Your Climbing Guide to La Paz: From Easy Hikes to Epic Summits
May 2025
Hi people, travelers, and adventure lovers!
Amazing to have you here again for a new blog post!
This week, we’ve got a fresh podcast episode, featuring Julian Insarralde, an experienced mountain guide from Patagonia who keeps coming back to Bolivia to do what he loves most: climbing!
Julian shares why the mountains around La Paz are some of the best in the world, even for travelers without much or no experience. Whether you’re dreaming of your first peak or just curious about what makes Bolivia so special for climbers, this chat is full of great insights and inspiring stories.
🎙️ Heads up: This episode is in Spanish!
It’s the perfect chance to tune your ear, learn something new, and get inspired, even if you only understand a little. The mountains speak all languages :)
And right here in the blog post, you’ll find plenty of mountain inspiration too, in english. but first, here’s a little update on what’s going on and what’s coming up!
From the Café Lounge to the Andes: Travel Talks, Tips & a Bolivian Celebration
We’ve now started our Travel Talks in the Café del Mundo lounge. Here, we talk about travel, share tips, news, and inspiration, and answer all your travel questions. It’s also the perfect place to connect with other travelers from all over the world. Join us and make sure you don’t leave La Paz or Bolivia without experiencing the best of what’s going on!
Also, a little reminder, this week on May 27th, it’s Mother’s Day in Bolivia. Maybe you’re thinking, "We have that too," but here, it’s different. It’s one of the biggest celebrations of the year, only after Christmas. Restaurants will be packed, flowers and gifts everywhere, and the streets will be filled with balloons and joy. You’ll definitely feel that something special is happening!
Now, back to the amazing Andes around La Paz, and yes, the blog is a bit longer today because after listening to Julian, I felt extra mountain-inspired. So… let’s go!
Climbing the Andes: Your Mountain Guide Around La Paz
Where the City Meets the Sky
La Paz isn’t just one of the highest cities in the world, it’s where wild nature and urban life live side by side. Imagine sipping coffee in a cozy café in the morning, hiking across a glacier by midday, and being back in the city for a warm meal before sunset. That’s what makes this place magic.
Just outside the city, you’ll find snow-capped peaks, silent trails, and views that will stay with you for life. And the best part? You don’t need to be a pro to feel on top of the world here.
The mountains around La Paz are surprisingly accessible, whether you’re a first-time climber, a weekend adventurer, or someone dreaming of your first summit. You don’t need years of experience or expensive gear to get started. You can rent everything you need right in the city, join a guided trip, and discover that the high Andes are closer than you ever imagined.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful glacier walk, a panoramic viewpoint, or the thrill of conquering a 6000-meter peak, this is one of the best places in the world to begin your mountain adventure.
Altitude Matters: How to Prepare for the Heights Around La Paz
Altitude Matters: How to Prepare for the Heights Around La Paz
Climbing in Bolivia isn’t just about reaching the top, it’s about preparing your body for the altitude. La Paz sits at over 3,600 meters, so you're already at high elevation the moment you land. That’s why it’s important to spend a few days in the city before heading into the mountains. Rest is key, but as we learned in this week’s podcast episode, don’t stay completely still, light walks, short outings, and gentle movement actually help your body adapt faster than lying in bed. Stay hydrated, eat light, and try traditional remedies like coca tea to ease the transition.
Want to know more about how to prepare and avoid altitude sickness?
👉 Check out our full blog post on altitude in Bolivia
it’s packed with simple tips to help you climb higher, safer, and happier..
If you’re just curious about high mountains and want to feel the snow under your feet without going too far, Charquini is the perfect place to start. It’s a short and easy glacier walk, more of a scenic adventure than a real climb, and ideal for getting a taste of the mountains without any experience.
For something a bit more adventurous, head into the Cordillera Real, just a few hours from La Paz. Here you’ll find Pico Austria, one of the locals' favorite hikes. It’s still a one-day trip, with no need for technical gear, but the views are wild and dramatic. If you have a little more time and energy, you can add Pico Tarija, a slightly more challenging climb that still stays in reach for beginners. In this area, there are also comfortable mountain refuges where you can spend the night, simple but warm, with food, beds, and even cozy vibes under the stars.
The most popular goal around La Paz is Huayna Potosí, a true giant at 6,088 meters. Some climbers take a 3-day, which is recommended, tour to train and sleep on the glacier before summiting, while others attempt it with only 2 days of preparation. It's often called the easiest 6,000-meter peak in the world, but don’t let that fool you. It's still a serious mountain, and proper acclimatization is key.
Still not sure which mountain is right for you?
👉 Download our mini Mountain Guide to see all the options, compare difficulty levels, and choose your perfect peak.
Most Asked Questions
1. Do I need experience?
→ Not at all, especially for Charquini or Pico Austria. These are made for beginners and curious travelers. You can always start small and build up.
2. Can I rent equipment?
→ Yes! You can rent everything you need in La Paz, boots, jackets, crampons, sleeping bags, and more. Just make sure it’s from a trusted agency.
3. Do I need a guide?
→ Absolutely. Even on the easier climbs, weather can change quickly, and altitude is no joke. A guide keeps you safe, motivated, and helps you get the most from the experience.
4. Is it safe?
→ With the right guide, gear, and acclimatization, yes. Thousands of travelers safely climb every year, just respect the altitude and don’t rush. Best time to climb? The season runs all year, but the very best months are May to July, dry skies, great visibility, and stable weather.
5. Will I reach the top?
→ That’s probably the most asked, and the hardest to answer. Honestly, it depends on the day, your body, the weather, and more.But after today’s podcast interview with Julian, we were reminded of something really important: it’s not just about the summit.Climbing is a journey — from the preparation, the people you meet, the landscapes you cross, to how you connect with the mountain itself. Reaching the top is amazing, but it’s just one part of the experience (and yes, the competitive version of me learned something valuable there.)
Ready to Start Your Climb?
Whether you're dreaming of a snowy summit, curious about high-altitude life, or just want to try something new, the mountains around La Paz are waiting. Remember, it's not about reaching the top… it’s about the entire journey. From your first step to your last deep breath on the trail, every moment is part of the adventure.
🎧 Don’t forget to check out this week’s podcast with Julian I. for real insights, stories, and a fresh perspective on what it means to climb in Bolivia. It’s in Spanish, so you’ll learn something, even if you’re just listening for the vibe.
And as always, we’re here for your travel questions! Drop by Café del Mundo, come to our Travel Talks, or write to us anytime.
📬 Want more inspiration every week?
Subscribe to our newsletter, it's where we share our favorite travel tips, updates on what's happening in La Paz and Bolivia, and the best deals on tours and adventures. Each week, you'll also get a personal book or documentary recommendation to help you discover the world, even from home.
And as a welcome gift, we’ll send you a free e-book to help you plan your Bolivia adventure, packed with tips, ideas, and local insights.
