Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CORDILLERA REAL
Bolivia's Royal Range has more than 600 peaks over 5000m, most of which are relatively
accessible and many of which are just a few hours' drive from the nation's capital. They're
also still free of the growing bureaucracy attached to climbing and trekking in the Himalay-
as. The following section is a rundown of the more popular climbs in the Cordillera Real -
there are also fun treks, bikes and hikes here for non-climbers - but it is by no means an ex-
haustive list. There are many other peaks to entice the experienced climber, and whether
you choose one of those described here or one of the lesser known, climbing in the Bolivi-
an Andes is always an adventure.
The best season for climbing in the Cordillera Real is May to September. Note that most
of the climbs described here are technical and require climbing experience, a reputable
climbing guide and proper technical equipment. You should be fully acclimatized to the
altitude before attempting any of these ascents.
CLIMBING RESOURCES
Call the new rescue group
Socorro Andino Bolivia
(
7197-1147, 7158-1118;
www.socorroandino.org
)
if you
get in a jam. It does technical mountain rescues and charges around US$100 per day, per person on the rescue.
The Andes: A Guide for Climbers
(2005, John Biggar) Has basic descriptions and decent maps from the area.
Bolivia: Guía de Trekking y Ascenciones
(2012, David Taurá) A new Spanish-language guide to Bolivia's hikes
and climbs.
Andes Handbook
(
www.andeshandbook.com
) A good website to consult, it offers route information on several of
the peaks in the Cordillera Real in Spanish.
Bolivia: A Climbing Guide
(1999, Yossi Brain) Now out of print, but available online, this has lots of info on
climbs in the Cordillera Real.
Nuestras Montañas
A Spanish-language resource written by local mountaineering guides, available at InfoTur (
Click here
) in La Paz.
Guides & Equipment
By far the easiest way of tackling these mountains is to go on a guided climb. Several La
Paz agencies offer trips that include transportation,
refugio
(mountain hut) accommoda-
tions, equipment hire and a guide. Some of the same agencies will rent you equipment on
its own if you want to tackle the peaks without taking the tour but this option should only
