High Altitude Mountaineering Course – Bolivia
Climbing/Mountaineering in Bolivia with SWS Mountain Guides
Highlights
- High altitude mountaineering course in the Bolivian Andes
- Learn alpine mountaineering skills
- Explore Bolivian culture
- Small group sizes with low guide to client ratios
- Climb with SWS Mountain Guides with over 20 plus years of international guiding experience
- Experienced American guides on every expedition, course or trek
- Excellent safety record in over 29 years of continuous operation
Full Description
Learn high altitude mountaineering in the Bolivian Andes (Cordillera Real, Bolivia) with exceptional instruction on climbs up to 20,000 feet.
This High Altitude Mountaineering course is designed to give you the skills to climb high altitude peaks and prepare you for climbing on technical terrain at these attitudes. We will be instructing and reviewing the following climbing techniques; glacier travel, ice/snow climbing techniques, crevasse rescue, multi-pitch climbing snow climbing, short roping, ice/snow anchors, belay techniques, rappelling, glacier navigation, route finding, and decision making. Additional topics to be covered or experienced; proper acclimatization, pace, knowing when to turn back, weather considerations, alpine starts, mountain medicine, judgment, and hazard evaluation. We will attempt 2-3 peaks between 17,000 ft. and 19,000 ft. in the Cordillera, Real depending on local conditions, group skill level, and as our time allows. Possible options to be attempted; Pequnio Alpamayo (18,187 ft.), Condoriri (18,525 ft.) and Huayna Potosi (19,998 ft.) other peaks and climbs maybe substituted due to climbing conditions. While an excellent pre course for the Sajama Expedition (21,463 ft.) or Illiamni Expedition (21,122 ft.) this is a great introduction to climbing in the Bolivian Andes with ascents of peaks over 17,000 ft., all the while learning advanced climbing techniques and how to be safe at high altitude.
Includes:
- Professional American guide(s)
- Information suppor
- Land transportation
- Hotels, hut fees, permits, porters (as needed)
- All food while trekking and climbing
- Entrance fees to parks
- Climbing permits
- Radios, safety equipment, group technical equipment
- Group camping equipment including tents, stoves, and fuel
Excludes:
- International airfare to La Paz
- Bolivia international airport taxes
- Meals in cities, and beverages as noted under food and beverages
- Laundry
- Personal items such as; sleeping bag, pack, proper footwear, personal clothing, snack and lunches
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in the Hotel, recover from the long flight, napping/first full day of acclimatization/Light exploring of La Paz, meet guides and other clients for dinner in La Pa that evening (approx. 11,500 ft.)
Day 2
Tiahuanco Tour of pre-Incan ruins outside La Paz on the shores of Lake Titicaca/Light Acclimatization walking. (Approx. 14,000 ft.)
Day 3
Morning transportation hut to trailhead with hike to base camp/mule support/Acclimatization 15,500 ft.
Day 4
Review of basic climbing techniques (glacier travel, crampons use, ice ax) on glacier by Base Camp/acclimatization (Approx. 15,500 ft.-16,500 ft.)
Day 5
Review of intermediate climbing techniques on glacier (crevasse rescue, team self arrest) by base camp Acclimatization (Approx. 15,500 ft.-16,500 ft.)
Day 6
Alpine Start/Climb 17,000 ft,-18,000 ft. Peak-Return to Base Camp
Day 7
Hike out to transportation back to La Paz, for re-supply, hot shower and great meal
Day 8
Morning transportation hut at the base of Huayna Potosi, Short hike to glacier review of climbing knots and equipment. acclimatization (approx. 15,500 ft.-16,000 ft.)
Day 9
Ice Climbing Instruction/Glacier on Huayna Potosi
Day 10
Climb to High Hut with porters/17,000 ft.
Day 11
Alpine Start/Climb Huayna Potosi/19,998 ft.
Day 12
Hike out to Lower Hut/Return to La Paz, Celebration dinner
Day 13
La Paz Bolivia/Early Morning Flights back to U.S./OR: Continue Extension for Sajama or Illmani Expedition
Optional Extension
September 1-12, 2010
Optional Extention Ilimani or Sajama Climb: September 13-18, 2010
September 1-12, 2011
Optional Extention Ilimani or Sajama Climb: September 13-18, 2011
September 1-12, 2012
Optional Extention Ilimani or Sajama Climb: September 13-18, 2012
Additional dates available for group of 4 or more.
Extention add: $975.00*
*price subject to change until booking due to international exchange rates
About The Operator:
SWS Mountain Guides
Headquarters:
Mt. Shasta, CA
Established:
January 1981
Our 2010 courses and climbs are conducted year around whether a first-time backpackers or a skilled mountaineer, we have a course to get you started or improve your techniques. We have been teaching & guiding, mountaineering, backpacking, winter mountaineering, rock & ice climbing for over 29 years on the best mountains in California. As well as conducting small personalized expeditions, treks & adventure travel throughout the world for over 20 years. We have an excellent safety record and our climbs and courses are kept small for maximum safety and the best experience! So whether you want to backpack in Yosemite or Climb some of the worlds biggest mountains, come explore our website and "EXPERIENCE THE ADVENTURE" with SWS Mountain Guides.