June 5, 2019

We have just received word from our team in La Paz that the Illimani Summit Team has returned and checked into the hotel. Great news and congratulations again to the them! Lead Guide, Roberto Gomez managed to get a summit photo sent off to us on their way back:

The team will get checked into the hotel, get a good shower and then head out for the celebratory dinner before heading home.

It has been a great trip to Bolivia, and we are looking forward to having the same great success during our July Trip happening from July 21 – August 9, 2019!

Greg Vernovage

June 4, 2019

We have just received great news from Bolivia! Our Team of climbers summited Illimani (21,200’). Summit day on Illimani is challenging right from the start at High Camp. The team begins the climb by heading up a narrow ridge before traversing to their first break. After a quick stop for food and water, the team continues towards the headwall. The climb up to the summit ridge is a true test. This is a steep enough climb that the team will most likely use a fixed line, running belays or pitch it out. As the team gains the summit ridge, they also gain the morning sun which is very welcome after climbing through the cool night.

The team is now on their way back to Base Camp where they will spend the night before returning to La Paz.

Greg Vernovage

June 3, 2019

Great news from the Team on Illimani overnight. Base Camp on Illimani is one of the best camp sites in the world!  The team sleeps near a small stream in the meadows of the lower mountain.  At night, the moon rises above Illimani and the view of the lights in El Alto and La Paz are amazing.

This morning, the team packed up camp and they are heading to High Camp.  The route to High Camp begins with a trek up and over the first ridge to more technical terrain.  At the lunch stop ledge, the team kicks back the pace and slowly works their way up the ridge to High Camp (17,875ft).  This is a small camp that fits 4-5 tents.  The team will have the afternoon at High Camp before eating an early dinner and heading to bed.  It will be an early night for the team so they can wake up and start heading for the summit!

Greg Vernovage

June 2, 2019

HIking to Illimani Base Camp (Adam Clark)

The first part of the Bolivia trip to the Condoriri area and Huayna Potosi has wrapped up, and some of the climbers are now heading for home.  Well done, team!  For the remaining climbers, after their hard work of getting well acclimatized and a couple rest days in La Paz, now it’s time to go take advantage of it and climb something higher, like 21,200’ Illimani!  The goal for today is Base Camp, situated at about 15,750’ in a nice meadow at the base of the mountain.  So far so good!

Eric Simonson

May 30, 2019

Fabricio reported from Bolivia that the team was successful today on two routes on 19,974 ft Huayna Potosi. Chad and Dan climbed the French Route while Scott, Jonathan and Ted summited the Normal Route.

After a gorgeous morning on the mountain, the team descended to base camp and kept on going! After a late lunch the prospect of a second rest day was motivation for them to continue hiking on down to the trailhead, eventually reaching La Paz this evening. These guys are horses. Well done!

Next up (after a couple rest days) the team will be heading to Illimani (over 21,000 feet). Thanks to our guides Roberto, Jesus, and Hilarion for sending some great photos when they got back to LaPaz!

Eric Simonson

May 30, 2019

Huayna Potosi (Greg Vernovage)

The Bolivia climbers have now moved up to High Camp on Huayna Potosi (17,060ft/5200m) with the help of some porters and are in position to summit.

The weather has been excellent, so we are hoping for good news from the team!

Eric Simonson