Paperwork
Please take the time to read the entire Logistics section in full. If you have questions, feel free to call the Alpine Ascents office or email us.
Please return the requested paperwork, (application and flight itinerary) as soon as possible.
⎕ Application
⎕ Flight itinerary
⎕ Please see COVID-19 requirements for additional paperwork to enter to Bolivia
Trip Insurance & Evacuation Coverage
We highly recommend trip insurance as there are many unforeseen circumstances that can occur leading up to a trip. Evacuation and medical coverage may be required for this trip, please see paperwork section above. Please click here for more information:
https://www.alpineascents.com/trip-cancellation-insurance-trip/
Getting There
Note that trip dates include travel time from your home country. A day-to-day itinerary can be found with your confirmation letter.
Flight reservations for your expedition should be made as soon as possible. Please forward a copy of your flight itinerary before final purchase so we can review departure and arrival dates.
Alpine Ascents can make pick-up, hotel, and transport arrangements to meet individual itineraries.
Flying to La Paz, Bolivia
Arrival: Fly to La Paz, Bolivia. Those arriving on the scheduled date will be met at the airport by an Alpine Ascents guide or representative and taken to the hotel. Please look for an Alpine Ascents sign upon leaving customs.
Early Arrival/Late Departure: For acclimatization purposes and in case of lost luggage, arriving a
day early is highly suggested. We are happy to arrange an airport pick up for you if arriving early. For those arriving early or departing after the scheduled itinerary, we can make hotel arrangements at an additional cost. Please contact our office in advance if you would like us to make additional reservations.
Missed Flights: If you miss your flight or if your flight is significantly delayed, please contact Gordon Janow by calling our Seattle office (206) 378-1927 and follow the prompt for 24-hour contact.
Visas & Passports
Each climber needs a tourist visa to enter the country of Bolivia. Visas are available upon arrival at the airport, cost $160 US, and can be paid in U.S. or local currency. Officials will only accept bills in perfect condition, with no small tears or damage.
Entry Requirements:
⎕ Valid U.S. passport with at least 6 months validity remaining and one photocopy of the passport information page.
⎕ Proof of a round-trip plane ticket
⎕ Copy of trip itinerary
⎕ Proof of sufficient funds via a copy of most recent monthly bank statement or equivalent (with account number blacked out)
⎕ Proof of lodging in Bolivia, such as a hotel reservation. Alpine Ascents will provide the necessary hotel reservation letter.
A yellow fever vaccine is only required if a visitor will be traveling to yellow fever endemic areas. The Alpine Ascents itinerary does not include any yellow fever endemic zones.
Please contact us any time for questions.
Hotels
We usually lodge at the Hotel Europa while in La Paz. On occasion we may switch hotels; we will inform you if we make this change.
For climbers who prefer single room accommodations, these arrangements can be made for an additional fee. Be aware that private rooms are available at hotels during our trip, but not on the mountain.
For climbers choosing double room accommodations every effort will be made to pair you with another climber. A Single Room Supplement Fee will apply if a match cannot be made or there is a last minute cancellation. This will help keep our overall program pricing down since unlike other companies we do not charge more for smaller groups.
In La Paz
Hotel Europa
Calle Tiahuanacu No. 64
Phone: (591-2) 2315656
Website: hoteleuropa.com
During the expedition, we will stay at a hotel while in Copacabana; an ecolodge on the Isla del Sol; and expedition quality tents while in the mountains, with a large dining tent at the base camp level.
Gear List
Please refer to your Gear List:
You are required to bring every item on this list as described, so be as precise as possible when packing. We are happy to work closely with you on finding the proper gear.
If you plan to rent gear, your rental form must be submitted at least a month prior to expedition start date. Please call our office or e-mail [email protected] with any questions.
Gear Lexicon
If you’re confused by items and/or language on the Gear List, we encourage you to refer to our Gear Guide for explanations on layering systems, differences between boots, etc.
Other Resources
Below are articles written by veteran Alpine Ascents guides that you may find helpful in preparing and packing for your expedition.
Medications & Prescriptions for Mountain Climbing
Not on the Gear List, but in our Backpacks
Packing Tips
People generally take too much “stuff” rather than too little. Study each item before you pack it. Eliminate redundant items, extra changes of clothing, and excessive“nice to have” luxuries. You will benefit from traveling light because of the costs of excess baggage and because of the frequent loading and unloading of bags. Remember to review your airline’s weight limits and pack accordingly. Traveling light may be your key to summit success. Take everything on the required equipment list and little else.
Expenses
We recommend using a combination of cash and credit cards for purchases and extra expenses in Bolivia. You will need to change US Dollars to Bolivianos, which you can do in country at exchange kiosks, banks, or at our hotel in La Paz. When exchanging money, request the change in small denominations as change for larger notes is scarce outside big cities.
