz in the Cordillera Real mountain range. Buses bound for the Base Camp and Zongo Pass depart daily from Plaza Ballivian in El Alto, although most travelers choose to climb Huayna Potosí as part of a guided tour that includes round-trip transportation.
When to Get There
Huayna Potosí is one of Bolivia’s most popular peaks year-round, although it’s best climbed during the dry winter months of May to September. Summer can be warmer but there’s a greater risk of unfavorable wet weather as well as cloudy skies obscuring your views from the peak.
Climbing in Bolivia
Huayna Potosí is perhaps the most easily accessible and popular climb for travelers in La Paz but Bolivia has plenty more to offer novice and experienced climbers alike. Those accustomed to high-altitude climbs can tackle the country’s highest peak, Volcán Sajama, while beginners may prefer to scale the icy slopes of Parinacota on the Chile-Bolivia border instead.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!