Mountaineering Tour Across Bolivia and Northern Chile

Ascents of the volcanoes Tunupa, Uturuncu, Licancabur and Llullaillaco

Challenging Journey Through the Andean Highlands

This demanding expedition through the Andean highlands begins with proper acclimatization. Bolivia’s Andean metropolis La Paz provides ideal conditions for this. The Muela de Diablo, several smaller 4,000-meter peaks above Lake Titicaca, and the Isla del Sol form the perfect introduction. Calvario and Cerro Ceroka are our summit goals above Copacabana.

Our next destination is Coroico in the Yungas. On the way there and back, we can already climb our first small 5,000-meter peaks; Cerro Saturno offers especially impressive views.
We then continue south to one of the world’s great natural wonders: the seemingly endless Salar de Uyuni. On Volcano Tunupa, we enjoy spectacular views over the salt flats and visit ancient mummies.

The next objective is the Licancabur, almost 6,000 meters high and more strenuous than many true 6,000-meter peaks – the perfect dress rehearsal for Llullaillaco. In addition to its breathtaking views, Licancabur features a small crater lake, and traces suggest the Incas once ventured here as well.

A true 6,000-meter peak follows with Uturuncu, which is comparatively easier thanks to vehicle access high up the mountain. Yellow sulfur fumes often escape near its summit.
The mountain with the most mummies, however, is Llullaillaco, with at least six known discoveries. It is not an easy climb and can be very windy.

Journey Overview

The tour to the sacred mountains of the Incas begins in La Paz, Bolivia’s seat of government, at 3,600 m. To acclimatize gradually, we start with the scenic Muela de Diablo, just below 4,000 m, set among impressive earth pyramids.

We then travel to the deep-blue Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America. We cross the Isla del Sol and climb the 4,000-meter peaks Cerro Calvario and Cerro Ceroka. From Coroico, we ascend Cerro Saturno, a small 5,000-meter peak.

Next we reach Uyuni and the nearby Salar de Uyuni. Besides the immense salt flats, we encounter colorful lagoons filled with flamingos, vicuñas, volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, and bizarre rock formations.

But above all, this is a mountaineering journey:
Our first major ascent is the colorful Tunupa (5,205 m), offering fantastic views and the opportunity to visit mummies.
At 5,919 meters, Licancabur is significantly higher and considered the archetypal volcano. Beneath its summit lies a crater lake, along with ruins believed to be Inca structures—human sacrifices are also thought to have occurred here.

Our next goal, Uturuncu, is a true 6,000-meter peak. Fortunately, we can drive quite high up the mountain. Afterward, we cross the border into Chile and reach San Pedro de Atacama. From here we tackle the mighty Llullaillaco. The approach is long and difficult to find without local knowledge. For the night, we stay at the simple CONAF refuge.

With only one high camp, we attempt the ascent of Llullaillaco via steep scree slopes. The climb seems endless, but eventually we stand on the summit crowned by a cross. After returning to the vehicles, we continue on to Antofagasta, where the tour ends.

Tour Info

Highlights

• La Paz

• Muela de Diablo

• Lake Titicaca

• Isla del Sol

• Copacabana

• Salar de Uyuni

• Tunupa

• Uturuncu

• Licancabur

• San Pedro de Atacama

• Valle de Luna

• Llullaillaco

Duration: 20 days

Dates

• 02 Dec – 21 Dec 2025

• 04 Feb – 23 Feb 2026

• 25 Feb – 16 Mar 2026

• 02 Dec – 21 Dec 2026

This tour can also be organized on your preferred individual dates.

