Mountaineering

Bolivia´s mountain ranges, called cordilleras in Spanish, are all in the west of the country on either side of the huge and largely barren Altiplano (literally, high plain), which runs from the northwest to the northeast. The plateau is 800km/500mi long and 160km/100 mi wide, with an average altitude of more than 3,500m/ 11,500ft. This makes access to the mountains easy from the city of La Paz, situated on the eastern ridge of the Altiplano, maximizing the time that can be spent climbing.

Bolivia´s Cordilleras

Cordillera Apolobamba, Cordillera Real, Cordillera Quimza Cruz, Cordillera Occidental

Natural History
Although nothing appears to live above the snow line, climbers heading to and from the mountains will see many distinctively Bolivian and Andean animals. There are both visible and unusual species that inhabit areas close to the mountains.

· Highland camelids - llamas, alpacas and vicuñas, which live at altitudes of up to 5500m/18,000ft

· Vischacas

· Andean Foxes

· Armadillos

· Wild chinchillas

· Andean Foxes

· Armadillos

Birds
Bolivia is the 7th richest country on the planet for birds. Of the 1,358 bird species so far identified in Bolivia, (43%of all species found in South America)120 species are found in the Altiplano and Andean regions of the country.

· Condors

· Maria, or mountain Caracara

· Andean, Chilean and James Flamingos

· Andean geese, gulls and lapwings

· Torrent ducks

· Diademed sandpipers

· Hummingbirds

· Seedsnipes and many other smaller bird species

Climbing Season
The Bolivian climbing season extends through the dry southern winter from May through September, with the best and most stable weather from June through August. Snow conditions are better in the earlier part of the season, and harder routes, such as the West Face of Huyana Potosi or Cabeza de Condor Directisima, are in their best condition during May and June. After that, snow turns to ice, crevasses open up, snow bridges collapse, and serac falls pose a greater threat on the harder, steeper routes. August - often a windy period for a week or so when the Surazo comes from Argentina October/November - less predictable weather, thicker cloud cover December - start of rainy season lasting until March or April

Altitude
In general, climbers visiting Bolivia appear to be ready to climb above 5,000m/16,000ft after 5 to 7 days at the height of La Paz or equivalent. A person not properly acclimatized could become seriously ill attempting to climb peaks above this altitude, such as Illimani or Huyana Potosi. Treatment is immdediate descent to a lower elevation, but prevention through proper acclimatization is a must.

Getting to the Peaks
How you get to the start of a route and how much support you want (guides, porters, mules, etc) depends on your skills, finances, preferences and the route you are attempting. Sky Bolivia can organize all necessary details for you, saving you much time and energy better spent on the hill!

Most popular peaks from La Paz:

Huyna Potosí 6082 mts (2 days)

Illimani 6438 mts (4days)

Sajama 6542 mts (4 days)

Visas
Tourists get a 30-day (and sometimes 90-day) visa free of charge upon entry in Bolivia. If you need longer -up to a total of 90 days- go to the immigration office on Calle Camacho in La Paz before the 30 days are up. European Union citizens get a an extra 60 days free of charge, U.S. citizens and some others pay US$20 for each extra 30 days.