huayna potosi

Travel Tracks - Worst company in La PazToday we were suppose to go on the Huanya Potosi Trek with Travel Tracks, but unfortunately our plans went the wrong way - thanks to Traval Tracks.We were told to arrive at the company office at 9 am and we got there on time as scheduled, but the company's representatives were no where to be found.One of the guide's was there but he had no idea what was going on and worse, he didn't even care. We waited and waited for more than an hour and a half, by this time the guide disappeared and eventually after almost two hours the company's representative arrived.The guy was in shock that his guides weren't waiting with us and he started calling looking for them. The guides didn't answer so he opened his phone book trying to call all the mountain guides in La Paz. He was so desperate he even tried to stop random people on the street asking them if the know guides.We understood that with this company we are not going to leave on this trek. I have done many treks with many companies throughout my trips and without a doubt Travel Tracks are the most unprofessional company I have encountered.Do not choose them. La Paz has many other companies much better than them.

My boyfriend and I are keen Trekkers and always up for a challenge, however for Huanya potosi - we didn't fully envisage the challenge ahead of us until there was no turning back. Don't let 'climb the easiest 6000m+' fool you - it's seriously tough! We went with Huayna Potosi company and whilst their USP is that they own their own refuges, the guides (or at least ours) aren't as good as Altitude 6000 (met people who've been with them and witnessed first hand a A6000 group on the mountain with a very supportive and encouraging English speaking guide, unlike ours!). Saying that, our food was fresh everyday and he got us their safely and back. For us, having been in La Paz for 3 weeks, it wasn't the altitude that killed us, it was the physical and mental endurance of actually climbing up steep snowy cliffs with vast drops leading into crevices that practically killed us. So much that when we actually summited after 5 hours of climbing - we couldn't fully appreciate the views. This all said, it is by far the most rewarding thing I've done in South America so far and don't let me put you off... Just please don't let the agencies fool you - it is an extreme activity to be taken on knowing it'll be a toughy!

First of all: it was really hard! If you´re thinking about climbing Huayna Potosi, be aware of the fact that you need to be healthy and fit, even more in rain season cause there is a lot of snow and it makes walking even harder! But: we made it, even though we had zero mountaineering experience, so it IS doable!We went with Altitud6000 (after talking to several agencies) which was absolutely the right decision! The Guides Juancho and Germán were great! They totally know the mountain and everything else about climbing a mountain like the right food/drinks. Food provided was also great thanks to Elio, the cook. We even got extra snacks for the climb!During the actual climb we felt safe all the time. Also Juancho proposed to start the trip one day later because weather conditions were not that great which was absolutely the right decision as it was not possible to get to the summit the other day - one day later we had perfect weather though!Thanks again, we would definitely go again with Altitud6000!

We did it with this office and it was a good expérience for us. It depends only of the guide. The equipment was a little bit old but safeIt was cheaper than the other agencies But take care; you really have to be fit and in good healt for doing it!It's not easy! But It's amazing

Amazing place. We did it with Altitude 6000 agency. The best in La Paz. Our group was the only one to reach the summit thanks to our guides - Juancho and Willie. All the others 20 people turned back half way even if there was no danger ahead. And the food...we had hamburger and french fries at 5100 m alt. and trout. The best cook -Elio. Don't look at the price, because they are more expensive than others, just do it and we will see the difference.

I was at a conference on Hypoxia organised by the Zubeita university,La Paz, Bolivia.We met Dr.Hugo at this meeting who invited us to his centre at Huayna .He was great in providing us the equipment and putting us up for the night at his refuge.He drove us from La Paz in the dark night ,we were quite reluctant as some of us were not exposed to mountains earlier but Dr.Hugo really put us to rest.The night was a little cold inspite of us being in the log cabin and sleeping bags.We woke up early and were lucky to see the moon just setting behind the Potosi mountain.It was full moon and the view out of the window was spectacular,inspite of the cold we went out and I was able to take some spectacular pictures.Dr.Hugo took us on a trek up the mountain close to the glacier,but as we were short of time and I'll acclimatised we dint go further .we reluctantly headed back to La Paz,with the thought that we will come back again.