Prices (per person)

• From 2 participants: €3,495

• From 4 participants: €3,245

• From 6 participants: €3,145

Included Services

• Bus and taxi transfers within the country

• Transport to Llullaillaco

• Full board during the Salar de Uyuni section up to the border near San Pedro

• Breakfast in hotels in La Paz, Copacabana, San Pedro, and Antofagasta

• All overnight stays in simple local accommodations and tents

• Local tour leadership

• National park entrance fees

• Guided hikes

• Guided ascents of the high volcanoes

• Valle de Luna excursion

• Certified mountain guide

Not Included

• Flights

• Travel accident and health insurance

• Luggage and trip cancellation insurance

• Meals and drinks not listed

• Tips

• Personal expenses

Group Size

• Minimum: 2 participants

• Maximum: 10 participants

Additional Information

Good general fitness is required and highly recommended for this tour.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Mountaineering Tour Bolivia & Northern Chile – 20 Days

Day 1: Arrival in La Paz

Even the flight into La Paz is breathtaking, passing close to ice-covered 6,000-meter peaks. After landing at El Alto Airport (over 4,000 m), we descend into the city itself at around 3,500 m. After checking into the hotel, the day is dedicated to rest and gentle acclimatization. In the evening, we enjoy our first traditional Bolivian dinner in a simple local restaurant.
Overnight: Hotel Estrella Andina or similar
(-/-/-)

Day 2: Muela de Diablo – First Acclimatization Hike

Our first acclimatization hike takes us south of La Paz to the striking rock formation known as Muela de Diablo (“Devil’s Tooth”). Although the hike is short, it leads through lush fields and fascinating rock structures. From the summit at 3,852 m, we enjoy fantastic views over La Paz and the surrounding peaks, dominated by the ice-clad Illimani.
Drive: ~45 min
Hiking: ~500 m ascent, ~4 hrs
Overnight: La Paz
(B/-/-)

Day 3: Drive to Copacabana – Lake Titicaca

We travel to Copacabana, located on the shores of deep-blue Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America. After arrival, there is time to enjoy a freshly prepared trout by the lakeside before hiking up Cerro Calvario. At sunset, we experience an unforgettable play of colors over the lake.
Drive: ~4 hrs
Hiking: ~200 m ascent, ~1 hr
Overnight: Hotel Perla de Lago or similar
(B/-/-)

Day 4: Isla del Sol Traverse

Today we explore Isla del Sol, the legendary birthplace of the Inca. A scenic boat ride takes us to the northern part of the island. We hike past sandy beaches and then climb up to the ridge, crossing the island from north to south. Along the way, we ascend two small 4,000-meter peaks effortlessly and pass several archaeological sites.
Boat: ~1.5 hrs
Hiking: ~350 m ascent, 3–4 hrs
Overnight: Copacabana
(B/-/-)

Day 5: Cerro Ceroka (over 4,000 m)

A gentle but rewarding ascent of Cerro Ceroka, located above Copacabana. We hike through green grazing land before the trail steepens. From the summit, the views extend across almost the entire Lake Titicaca and far north to the Cordillera Apolobamba. We descend via a route accessible by 4WD and return to La Paz by bus.
Hiking: ~400 m ascent, 3–4 hrs
Drive: ~4 hrs
Overnight: La Paz
(B/-/-)

Day 6: Cerro Saturno – Cordillera Real

We drive to the Abra de Cumbre Pass (4,750 m), an entrance to the national park. Following part of the historic Inca Trail toward Coroico, we then change direction to ascend Cerro Saturno, a scenic 5,000-meter peak. The summit offers panoramic views reaching as far as Chacaltaya.
Hiking: ~400 m ascent, 3–4 hrs
Overnight: La Paz
(B/-/-)

Day 7: La Paz – Night Bus to Uyuni

In the morning, we explore local highlights of La Paz, including the world’s highest football stadium, Estadio Hernando Siles. In the evening, we board a comfortable night bus to Uyuni, crossing vast high-altitude desert landscapes.
Overnight: Night bus
(B/-/-)

Day 8: Salar de Uyuni – Tahua

We begin exploring the immense Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. In Colchani, we observe traditional salt extraction before driving across the dazzling white expanse. Our destination is Tahua, a green oasis beneath Volcano Tunupa.
Hiking: ~45 min on islands
Driving: ~4 hrs
Overnight: Simple local accommodation
(B/L/D)

