SummitPost.org

Hi,

I'm just a hiker with limited winter experience and I was thinking going to Bolivia and try climb Parinacota (with a guide from http://www.bolivianjourneys.org/ after some acclimatization, say doing a trekking tour "Cordillera Real Fast").


Weather wise it looks like this:

http://www.meoweather.com/history/Chile ... l?units=c#

Although the guide (Marco Soria) says only some rain might happen in Jan (not too cold, not bellow -5C) and it would be less rainy starting end of March, what do you think?
Other suggestions are welcomed as well, thanks!

It's a dry area, so climbs have been done there year round, but January is not ideal (June through August is best, but May and September can also be good). Also, I thought the national park, at least on the Bolivia side bans out of season ascents? I'd check into this. I know it is banned for Sajama, but I thought Parinacota has the ban as well.

If you want to go to Bolivia in January, what about Lincancabur (which can be climbed from the Chile side as well)? Lincancabur is usually good in January.

Thanks!

According to http://www.summitpost.org/parinacota/150957 it's not banned to climb off season, but one has to sign a disclaimer.

According to the guide, even Sajama is not banned, just not recommended due to the high winds etc.

I'm just worried about ice in Jan for Parinacota, although you did say it's a dry area...

Reading the climbers log and talking to the guides makes me a a tad apprehensive about Jan, I might wait for May or even June.

I'll check the one you mentioned though,Lincancabur .