blog article - travel experience
Climbing Huayna Potosí: An Unforgettable Adventure
with a Cholita Escaladora
Our adventure in Bolivia led us to one of the most breathtaking and challenging experiences of our world travels: climbing Huayna Potosí, a majestic peak in the Andes. Standing at 6,088 meters (19,974 feet), this iconic mountain is renowned for its stunning views and demanding ascent. What made our climb truly extraordinary was the company of Cecilia, a remarkable Cholita Escaladora.
arrival in la paz
Our journey began in La Paz, the highest capital city in the world, where we acclimatized to the altitude. The bustling city, set against the backdrop of towering mountains, offered a vibrant mix of cultures and a glimpse into Bolivia’s rich heritage
By scaling some of the highest peaks in the Andes, Cholitas Escaladoras have challenged traditional gender roles and demonstrated that indigenous women can achieve extraordinary feats. Their story has inspired countless people around the world and highlighted the importance of perseverance and breaking barriers.
Meeting Cecilia, the Cholita Escaladora
Cecilia is part of the legendary group known as the Cholitas Escaladoras, indigenous Aymara women who have broken traditional gender roles by conquering some of the highest peaks in Bolivia. Dressed in their traditional skirts and shawls, these women climb mountains with incredible strength, resilience, and grace.
As a Cholita Escaladora, Cecilia has faced numerous challenges but has remained steadfast in her passion for mountaineering. Her presence and guidance were a source of motivation and inspiration throughout our climb.
Our decision to climb with Cecilia was deeply rooted in our admiration for the Cholitas Escaladoras and their significance in the fight for women’s rights and empowerment. We wanted to experience firsthand the strength and resilience of these incredible women and share their story with a broader audience. Climbing Huayna Potosí with Cecilia allowed us to connect with Bolivia’s rich cultural heritage and contribute to a movement that challenges stereotypes and promotes equality.
photo by @wearecrazyenough hiking huayna potosi with cecilia, a cholita escaladora from bolivia
The Importance of the Cholitas and Women’s Rights
The term “Cholita” originally was used as a pejorative term for indigenous women in Bolivia. However, over time, these women have reclaimed the term with pride and transformed it into a symbol of cultural identity and empowerment. Cholitas are easily recognized by their traditional attire, which includes brightly colored skirts, bowler hats, and shawls.
Historically, Cholitas faced significant discrimination and marginalization in Bolivian society. They were often excluded from public spaces and had limited access to education and employment opportunities. In recent years, however, Cholitas have become powerful symbols of the fight for women’s rights and indigenous rights in Bolivia.
The Cholitas Escaladoras group emerged as a groundbreaking movement in this context. By scaling some of the highest peaks in the Andes, these women have challenged traditional gender roles and demonstrated that indigenous women can achieve extraordinary feats. Their story has inspired countless people around the world and highlighted the importance of perseverance and breaking barriers.
photo by @wearecrazyenough in the high camp of huayna potosi
photo by @wearecrazyenough training with a cholita escaladora
Preparing for the Ascent
Preparation for the climb involved rigorous physical and mental conditioning. Cecilia shared her knowledge of the mountain and provided invaluable tips on how to navigate the treacherous terrain.
Our preparation for the climb was less than ideal. We had only one week to prepare, having just learned about the opportunity while volunteering at Senda Verde, an animal refuge in Bolivia. Despite the limited time, we were determined to take on the challenge.
The journey to the summit of Huayna Potosí started at the base camp, located at an altitude of 4,700 meters (15,420 feet). The camp offered a stunning view of the surrounding peaks and valleys, setting the stage for our ascent. This day included mountaineering training at a nearby glacier to practice our climbing skills, navigating small ice walls with our guides before heading back to the refuge.
base camp to the high camp and the summit push
Our second day involved a trek from the base camp to the high camp at 5,150 meters (16,830 feet). The trail was steep and challenging, but the breathtaking scenery kept our spirits high. Cecilia led the way, her experience and knowledge of the mountain evident in every step.
The view from this altitude was nothing short of spectacular. The sky was clear, and as night fell, the Milky Way stretched across the heavens in a dazzling display of stars. We shared stories and sipped on warm tea before going to bed, to rest a little bit before the Summit Attack.
We began our summit push in the middle of the night, at 1am, guided by headlamps and the light of the full moon. The climb was steep and demanding, requiring us to navigate through snowfields, ice walls, and rocky outcrops. The first part of the climb was on a glacier, with several steep sections to navigate. Cecilia’s encouragement and expertise were crucial as we made our way up the mountain.
The silence of the night, broken only by our footsteps crunching in the snow and our steady breathing, added a surreal quality to the ascent. As we climbed higher, the cold intensified, and each step became more challenging.
At around 5,650 meters (18,536 feet), we reached the most difficult part of the climb: an exposed ridge leading to the summit. The views from this vantage point were breathtaking, but our body and mind were already exhausted and, despite our best efforts, we had to stop at this altitude.
The altitude, physical exertion, and mental challenges proved to be formidable obstacles. Because we were not acclimatized properly and did not train severely for this experience, the challenge was even greater and more difficult.
However, the sense of accomplishment we felt was immense. For us, being crazy enough is not about the destination but the journey that makes us stronger and more resilient.
The descent was equally challenging, requiring careful navigation and stamina. Cecilia’s presence was a constant source of reassurance as we made our way back down the mountain. Her resilience and determination were a testament to the strength and spirit of the Cholitas Escaladoras.
photo by @wearecrazyenough – view high camp huayna potosi
photo by @wearecrazyenough – cecilia, cholita escaladora
photo by @wearecrazyenough – view when we were doing the summit of huayna potosi
photo by @wearecrazyenough – view high camp huayna potosi
lessons we learned
- Resilience and Determination: The climb taught us the importance of resilience and determination in overcoming challenges.
- Cultural Richness: Sharing this experience with Cecilia provided deep insights into the rich cultural heritage of the Aymara people and the inspiring story of the Cholitas Escaladoras.
- Humble in the face of nature: Nature is incredibly fascinating. We could feel the lack of air and the heart-stopping cold. The landscape was one of the most beautiful we had ever seen, but what kept us humble was its strength.
- Empowerment: Cecilia’s journey as a Cholita Escaladora highlighted the power of empowerment and the impact of challenging traditional roles and stereotypes.
Reflections on the Experience
Climbing Huayna Potosí with Cecilia was an unforgettable experience that tested our physical and mental limits. The journey was not just about reaching the summit but also about the lessons learned along the way. Cecilia’s story and her passion for mountaineering were a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of breaking barriers.
one experience of a life time
Our climb of Huayna Potosí with Cecilia was more than an adventure; it was a journey of discovery, inspiration, and transformation. This experience left an unforgettable mark on us, enriching our travels with a deeper understanding of Bolivia’s culture and the incredible strength of the Cholitas Escaladoras. Moreover, it was a profound journey of personal development where we realized important things about ourselves and applied these learnings to our subsequent adventures.
Thank you for reading about our journey with the Cholita Escaladora. Stay tuned for more stories and adventures from our travels around the world.
diogo and isabela
we are crazy enough
photo by @wearecrazyenough – cecilia, a cholita escaladora, with our “We Are Crazy Enough” flag
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