Mt Huayna Potosi (6088m / 19,975ft) dominates views of the Zongo valley and is the closest 6000m peak to La Paz. It's accessibility and the fact that the normal route is relatively non technical by mountaineering standards makes it the most popular peak in Bolivia for climbing. The north summit is slightly higher than the south and was first climbed in 1919 by the Germans R. Dienst and O. Lhose. Two 19th century expeditions failed to reach the summit, the first attempt in 1877 ended in tragedy and all 6 members were killed (4 at 5600m, the other 2 of exhaustion having nearly descended the mountain). Most people climb the North Peak; the main route up the South Peak is the harder and steeper French Route / Ruta Frances.
