Ilyampu


Archaeological excavations and various theories of scholars in the field of history unanimously agree that the mountains in the life and life of the people of the pre-Columbian era of Bolivia played an important role. Whether the desire to be closer to the sun, or the belief in various spirits and gods forced the ancient tribes to climb the peaks and conquer the peaks for the sake of various rituals. The modern inhabitants of Bolivia are already doing such amazing things religiously, but the mountains here still love and treat them with special trepidation.

The fourth highest peak in Bolivia

Bolivia is not in vain called Tibet of South America. The boundaries of its territories in the north cover the plateau Altiplano. A significant part of it is the mountain system of the Cordillera-Real, where the mountain Illyampu is located, occupying the honorable fourth place among the peaks of Bolivia. This is the ideal testing ground for those who consider mountaineering to be the meaning of their life, but they have not bothered enough in this.

So, where and on what continent is Iljampu - we have already found out, now it is worth to learn more about how to conquer this peak. The height of the mountain is neither more nor less - as much as 6485 m above sea level. Its peak is surrounded by eternal snows, and from the western, southern and eastern slopes descend the ancient glaciers.

For the first time the mountain was conquered in 1928 by a group of climbers from Germany and Austria. The ascent to Iyampu itself does not require enormous effort. But from an altitude of 5600 m the ascent to the peak of the mountain begins. It is here that you will need all the concentration, attentiveness, discipline and, of course, mountaineering skills. Ilyampu is distinguished by a steep peak, the ascent to which is a technically difficult moment. However, it is because of this feature that the mountain is loved by mountain climbers.

Conquering the top

Experienced and experienced climbers strongly recommend to conquer the peak in the period from May to September. In addition, there are a number of routes that vary depending on the complexity. The simplest of them is the South-Western range with snow slopes up to 65 degrees.

The small village of Sorata serves as a high-altitude point for sending routes to climb to the top. There are even several hotels, a couple of cafes and a store with climbing equipment and warm clothes.

Among the minuses of Mount Illyampu, and the entire mountain system of Bolivia in general, we will name the absence of rescue service. Inexperienced tourists should not forget about the phenomenon of mountain sickness. Do not put all the hopes on the leaves of coca - there are special medications that will perfectly cope with this problem if you start reception in advance.

Mount Illyampu is notable not only for its interesting routes. From its top opens an amazing view of the waters of the high mountain lake Titicaca , which is also the largest in Bolivia. From here you can admire the peak of Mount Ancoma, which is only 5 km from Iyampu.

How to get to Ilyampu?

You can get to Mount Ilyampu by private car. In this case, you should go on the route number 16 to the town of Iksiamas, and then along the dirt roads - directly to the highland base.