Mellow Expeditions - @rosecrome_

For this week's Mellow Expeditions, we spoke to @rosecrome_ about her climb of Huayna Potosí, a 6,088-meter peak in Bolivia. @rosecrome_ shares what it was like to take on the three-day ascent, navigating crevasses and ice walls in the dark, and reaching the summit just as the sun rose over the Andes.

The day before beginning the ascent of Huayna Potosí, a 6,088-meter peak located just outside La Paz, Bolivia, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The climb was structured over three days. After two days of hiking and acclimatising, we arrived at high camp, situated above 5,000 meters. From there, the summit push would begin in the early hours of the morning. The plan was to depart at 1:00 a.m. in order to reach the peak by sunrise. When the time finally came, we geared up in the dark — head torches on, ropes clipped in — and prepared to begin the final ascent toward the summit.

Equipped with crampons, harness, helmet, and ice axes, and connected by rope to both a guide and climbing partner, we began our ascent in the early hours of the morning. Snow conditions were heavy, and head torches provided the only visibility, reflecting off the surface and creating a shimmering effect in the darkness. The route required navigating past large crevasses lined with icicles and included technical sections that involved ice climbing. Progress was slow and measured, dictated by both the challenging terrain and the effects of high altitude. Breathing became increasingly difficult during steep sections, with the thin air requiring frequent pauses to recover.

Each movement had to be calculated both for safety and efficiency as we gained elevation toward the summit. After six hours of steady climbing, our small group of three became the first to reach the summit that morning. Standing at nearly 6,088 meters, with nothing above us but sky, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming — it felt, quite literally, like standing on top of the world. Roughly ten minutes later, the next group arrived, their cheers breaking the stillness. More climbers followed, and the summit quickly became a gathering point for strangers united by a shared effort and achievement.

After about 30 minutes at the top, we began our descent. For me, that was the most memorable part of the experience. The sun had risen by then, transforming the landscape. What had been dark and monochrome was now an endless panorama of snow-covered peaks and light. I descended in silence, in awe of the scale and beauty of the mountains around me. It remains one of the most powerful experiences I’ve ever had.

For those passionate about hiking, South America is a bucket list destination. From rugged mountain ranges to vast highland plateaus, the region offers unparalleled natural beauty and a sense of connection to nature, to others, and to yourself that’s hard to find elsewhere.