Experience one of Bolivia’s most iconic mountains in just one day with this immersive climbing practice on the Old Glacier of Huayna Potosí. Designed for adventurous travelers looking to learn essential Andean mountaineering techniques, this tour blends stunning natural scenery, hands-on glacier training, and cultural connection with Bolivia’s renowned cholita climbers.
Departing from La Paz, you’ll journey through high-altitude landscapes, visit color-shifting lagoons impacted by local mining, and explore Milluni, a hauntingly beautiful cemetery frozen in time. Your day culminates at the Old Glacier, where expert Cholita Escaladoras and certified guides teach you basic ice climbing skills with professional gear—all in a safe, beginner-friendly environment.
Duration
6 Hours
Type Trip
Adventure & Cultural & Mountain
Group Size
Private
Languages
Eng. Esp.
Season
Year Around
Difficulty
Moderate
07:00 AM
Begin your journey with a hotel pickup in La Paz. You’ll meet your Cholita climber and guide, then head out in private transport toward the majestic Huayna Potosí.
08:00 AM
Along the route, stop to admire a series of stunningly colored lagoons—a landscape both beautiful and tragic, as many are affected by nearby mining operations. This brief stop offers a moment for reflection and photography.
08:45 AM
Arrive at the hauntingly beautiful Milluni Cemetery, a forgotten resting place nestled in the high Andes. Your guide will share local stories about the miners and communities that once thrived in this region.
09:30 AM
Continue toward the base area of Huayna Potosí, reaching the Old Glacier. Here, you’ll gear up and receive climbing instruction directly from the Cholita Climbers, learning traditional Andean mountaineering techniques.
10:00 AM
Participate in light climbing practice on the glacier using technical gear. Under the guidance of your Cholita and mountain guide, you’ll experience the basics of ice climbing in a safe and supportive environment.
01:30 PM
Enjoy a basic picnic lunch in the scenic Andean landscape. Snacks and hot drinks will also be provided throughout the day.
02:30 PM
Begin the return drive back to La Paz, reflecting on an unforgettable cultural and adventure experience.
04:00 PM
Arrival and drop-off at your hotel in La Paz. End of services.
Meals Included: Snacks & Basic Picnic Lunch
La Paz/ Huayna Potosí/ La Paz
[See the Itinerary – Next Tab]
Starts at: La Paz – Hotel pick up
Ends in: La Paz – Same hotel
Total Hiking: 4 km
Altitude: 4956mosl
Name of the Tour: Huayna Potosí – Old Glacier Climbing Practice (1 Day)
Coloured Lagoons near Huayna Potosí
Milluni Cemetery
Old Glacier (Glaciar Viejo), Huayna Potosí
Option to visit Glaciar Ventanani
Cordillera Real Overlook
Looking for more inspiration? Visit our gallery: Visit South America Before taking our Huayna Potosí – Old Glacier Climbing Practice (1 Day) you should take into count the following information:
No previous experience is required. The Old Glacier is perfect for beginners, and your Cholita Escaladora and certified guide will teach you all essential ice-climbing techniques in a safe, controlled environment.
Yes. All climbing activities are beginner-friendly, and safety is the top priority. You’ll receive professional equipment and instruction, plus a guide with you at all times.
The Old Glacier training area is located around 4,800–5,000 meters (15,700–16,400 ft). Because of the altitude, it’s recommended to be acclimatized in La Paz for at least 1–2 days before the tour.
All specialized climbing gear is provided, including crampons, harness, helmet, and ice tools. You only need to bring warm clothing, boots, and personal essentials.
Groups are intentionally small for safety and personalized attention—1 Cholita climber + guide for every 1–4 travelers.
6 Hours
Bolivia
100% money-back guarantee (see our totally flexible Terms & Conditions)
Best price. Select # travelers w/ preferential discounts
$547.00 /person
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Australia
TRUSTWORTHY EXPERIENCE
From the time we arrived in Peru until the last minute that we stayed there, we were taken good care of by the VSA team! Loved how tailor-made their services are, custom-made to the time we had in Peru and the places we most wanted to experience. I look forward to visiting South America again and knowing VSA will be there to take care of absolutely everything makes us more at ease to travel there.
United States
Just WOW!
Honestly, Visit South America is one of the best companies I’ve ever booked a tour through. Awesome driver and guide, they were tons of fun very informative, and oh-so-helpful! The Bolivia trip was incredible... Thank you guys!
Canada
RELIABLE TRAVEL EXPERTS
5 stars all around! Great company, service, and transportation. They really take the anxiety and stress out of traveling as they run extremely smoothly including meals, transportation, translation, etc. Just about everything to make your trip to Cusco special. Highly Recommend!!!
100% money-back guarantee (see our totally flexible Terms & Conditions)
From
$102.00 /person
Price per person for groups of 6+ travelers. Final total depends on travelers & add-ons.