We went with Doctor Hugo Berrios - Refugio Huayna Potosi. http://www.huayna-potosi.com/indexingles.html Their first shelter is located at 4750m with their 2nd (Summit Attempt Shelter) located at 5300m, which is around 150-200mhigher than the other high shelters. This is definitely and advantage for the summit. This is a great trip and fantastic value for money, would definitely recommend Refugio Huayna Potosi for anybody looking for a challenge!

I went with huayna potosi refugee. Equipment was a bit old but in ok condition. Was lots of snow and first day was practicing on climbing glaciers. And second day went to second camp. Was not ready for this weather conditions and altitude sickness. From 9 people 2 made it to the top. Will came back in better time of the year to get to summit.

I climbed Huayana Potasi with Altitude 6000 and made it to the top...just. Having zero mountaineering experience I struggled a great deal with the thin air and freezing temperatures, but our great quides made the accent possible. A good guide really is essential for this climb as local area knowledge of crevasses and conditions is needed for a safe accent. Our guides Wallace and Hernan were terrific, they were both very experienced and saved my skin a couple of times during the rushed decent. through sheer exhaustion I fell twice and was thankfully caught by Wallace who I was tethered to for the duration of the climb. I have read a couple of reviews critising guides for yelling at people to hurry up and not allowing rest breaks, I would recommend that any bad reviews given on this basis be ignored. Sometimes on the way up a kick up the bum is needed to reach the summit before daybreak, and on the way down it is often necessary to get off the mountain hastilly before the melting ice and snow make conditions very dangerous. All gear, meals and accommodation were included in the 1400bs price for the 3 day experience.

Went with All Transport Tours, for the 3 day. Paid around 700 I think. Amazing scenery. Top guide. Tough climb, the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, but praise God, I summited the 6088m successfully. Go for it.

Been said that is one of the easiest 6000m doesn't mean it's easy! It will probably be the hardest thing you will ever do. Challenging yourself to go up to the top even if you're tired, freezing, feel weak or nautiaus, out of breath or have an headache due to altitude and at one point you realise one false step can bring you to death. Never the guide will tell you that you should turn back because of your conditions, its your own responsability. My girlfriend and I had a lot of experience in trekking but none in high mountain. To help with the acclimatation, we combine the 3 days climbing with the 3 days Condoriri trek just before, wich was really beautiful. May be it's because of that we made it to the top, even if during the ascension we thought we would never make it, the hardest thing and more scary thing we've done in our "outsoor 'aventure's lives".The guide and Agency will make a big difference in food/organisation/security. Following the advices on Tripadvisor, we went with High Camp Lodge Huayna Potosi (on Sagarnaga street). Cheap but safe. 950$bol just the climb or 1800$bol for the 6 days. For guides, we had Gusman for the first 3 days, really good cook and good amount of food. After, we switched for Elloy, more talkative and has good experience on the mountain. We recommand this agencie, be carefull of others who will save money by giving you less food or guides that charge less (because they have less experience or because they take 3 clients instead of 2...really dangerous). The bolivian law forbids being more than 2 clients per guide, which is something you NEED to be if you wish to survive a fall in the mountain, which is more likely to occure than you can think.Last advices, be acclimatised, conscious of danger of the mountain, go at your own rythm (not your guides rythm!!) and drink a lot of water. Have a safe climb!

I spent three days and two nights on Huayna Potosi and I could not fault Climbing South America. The guide (I think his name was Mercardio) was fantastic, very patient and knowldegable. The equipment was high quality (I borrowed nearly everything). I originally wanted to join a group however as it was low season this was not possible and I ended up paying for a private guide. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise. On the day I went to the top there were two groups of two people who had to turn round when one of them got sick, having my own guide meant that I could go at my own pace and the only person who was going to stop me getting to the top was me. Out of eight people on the mountain only three people made it up the day I got to the summit. Climbing the mountain was the highlight of 10 weeks in South America for me. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done and should not be undertaken lightly. The view from the top as the sun rose was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen.

