Nevado Ancohuma

Mountain High Andean peak in Cordillera Real, Bolivia

Nevado Ancohuma rises in Bolivia’s Cordillera Real and attracts mountaineers for glaciated routes, technical climbs and high‑altitude panoramas, often paired with nearby peaks such as Illampu.

Main image

Nevado Ancohuma is a high, glaciated mountain in Bolivia’s Cordillera Real range and is one of the prominent peaks of the range. It is a popular objective for mountaineers seeking high-altitude climbs in the Andes.

The mountain rises above surrounding valleys and features perennial snow and glacier coverage on its upper flanks, which are negotiated by climbers using alpine ice and snow techniques. Routes typically involve glacier travel and acclimatization on approach.

Ancohuma sits in the La Paz Department of Bolivia within the Cordillera Real, northwest of the city of La Paz and among other major peaks such as Illampu.

  • Climbing: Climbers approach the glaciered summit via multi-day climbs from established base points; conditions vary seasonally and require glacier travel skills.
Nevado Ancohuma
Nevado Ancohuma, La Paz Department, Bolivia (Cordillera Real)
-15.8545, -68.5418

How to Get to Nevado Ancohuma #

Approaches begin from the town of Sorata (La Paz Department) or from access roads leading into the Cordillera Real. Most expedition teams stage from Sorata or La Paz and require several days to reach base camp, with local guides handling permits and logistics.

Tips for Visiting Nevado Ancohuma #

  • Summit climbs require proper acclimatization-spend at least one day above 3,000 m before major ascents.
  • Hire local guides and porters familiar with Bolivian mountain conditions and permit systems.
  • Weather turns quickly; start alpine approaches early in the morning and plan for afternoon storms.

Best Time to Visit Nevado Ancohuma #

May through October (the dry season) is the preferred climbing season for Andean summits.

Dry season (May-Oct)
May-Oct · -10 to 10°C (14-50°F)
The most stable conditions for climbing; colder nights but clearer skies and lower avalanche risk.
Wet season (Nov-Apr)
Nov-Apr · -5 to 10°C (23-50°F)
Increased snowfall and poor visibility; less recommended for climbs.

Weather & Climate near Nevado Ancohuma #

Climate

Nevado Ancohuma's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from -16°C to 5°C. Moderate rainfall (939 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
Warmest Month
-16°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -7°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (162 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

162 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

151 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (140 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

140 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-10°

Weather

53 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-12°

Weather

37 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -15°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-15°

Weather

26 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coldest month with highs of 3°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm).

Comfort

-6°
Feels Like Freezing
-6°C
Temperature
-16°

Weather

31 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -14°C. The driest month with just 23 mm.

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-14°

Weather

23 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -11°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm).

Comfort

-4°
Feels Like Freezing
-4°C
Temperature
-11°

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm).

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-10°

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of 5°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -7°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm).

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-7°

Weather

136 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

Nearby Attractions to Nevado Ancohuma