Illampu (6356m) is the northern most mountain in the Cordillera Real, and according to indigenous folklore is considered the King of the mountains. Despite being 6356m, nearly 200m shorter than Sajama (6549m) the tallest peak in Bolivia, Illampu is one of the hardest climbs both physically and technically in the Sorata Massif and in Bolivia. This climb offers steep snow climbing, and spectacular views of the Cordillera Real, Lago Titikaka (3810m) the Amazon Basin and to the south Cordillera Apolobamba.

Please check the gear list to see what you will need to bring for the trip.

For further general information on Bolivia please also look at our fact file.

Day 1: Sorata (2700m) – Mina Martincito (4000m)

We will start our trekking from the village of Sorata, following the trails from     villages near by. We can easily get lost here in the maze of tracks. We will make camp at Mina Martincito
4 to 6 hours (LD)

Day 2: Mina Martincito – Base camp of Illampu, Aguas caliente (4200m)

We will spend the day traversing around the mountains and we will cross over the pass of Huilakota (4886m), then descend to reach the base camp of Illampu. We still won’t be able to see the mountain as it is hidden behind other mountains.
4 to 6 hours (BLD)

Day 3: Base camp – High camp (5200m)

Porters will carry all equipment and personal gear up to the high camp. We will climb over the old glacier slabs and climb along the valley of the mountain. We will make camp just below the last glacier.
6 to 7 hours (BLD)

Day 4: High camp – Summit (6356m) – High camp – Base camp

This is a very long day and we will need to leave very early in the morning. There will be a 2 hour walk up to the base of the wall, from where we will start to pitch up the wall, climbing on ice up to 60° for 400m. Then just a further 300m on the ridge until the summit. After a short rest we will come the same way back down.
12 to 17 hours (BLD)

Day 5: Base camp – Sorata

An easy walk back down to Sorata
6 hours (BL)