2019 Bolivia Bouldering

The main aim of the expedition was to develop bouldering in the Valle de las Rocas area by undertaking a number of climbs and documenting the trip to encourage other climbers to visit the area. This involved exploring the area, which currently is not well reported, and completing first ascents of unclimbed boulders, documenting the climbs for future climbers. The group also intended to gain bouldering and expedition experience whilst being environmentally conscious and self-sufficient.

The Valle de las Rocas is in southwest Bolivia in the department of Potosí, within the province of Baldivieso and Nor Lípez. It lies 150km south of the city of Uyuni. The Valle is on the altiplano at an elevation of just under 4000m, where it provides a vast expanse of sandstone rock that is largely unclimbed and entirely undocumented. Although the valley is pleasantly warm during the day, the temperature plummets below freezing at sunset. However, the conditions are excellent for climbing.

The team of ten, comprising nine Imperial students, visited the region in the first three weeks in July 2019. Arriving in the Bolivian capital La Paz, at over 3,500m, allowed the group to acclimatise to the altitude and collect supplies. Two pick-up trucks were hired for the duration of the visit, allowing the group to travel the long distance to Uyuni, once a key mining area, through vast expanses of the arid Puna region grasslands. From Uyuni they travelled to Laguna Negra, to the first camp at Valle de Catal, which provided large drystone walls and breath-taking rock forms cut by ancient waters and ancient winds. Although a very remote area, they did encounter several tourist groups led by helpful guides, who also provided the team with advice. The next stage in the Valle de las Rocas, the group struggled to find a local water source which could be filtered to drink, so had to drive to a local village to fill their containers. However, the area provided three climbing days in a valley filled with thousands of potential rocks.

The following stop was Lost Italy where there were tall rock formations and terrain concealing many guinea-pig burrows that members of the team could not avoid stepping into. Two members ascended a local mountain, 4,990m. Finally, the group visited the local National Park with its amazing scenery of mountains, coloured lakes, a large flock of flamingos, geysers, as well as hot springs, in which the team bathed. Journeying back to Uyuni allowed a visit to marvel at the extensive salt flats, the beautiful sunset, and the absence of light pollution afforded magnificent view of the stars.

Rock type encountered was sandstone with a crisp outer shell which, in some cases, was very hard and made for brilliant climbing. Often though the shell was very flaky and would snap off, exposing the soft inner core of the boulders. The group did suffer injuries and cuts to fingers and hands, however a selection of the boulders they managed to document included Bolivian Crack, grade V3, Fat Africa, V3, FirePit, V1.1, Flexy Arete, V3, Midday Moon, V3, Pale Australians Don’t Need Layer, V5.

In addition to funding provided by the Exploration Board this expedition was supported by the Old Centralians' Trust.