Bolivia Frequently Asked Questions
Get to know our Bolivia trip by reading our Bolivia Trip Information document. Still have questions? You might find what you're looking for below, or feel free to reach out to us with questions at office@mountainguides.com
What is the climbing like?
The first part of the trip, to the Condoriri area, is perfect for acclimatization and climbing skills practice with ascents of Pico Austria and Pequeño Alpamayo. Then, you are heading for Huayna Potosi, and after that, to Illimani. Both these mountains start with a rocky trail to the higher camps, on which you are well supported by our porters and staff. Above high camp your guide will help you get roped up and then you are off, climbing steepening slopes into a gorgeous high altitude sunrise! The routes involve snow and ice, generally following ridge lines. You may need to use fixed lines and/or running belays on steeper sections. If you climbed Mt. Rainier and totally crushed it, or if you have already been to Denali, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador or other 6000 meter ballpark mountains, then you should consider Bolivia as your next high altitude climbing destination!
How do I get there?
International Mountain Guides has worked for many years with the staff at CTT Destinations to provide professional travel service for participants in our programs. For help with your plans, we urge you to contact Pirjo DeHart at CTT Destinations: 425-831-0367 or pirjo.dehart@cttdestinations.com
Travel agencies may charge an additional fee for services.
Is a visa required?
A visa is needed and can be obtained on arrival at the LaPaz airport. The cost is US $160 (cash) and the visa is good for the life of your passport. The visa applications forms are usually handed out on board your flight to LaPaz. You will need to have your passport handy to present to immigration officials in LaPaz upon landing, a 2" x 2" passport photo, the visa fee, and the visa application form. We will also provide you a letter before the trip begins confirming your reservations (sometimes you need to present this when getting the visa on arrival in LaPaz).
What kind of insurance do I need?
Emergency evacuation and medical expense coverage is required for International Programs. IMG strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption coverage due to the IMG refund policy. Be sure the policy you select covers mountaineering activities. You can find more information on our Travel Insurance page.
Please extend your insurance policy to cover your trip until you return to your home country.
What immunizations will I need?
- Tetanus-Diphtheria - You should already have. Do you need a booster?
- Polio - You should already have. Do you need a booster?
- MMR - You should already have. Do you need a booster?
- Meningitis - Recommended. Consult your physician.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended. Consult your physician.
- Hepatitis B - Not a bad idea. Ask your physician.
- Cholera - Ask your physician. Not usually recommended any more.
- Typhoid - Not a bad idea to be safe. The tablet form, Vivotif Berna, is good for five years.
- Rabies - The new vaccine is easy. Rabid animals are occasionally encountered in Bolivia.
- Malaria - Not necessary unless you plan on traveling, for example, to certain areas near sea level before/after the trip... then malaria chemoprophylaxis is recommended (we suggest Malarone)
- Yellow Fever - Not necessary unless you are coming to Bolivia from an endemic country.
- Covid vaccination - Please send a copy of your vaccination card to Becky Kjorvestad at IMG.
We recommend that you visit the travel clinic at a major University Hospital or your local Public Health Department for the most up to date info on travel requirements, or check the Center for Disease Control Website cdc.gov and cdc.gov/travel/destinations/bolivia.htm