During our trip to Bolivia, the ascent of Licancabur Volcano stood out as one of the most unforgettable moments. Rising to 5,920 meters, this iconic conical volcano sits on the border between Bolivia and Chile, towering over the moon-like landscapes of the South Lipez region and the Atacama Desert. It overlooks the stunning Laguna Verde and faces San Pedro de Atacama, on the Chilean side, right in the heart of the Andean Altiplano. We had the opportunity to attempt the climb as part of our Uyuni Salt Flats tour, organized by the agency Tupiza Tours (if you're curious about the full itinerary, we share all the details in our article about the Uyuni Salt Flats).

Licancabur Volcano Trek: Why I Decided to Climb This Legendary Volcano

It wasn’t planned at first, but sometimes the best adventures come from a sudden urge. A few weeks earlier, I had spent several days in a hospital in Peru and had to give up some treks I had been eagerly anticipating. So when I heard about Licancabur Volcano, the idea started to take hold. I was craving fresh air, wanting to push my limits, to experience something powerful. And then, the photos of the volcano and the surrounding landscapes immediately captivated me: that perfect cone, the lunar scenery, the feeling of being at the end of the world... Since I was already planning to go to South Lipez, it quickly felt like the obvious choice. I talked about it with friends I had met along the way, and soon enough, the five of us—Marine, Louise, Bastien, Steve, and I—set off on the adventure.

How to Prepare for the Ascent of Licancabur Volcano?

Climbing Licancabur is not just a simple hike. It requires serious physical and mental preparation due to the extreme altitude, significant elevation gain, freezing cold, and unstable terrain. It’s not a typical trek, and every step is earned.

For our part, we did the ascent at the end of our tour, after spending several days in South Lipez. This allowed us to acclimate gradually to the altitude, which is essential to minimize the effects of altitude sickness. We had also already had some experience in Peru a few weeks earlier, which gave us an idea of what altitude could do: shortness of breath, headaches, extreme fatigue.

This prior preparation was a valuable asset in tackling Licancabur’s 5,920 meters. If you want to undertake this climb, it’s crucial to properly acclimate to the altitude before the big day. Good mental and physical preparation will help you face the challenges of the trek and fully enjoy the experience.

• Summit Altitude: 5,920 m

• Elevation Gain: About 1,700 m

• Departure: Around 1:30 AM from a campsite at 4,200 m

• Duration: Approximately 7 hours ascent, 2 hours descent

• Difficulty: High – requires excellent altitude acclimatization

• Tour Operator: Ascent offered by Tupiza Tours as part of the 5-day / 4-night South Lipez and Salar de Uyuni circuit

• Price: Around €250 per person, all-inclusive (transport, accommodation, meals, guide)

• Recommended Gear: Headlamp, gloves, warm hat, very warm clothing, trekking poles, water, snacks

• Important: Only attempt with an experienced guide.

💡 Practical Info – Licancabur Volcano Ascent

Licancabur Ascent: The Story of an Unforgettable High-Altitude Trek

Waking up in the night and setting off in the cold

At 1:30 AM, our alarm rings. It’s dark and cold. Excitement mixes with a touch of apprehension. We meet our guide — essential for this kind of ascent — then drive to the base of the volcano, located around 4,200 meters.

Headlamps strapped on, trekking poles in hand, we begin the climb in the darkness. The slope is steep right from the start. Soon enough, the effort becomes intense. One by one, some show signs of altitude sickness: nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue. But we keep pushing. We encourage each other, moving forward together, slowly but surely.

The Summit of Licancabur: An Unforgettable Moment

Bastien, Steve, and I reach the summit. We hug each other, filled with joy and relief. All around us, mountains and volcanoes stretch as far as the eye can see, forming an incredible panorama. It’s by far one of the most beautiful landscapes I’ve ever witnessed. We sit facing the vastness, still breathless but with light hearts. Silence settles in—no words are needed. The raw beauty of the landscape overwhelms us, and that rare feeling of having experienced something truly extraordinary takes hold. I’m overcome with emotion, tears welling up uncontrollably. Pride, happiness, pushing beyond limits—I’m just so happy.

Marine and Louise arrive shortly after, exhausted but proud. They take a few moments to recover their strength, then are quickly captivated by the view as well. I’m proud of them. This climb wasn’t easy for anyone, but we did it. Together.

The Descent: The Final Challenge

After the euphoria of reaching the summit, it’s time to head back down. And this part turns out to be almost more difficult. The ground is covered in loose volcanic rock, and stones tumble with every step. Behind me, I constantly hear, “Watch out, rocks!” as stones roll rapidly down the slope—it’s pretty frightening.

I decide to start running to avoid the falling debris… but exhaustion quickly takes over, and I keep stumbling. Everyone descends at their own pace, legs shaking, nerves on edge. The only goal: make it back to the car.

After two grueling hours, we finally reach the bottom. We’re drained. But proud.

Climbing Licancabur: An Experience Etched Forever

The ascent of Licancabur is not something to take lightly. It’s a true challenge—both physically and mentally. But it’s also an unforgettable adventure.

What I’ll remember most, beyond the difficulty, is the blend of effort, breathtaking scenery, and shared moments. This summit will remain far more than just a number on a map: it was a suspended moment, lived with the right people, and a powerful reminder of why I travel.

And if you too dream of lunar landscapes, colorful lagoons, and extraordinary experiences, I share all the details of our full itinerary through the South Lipez and Salar de Uyuni in this dedicated article about the 5-day tour.

Manon - Trip Completed in November 2021

First Light over a Lunar Landscape

After several hours of climbing in the dark, dawn begins to break. The outlines of the lagoons below start to appear, bathed in soft light. The colors shift every minute: pink, blue, golden… It’s breathtaking. For a moment, we forget the effort to simply savor the magic of the moment.

Approaching the Summit: When Everything Intensifies

As we near the summit, impatience becomes unbearable. Bastien, Steve, and I can’t wait any longer. We decide to push on ahead, leaving the girls not far behind with the guide. The air grows thinner, my legs feel heavy, and my head aches. But at this point, nothing can stop me. I move slowly but with determination. And then, after seven hours of climbing, the summit finally appears.