Main image

Lee Siebert, Smithsonian Institution CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Acotango

Mountain

An Andean stratovolcano on the Bolivia-Chile border, part of a high volcanic group; visited by experienced climbers for high-altitude routes, glaciated slopes and regional mountain vistas.

Acotango La PazUyuniSucreCopacabanaPotosíSanta CruzAcotango
In this guide

Acotango essentials

Country: Bolivia
Driest months: Jun-Aug
Pay in: Boliviano (Bs.)
Language: Spanish, Guarani, Quechua

Acotango at a Glance

About Acotango

Acotango is a high stratovolcano on the Bolivia-Chile border in the Cordillera Occidental of the Andes. It is part of a cluster of high Andean volcanoes and is visited by mountaineers for high-altitude climbs.

The mountain rises above the surrounding altiplano and contributes to the region’s volcanic skyline; trails for ascents start from high-altitude access points on both sides of the border. Climbs require acclimatization and alpine experience for snow and ice conditions near the summit.

Acotango is located in the high Andean zone, with nearby volcanoes and salt flats common in the surrounding landscape; access is from regional highland towns and roads across the altiplano.

  • Border volcano: The peak lies on the Bolivia-Chile border and forms part of the high Cordillera Occidental volcanic chain.

Tips for Visiting Acotango

  • Plan any approach during the southern Hemisphere dry season (roughly May-October) when routes and high-altitude camps are least prone to storms and snow; summit attempts in wet months are far more hazardous.
  • Treat Acotango as a serious high-altitude climb: coordinate with experienced local guides, allow multiple days for acclimatization, and confirm permit/border requirements if your approach involves crossing between Bolivia and Chile.
  • Expect long, exposed high-puna approaches; the best logistics and up-to-date route information come from outfitters based in nearby towns (Oruro/Sajama side or Chilean Putre), so organize transport and support through them rather than attempting independent access.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Acotango

For climbing Acotango, aim for the Southern Hemisphere dry season (May-September) when conditions are most stable.

Dry season (best for ascents)
May-September · Lower slopes ~0-10°C; summit well below freezing (−20°C or colder possible)
More stable weather, clearer skies and lower precipitation - preferred period for high-altitude climbs.
Wet season
November-March · Lower slopes ~0-10°C; summit well below freezing
Higher chance of storms, snow and poor visibility; mountaineering is more hazardous.

Weather & Climate near Acotango

Climate

Acotango's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in December) and freezing winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -17°C to 7°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 66 Moderate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
7°
Warmest Month
-17°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January - -7° - 6° -5° 97 mm - - 4.2 m/s - -
February - -7° - 5° -5° 94 mm - - 4.0 m/s - -
March - -8° - 5° -5° 82 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
April - -10° - 6° -7° 8 mm - - 3.5 m/s - -
May - -13° - 5° -9° 5 mm - - 3.6 m/s - -
June - -16° - 3° -13° 4 mm - - 4.4 m/s - -
July - -17° - 2° -14° 4 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
August - -16° - 3° -12° 2 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
September - -13° - 5° -10° 8 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
October - -12° - 6° -8° 8 mm - - 4.0 m/s - -
November - -10° - 7° -6° 25 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -
December - -8° - 6° -5° 48 mm - - 4.3 m/s - -