A full-day trek to Huayna Potosí’s base camp and old glacier blends high-altitude acclimatization with hands-on glacier skills. Expect steep terrain, crampon practice, and wide Andean views — altitude is the true test.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of La Paz’s thin air into a landscape that tightens the breath and widens the view. The road to Zongo Base Camp climbs past corrugated hills and the Milluni cemetery, where rusting mine machinery punctuates the skyline and glaciers sit like pale sentries above.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8–10 hours
Fitness Level
Good cardiovascular fitness and prior high-elevation hiking experience help; expect sustained uphill sections and thin air.
Wildlife
History
Huayna Potosí sits above historic mining districts; Milluni’s rusted machinery marks a century of extraction that shaped local Aymara communities.
Conservation
High-altitude ecosystems are fragile—stick to established paths, pack out all waste, and respect glacial features to limit erosion and contamination.
Reserve your spot on the HUAYNA POTOSI. MOUNTAIN TREK. Full Day today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Hydrate early and often
Begin hydrating 24 hours before departure and sip frequently during the trek to reduce altitude effects.
Layer for gusty conditions
Wind and sun alternate quickly at high elevation — pack a breathable insulating layer and a windproof shell.
Know the symptoms of AMS
Watch for headache, nausea, or dizziness and tell your guide immediately — descent is the safest remedy.
Footwear matters despite rentals
Although boots are provided, wear good socks and tape hot-spot areas; rented boots can fit differently than yours.
Sun hat and SPF 50 sunscreen
High-altitude UV is intense — protect face and lips throughout the day.
summer
Insulating midlayer (fleece or down)
Temperatures drop quickly after sunset and during breaks; a warm midlayer retains heat without bulk.
fall
Lightweight waterproof shell
Afternoon storms are common in the wet season and windproofing is critical at the glacier.
summer
High-cushion trekking socks
Good socks reduce blisters and improve comfort when using rented mountaineering boots.