Meals in La Paz are not included in the trip cost, aside from the hotel buffet breakfast. Expect to spend about $150-$200 US for these meals. The last day of the trip in La Paz will also include time for souvenir/Bolivian handicrafts shopping, if you wish to budget extra.
Early Departure/Evacuation
If you need to leave the expedition early, you are responsible for all incurred expenses (evacuation fees, transport, extra hotel nights, etc). A comprehensive trip insurance plan is recommended, which can cover these costs in the event that they occur.
Tipping
Our guides make every effort to ensure your climb is safe, successful, and as enjoyable as possible. If you have a positive experience, gratuities are an excellent way to show your appreciation. It’s difficult to recommend a specific amount as we believe tips should be based on level and quality of services, as well as an amount that meets your budget. Please consider the information below to be a general recommendation.
8-12% of the total trip cost is a standard guideline for the whole guide team. Any contribution to the guides’ tip pool can be given directly to your lead guide and will be appreciated by the entire team.
On the Mountain
Physiology Of Mountaineering
Dehydration, hypothermia, frostbite, and altitude illness are all important health conditions to be aware of while climbing. Please read our overview of these physical factors:
Food & Water
We are aware of the potential monotony of expedition food and Alpine Ascents makes every effort to make meals a positive part of the climb. We take great care in our meal preparation, understanding the importance staying healthy, fueling effectively, and enjoying your food. Whenever possible, we use fresh ingredients from local markets in our pre-planned meals.
Alpine Ascents guides will sterilize all water and climbers will fill water bottles at breakfast and dinner.
Health Tips
You may want to consult your physician for advice on treatments for gastrointestinal upsets that you may encounter on your trip. In the past, climbers have relied on antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin. Your doctor may recommend medications such as Lomotil or Imodium to stop diarrhea, and Compazine to prevent nausea.
Leave No Trace
Alpine Ascents International practices Leave No Trace principles on all expeditions. We believe that given the proper information most people will do all they can to help protect and maintain the environment. Before your climb, please become familiar with Leave No Trace:
7 Principles of Leave No Trace
As guides, we spend time teaching the environmentally appropriate Leave No Trace principles and practices. There is nothing more rewarding than working hard to get high into the mountains, reaching a pristine campsite, witnessing incredible views, and having the feeling that no one has been there before.
Conversely, there is nothing more disheartening than working hard to climb a mountain, reaching a site and encountering trash, food waste, and toilet paper. Please read the seven LNT principles, and call the office if you have any questions about what you can do to plan ahead.
COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
Please note that Covid protocols, both best practices and entry requirements, are changing frequently. While we cannot eliminate the risk of exposure to COVID-19, we do carry out a variety of measures designed to mitigate the risk of illness for climbers and staff. It is important we work together with the same team-oriented perspective we rely on in climbing, and we greatly appreciate your partnership. Please take a few moments to thoroughly read the information below and know that we look to improve our operation as additional information about the virus becomes available.
Vaccinations & Requirements
All climbers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All participants are required to bring two (2) Covid-19 rapid antigen test to be used at the guides discretion. We do recommend taking a test before departure for your own safety and the safety of other climbers. Please note some countries may require a PCR test for entry.
Please double check the travel requirements from your selected airline. Some airlines have specific Covid policies.
Please note a health declaration may be needed and we will supply information as it becomes available.
Masks
Climbers will be asked to wear proper facemasks in all public places while not on the mountain. This includes while in towns, while being transported and while in hotel premises or during meals.
Transportation
Based on recommendations and factors at time of departure we may opt to use multiple vehicles for transport to and from airport and to and from the mountain to maintain better social distancing.
Lodging
Lodging will be in shared rooms and tents unless a single room is requested. Subject to change based on conditions.
Dining on the Mountain
Guides may opt to have outdoor dining and not use a dining tent should circumstances warrant.
Screening
If you experience fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea please immediately contact Alpine Ascents. Anyone experiencing these symptoms within 14 days of their trip date will be asked to reschedule their trip. All climbers may be verbally screened for these symptoms on arrival.
Mitigation Measures
Hand washing and hand sanitizing facilities are provided throughout the program, We encourage you to regularly clean or sanitize your hands while on this journey, especially after touching your face, sneezing, coughing, using the bathroom, eating, or drinking. Common areas, high-touch surfaces, and restrooms are sanitized regularly.
We are committed to keeping our environment clean for your protection as well as ours.
Rachel is exceptional and impressive. Her climbing and guiding experience, leadership skills, knowledge and expertise of the mountains and Bolivian culture belies her age. She demonstrated incredible knowledge of the Bolivian ways, true mastery of the Spanish language, and has earned the respect from her guiding staff, camp staff, the local farmers/porters, as well as […]
