Illimani
in SummitsDifficulty: AD/AI 2 - 6462 m.a.s.l.- 4 days
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Description
The guardian mountain of the city of La Paz . The minimum distance between the city and the snowcapped mountain (60 Km.) allows it to be seen from almost anywhere in the city. At twilight, combined with a clear atmosphere and sky, a wonderful sight could be seen: the city shines, while Mount Illimani passes through various shades, until going out in a pale white and finally a dark blue. The reverse process could be seen at dawn.
Mount Illimani is an enormous massif of more than 8 km. length and four peaks over 6.000 m.a.s.l.:
• Pico del Indio or Pico Sur (6462). Present-day Aymara people know it as Achocopaya (untranslatable).
• Pico La Paz or Pico Central (6362), also called Cóndor or Águila Blanca.
• Pico Kuhm or Pico Norte (6380).
• Pico París, not visible from the city of La Paz because it is hidden. Located to the south eastern side of the mountain.
Despite not being the country’s highest mountain, Mount Illimani is the roof of Bolivia, since from its summit there is a view over the high plateau, Lake Titicaca, Mount Sajama and low Amazon valleys.
Mount Illimani is know by native Aymara people as: Illemana (where the sun rises) and Jilli Mamani (oldest son). The northern summit was known as Khunu Urucuncu (snow bear), the central one as Chapa Punku (froth gate) and the southern one as Khunu Chaubiri (snow viewpoint).
Mount Illimani is a mountain difficult to approach, recommended only for people with wide experience in mountain climbing and glaciers. Climbing this mountain without a certified professional guide is not recommended.
Itinerary 1
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Day 1:
La Paz Pinaya Puente RotoDeparture early from La Paz on a private vehicle heading for Pinaya (3940 m.a.s.l.), village located at the foot of stunning Mount Illimani. In Pinaya, we load our stuff on the mules and start ascending by foot up to Puente Roto, where base camp is located.
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Day 2:
Puente Roto Nido de CóndoresEarly in the morning, we start walking toward Nido de Cóndores (5470 m.a.s.l.), ascending by steep rock hillsides and moraines. After about a five-hour trek, we arrive at our high camp.
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Day 3:
Nido de Cóndores Summit Puente RotWe leave at dawn attempting to reach the summit. Then, we start descending toward Puente Roto. This day presents a real challenge for mountain climbers.
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Day 4:
Puente Roto Pinaya La PazIn a more relaxed day, we leave from Puente Roto toward Pinaya, where our vehicle will be awaiting us to return to La Paz.
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Recommendations
To participate in this tour a good physical condition is required, especially talking about high mountain climbing (altitudes above 5500 m.a.s.l.). This is an ideal route for those initiating in mountain climbing because it does not present further complications; with a good acclimatization chances to reach the summit are many.
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