Loved the Bolivia experience and getting off the beaten path. Rachel designed a smart expedition to make it accessible. Very content with the overall trip, experience, and value. First time climbing with Alpine Ascents, and I would certainly do it again.
Great Peaks of Bolivia Testimonials
Rachel was very very thoughtful about the itinerary and knowledgeable about the culture and so fun! She coordinated a great team with a wonderful cook and mule owner.
The program is a solid next step for many climbers into higher altitude, bigger mountains, and longer days. Couldn’t have asked for more in terms of my progression as a climber.
It was a wonderful expedition. Rachel’s knowledge of not only the mountains, but the culture of Bolivia really enhanced the trip. And not only was Rachel great, but the Bolivian guides she hires were wonderful as well.
Overall, an exceptional program. I really enjoyed visiting Bolivia and climbing in Bolivia. It was refreshing to feel like being part of the early phases of tourism there. I was really taken away by the gratitude, humility, generosity, and welcoming nature of our guides, camp staff. The group dinner with our guides and camp chef was especially special as their families were invited (wives and children) and they brought their family to join us for a nice last meal together. They also took turns thanking us for visiting their country and hoping that we will return.
The mountains we climbed were beautiful and not over-crowded. There were not a lot of tourists where we were, so I felt very privileged and fortunate. I felt like I had the mountains and trails all to myself and my group. The mountains were also challenging to climb, challenging enough to push me but not dangerous.
I HIGHLY recommend Bolivia to other climbers who want to or love to travel to South America, explore a country that is just starting their tourism industry, experience Bolivian culture, and climb some interesting and remote mountains.
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 from her climber clients. She recognized and listened to each of our struggles, but was able to assess in a very logical manner in regards to balancing safety of the climbers with the challenge of pushing onward. Rachel is knowledgeable, confidant in her skills and the terrain, comfortable with her assistant guides and staff and also just fun to be around. She has a very pleasant, warm, fun and easy-going personality, but I still had no doubt that she took her role very seriously and was a true professional throughout the trip.
I thought the experience was fantastic. The most significant strength of the program is the lead guide – Rachael Molstad. In addition to being a great guide on the mountain her intimate knowledge of the local culture and Bolivia in general enriched the experience tremendously. The actual climbs are also a strength, both Pequeño Alpamayo and Chachacomani were interesting and challenging climbs.
Absolutely enjoyed it! Rachel was patient, kind, very knowledgeable about all things Bolivia, and an excellent climber. It was obvious she put a lot of thought into planning this trip and giving clients the best experience possible. Her passion for both climbing and Bolivia were easy to see.
This was a great trip. Rachel, Victor, Juan and the rest of the crew worked hard to arrange a very interesting and well thought out trip. The traveling and sightseeing during acclimatization was excellent, the climbs that were selected were very good. I especially enjoyed Pequeño Alpamayo.
Everything I expected. Wonderfully run, great time. I felt well acclimatized throughout the trip. I felt that the guides wanted to help further my climbing skills to ensure I could meet my future goals, not just get climbers to the top.