Saturated in South American spirit, Bolivia is cozily neighbored by Chile, Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. Its lively atmosphere resonates not only through its colorful and vibrant cities, but also within the depths of its heights.
Climbing the Cordillera Real (or the Royal Range) puts hikers in a unique location, overseeing La Paz, and right above the massive Altiplano, where the Andes are at their widest. It is at this spot, that the highest and most vast plain in the world outside of Tibet exists. As far as the eye can see, incredible scenery and sharp peaks protrude into the blue sky and tower over the existence below.
Here, more than 1,000 summits rise above 5,000 meters, six summits ride above 6,000 meters. Climbing them is both challenging and rewarding. While they might be difficult and demanding, the area is known to have the best climbing weather on the planet, and the indigenous cultures that live on and care for the area make the experience complete. Not only are you making yourself one with the land, but in seeing how it is treated, you’ll develop a deep reverence for the mountains that its people feel as well. Adding a little prospective to the beautiful scenery is just one of the reasons that rock climbing in Bolivia is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Cordillera Real’s highest peak skyrockets at 21,125 feet, and its many trails allow you to experience the range at your own pace, no matter how novice. If you’re looking for a warm-up, or a beginner’s trail, check out the Pequeno Alpamayo and Huayna Potosi, where you can take your time on moderate terrain and enjoy a steady ascent. For a more technical route, experts can brave the Illimani, which is one of Bolivia’s highest peaks.
What makes climbing in Bolivia so distinct is its superlatives in both geography and weather. If you’re climbing closer to La Paz, you’ll endure a dry and cold climate, where locals say the best crags in the country lie. In Santa Cruz, you’ll get the exact opposite – a hot and tropical paradise where sandstone, nature, forest, and jungle collide.
Bolivia is the Southern Hemisphere’s highest, most isolated, and most rugged nation with the most juxtaposed weather in one place. In this landlocked haven of rich natural resources and the glow of ancient civilizations, you’ll take your rock climbing experience to altitudes you never thought imaginable.
