On a clear day, the mountain rises like a sentinel over the city and it is just fantastic. The surrounding mountains frame the Illimani with a very colourfull array of reds, green and brown.
Volcanoes are not rare in Bolivia, but this one stands out due to it's proximity to la Paz city. Many horizon views from the city allow for sightings in the very thin and clear air. You'll also see it from Valley of the Spirits and from Valley of the Moon.
I enjoy the visit to the illimani I can observe the city from the high point really I like me greatly the walk that I did recommend it totally
I climbed Illimani with Climbing South America, based in La Paz just last week and I can say this is a wonderful mountain to climb. Not technically very difficult but fairly exposed in certain areas. Even the drive from La Paz is an epic - some 3.5 hours to Pinaya, from there the usual 3 night 4 day ascent begins. The views back to La Paz at night are incredible and the higher one goes the icsta opens out west to the volcanoes on the Chilean border, Titicaca and Peru to the north west and from the final summit ridge (assuming the normal Pic Sur route) the views east over the Bolivian and Brazilian amazon isn't so bad either. If you feel the urge and have even a little experience, this is a must climb.
We attempted Illimani after a month of trekking and climbing in Bolivia --- while we did not summit (conditions were tough and my conditioning was insufficient) we did make it to Nido de Condores and my partner got to about 5,800m on he mountain before turning back.The mountain is stunning. I am so happy we attempted this adventure and will be back to try again.Our guide, Eduardo Mamani Quispe, owner of Bolivian Mountain Guides, is excellent. He and his company are a definite "highly recommend" for me. Prices are higher than the typical Calle Sagarnaga operators, but in exchange you get real guides, with expertise, skill and equipment.
Africa has its Kilimanjaro, Japan its Fujiyama; La Paz, Illimani: a majestic three crested mountain that oversees almost all the city. You can´t miss it.
During the four days on Illimani everything worked out perfectly and in time. Especially I want to mention the good quality and high quantity of food. / Waehrend der vier Tage am Illimani hat alles reibungslos und puenktlich geklappt. Besonderes Lob gebuehrt der reichhaltigen und guten Verpflegung.Special thanks to the perfect guide Juancho / Besten Dank an den perfekten Fuehrer Juancho / Muchas gracias, Juancho
We could see Illimani covered with snow, very clearly from our hotel room... a beautiful sight! Very comforting how these high peaks and/or volcanoes enhance many a Latin-American City!
The extraordinary sprawling city is dominated by its 2 huge snow-capped mountains, Huyuni and Illimani.
The view is spectacular, especially when there is more snow on top of this majestic mountain. Its legend is interesting...but is it for real??