Day 9: Volcano Tunupa (5,205 m)

An early start takes us toward the colorful slopes of Tunupa. We hike along ridges offering spectacular views over the Salar. The main summit is rarely climbed due to erosion, but the colorful summit at over 5,200 m provides an unforgettable panorama. Later, we visit Isla Incahuasi, famous for its giant cacti, some over 1,000 years old.
Hiking: ~1,200 m ascent, 6–8 hrs
Overnight: San Juan village
(B/L/D)

Day 10: Lagoons & Volcanoes

We travel through surreal high-altitude landscapes: smoking volcanoes, red and turquoise lagoons filled with flamingos, and bizarre rock formations. Our overnight stay near Laguna Colorada offers incredible views and a crystal-clear night sky.
Overnight: Simple lodge at Laguna Colorada
(B/L/D)

Day 11: Geysers & Hot Springs

Early in the morning, we visit the Sol de Mañana geyser field, where boiling mud pools send steam into the icy air. We continue past the famous Árbol de Piedra and reach Laguna Verde, set beneath the Licancabur volcano.
Overnight: Simple accommodation near Laguna Verde
(B/L/D)

Day 12: Volcano Licancabur (5,919 m)

A demanding ascent on ancient Inca paths leads us toward the summit of Licancabur. Below the summit lies a crater lake, and ruins mark former Inca ceremonial sites. From the top, we enjoy breathtaking views across the Atacama Desert and, on clear days, even Ojos del Salado.
Hiking: ~1,300 m ascent, ~9 hrs
Overnight: Quetena Chico
(B/L/D)

Day 13: Volcano Uturuncu (6,008 m)

Today we climb our first true 6,000-meter peak. Thanks to vehicle access, the ascent is shorter but still demanding. Sulfur fumes often escape near the summit, and the views are vast and unforgettable.
Hiking: ~600 m ascent, 4–5 hrs
Overnight: Quetena Chico
(B/L/D)

Day 14: San Pedro de Atacama & Valle de la Luna

We cross into Chile and reach San Pedro de Atacama. In the afternoon, we visit the famous Valle de la Luna, hiking among dunes and salt formations before watching the sunset.
Overnight: Hotel Katarpe or similar
(B/-/-)

Day 15: Drive to Llullaillaco – CONAF Refuge

A long but spectacular drive through desert landscapes brings us to the base of Llullaillaco (6,740 m). We stay at the CONAF Refuge at around 4,200 m, enjoying a dramatic sunset.
Drive: ~6 hrs
Overnight: CONAF Refuge
(B/L/D)

Day 16: Ascent to High Camp (Llullaillaco)

We drive up to about 4,600 m before continuing on foot across wide volcanic slopes to our high camp at ~5,300 m.
Hiking: ~700 m ascent, ~3 hrs
Overnight: High Camp
(B/L/D)

Day 17: Summit Day – Llullaillaco (6,740 m)

We start around 2 a.m. The route depends on conditions, either crossing glacier remnants or climbing long scree gullies. Near the summit, we pass Inca ruins and the site where child mummies were discovered. Standing atop one of the world’s highest archaeological sites is an unforgettable experience.
Hiking: ~1,500 m ascent, ~15 hrs
Overnight: CONAF Refuge
(B/L/D)

Day 18: Reserve Day – Llullaillaco

A contingency day for weather or summit attempts.
(B/L/D)

Day 19: Drive to Antofagasta

After breakfast, we drive back to civilization and reach Antofagasta on the Pacific coast.
Drive: ~6 hrs
Overnight: Hotel Don Alonso or similar
(B/-/-)

Day 20: Flight to Santiago & Return Home

Transfer to the airport and flight to Santiago. A final aerial view of the Andes brings back memories of an extraordinary expedition.
(B/-/-)