My friend and I spoke to a few agencies in La Paz, and following our chat with Adolpho (from Afolpho Andino) we decided that we would go with his company on a 3 day trek. It wasn't until we got back to WiFi and searched his name that we came across the poor reviews. We were disappointed, but felt that our meeting with him had been good enough to disregard the bad ratings. I believe our decision was vindicated. From the beginning, Adolpho was honest and provided us with absolutely everything that we needed to try and make the summit. The gear, food, accommodation and guide was all of the same (or sometimes better) quality as the groups that were paying 300-400 bolivianos more with different agencies. It is important to remember that fatigue, when climbing, can exacerbate some of the inconveniences you might suffer, but nothing that Adolpho said or did affected our walk. His honesty actually helped us, as we began the tour with sensible expectations. This is my first trip advisor review because I wanted to counter some of the negativity that Adolpho has here. I would certainly recommend him.As for the walk, it's not easy. Having the word 'easiest' in such close proximity to '6000m' in the advertising tag line for Huayna Potosi is oxymoronic and unhelpful. I am not a frequent hiker, but I am fairly fit, and I felt a real sense of achievement getting to the top. The altitude affects people differently, and shouldn't be dismissed as something that only the unfit need to worry about. Despite all this, if you think you can, then definitely give it a go. It has been one of the highlights of my 10 month trip through central and south America. Plodding through snow, above the clouds, attached to a guide and walking partner as the sun rises behind you, is a surreal and unforgettable experience. You may be too tired to immediately appreciate it, but when you get back to a more sensible altitude you will be glad you made the effort. Plus, you can brag to your friends about conquering a 6000m mountain. There are no 'easy' ones!

This comment is a review of a Huyana Potosí-agency.The first good thing about Altitude 6000 is that the give one price  - not a base price where 2 or 3 costs ared added if you want a comfortable Climbing - because they want to give you a good experience - so they provide what is needed for that.The woman at the office provided clear information. You get a list of all the items you can use (included in the price): gloves, waterproof pants/vest, sleeping bag, ..... I could use a big bag that was not on the item list, without paying more. So you don't have to  buy extra clothes, ...All the provided material was good! Sleeping bag (what someting can be of poor quality) was good - i didn't had cold at 4700 en 5100 m!The food: the food was very good (that was a reason why I choose this tour operator) - fresh, healty. - and right portions.The guides gave good advice (drinking a lot of tea (and which tea when), about eating, sleeping, ...I felt very save on the mountain. Plus they kept on motivating you, without pushing you - you can take your time to get to the top. Also funThe refuge are amazing: clean, warm enought, enough lights, beds are good enough.Sometimes the guide makes pictures that you can pick up free after your trip.We were with 3 persons and we all made it to the top. The descent asked all what was left of me. My guide was patient - he let me walk my own tempo. Once in the refuge, I got the correct advice - to feel better asap. They waited also till I was better to do the last descent (1hour).I would recommened the 3 days: the first day you go ice Climbing - very nice to have to experience.So Huyana Potosí was amazing and I would recommend Altitude 6000 as tour operator.

I just returned from my 3-day Huayna Potosi trek. It was my first 6.000m mountain and I can highly recommend it to anyone who loves trekking and spectacular views. I am still feeling the rush of adrenaline and endorphine ...To help you out, which agency to choose, as there are a lots out there -I visited several ones in La Paz and due to my criteria I found the best one:- service is very important to me, having nice staff that can respond to all of your questions- security, having a certified guide who is guiding already since a couple of years; not trying to push you to the mountain when you don't feel well (heard a lot stories about that)- I wasn't aiming at finding the cheapest agency- wanted an agency that can help you out with all the equipment - good quality at the same time- having proper food is important to me but I don't need fancy tourist meals up in the mountainsIn the end, Climbing South America fulfilled my criteria the best and I was extremly happy choosing them. With Julio I had the perfect guide. He is doing his job since 14 years, and knows the mountain really well (just an example, whereas other groups did a break right next to a hidden crevasse, he chose the most secure places).Julio always took great care of me - whereas all the others did the climbing (1st day) on the same wall, he let me choose my walls and in the end I was able to climp up 3 different walls.And if you visit the agency, you will be able to build your own opinion on their really good service level. Very professional.My worst agency experience was with Bolivian Mountain Guides. The lady at the desk couldn't answer a single question, then I was asking if I could meet the guide 1 day before, but he didn't show up and the lady let me wait for 1 hour without giving me any explanation or excuse. I was super angry but in the end its a sign for the overall performance of a tour operator, so I am happy that I didn't go with them.