The Climbing Cholitas of Bolivia

The Climbing Cholitas of Bolivia

22/05/2023

Do you love adventures and challenges? Can you imagine climbing a mountain over 6,000 meters high wearing your traditional skirt and hat? Well, that's exactly what the cholitas climbers of Bolivia do. They are a group of Aymara women who have shattered stereotypes and become an example of empowerment and bravery.

<<The term "cholitas" is often used derogatorily to refer to indigenous women in Bolivia. However, the work of a group of 14 women who defy sexist beliefs in the region has given a new value to that word.>>

Who are they?

The cholitas climbers are a recent phenomenon that began in 2015 when a group of women working as cooks or porters in mountain camps decided to try their luck and climb Huayna Potosí, a summit of 6,088 meters near La Paz. They successfully achieved it and since then, they have not stopped conquering other mountains, such as Acotango, Parinacota, Pomarapi, and Illimani, all of which are over 6,000 meters high.

But their greatest feat was in 2019 when five of them reached the summit of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America and one of the most challenging in the world. They were the first Aymara women to accomplish this, and they did it wearing their traditional attire: the skirt, the aguayo (shawl), the manta (blanket), and the hat. It was a symbol of their identity and pride.

Cholitas climbing in the snow

The cholitas climbers not only engage in this sport for fun or passion but also for empowerment. They want to demonstrate that indigenous women can achieve whatever they set their minds to and that they don't have to give up their culture or way of dressing. They also aim to inspire other women to pursue their dreams and overcome the obstacles they encounter.

In this blog, we will tell you everything about the cholitas climbers of Bolivia: how they came together, how they prepare, the challenges they face, and their plans for the future. We invite you to get to know these extraordinary women who have made history and who teach us that nothing is impossible with determination and courage.

How did they originate and take shape?

The cholitas trepadoras (climbing women) originated in 2015 when Alicia Quispe, the first woman wearing a traditional skirt (pollera) to reach the summit of Huayna Potosí (6,088 meters), invited her companions to follow her example. She noticed that the men in her community who were involved in tourism worked as guides for tourists who came to explore the mountains of Bolivia, while the women were left behind to take care of the visitors' luggage or perform kitchen tasks.

"Women working in tourism in Bolivia used to be unheard of. When we started climbing the mountains, men would tell us, 'Your fingers will freeze, it's very dangerous, we don't want to take responsibility.' Many criticized us, but after climbing different mountains, we have proven ourselves with our actions,"  recalls Quispe during a video call, wearing her traditional attire and helmet.

Since then, they have climbed six other mountains, including Aconcagua (6,962 meters), the highest peak in the Americas, and their goal for 2023 is Mount Everest (8,848 meters).

The cholitas climbers have formed a supportive and empowered team that aims to inspire other women to push their limits and value their culture. They also have a deep respect for nature and their ancestors, whom they thank for allowing them to reach the summits. The cholitas trepadoras are an example of courage, determination, and pride for Bolivia and the world.

How are they prepare before climbing?

Before climbing a mountain, the cholitas prepare and get ready with great care and discipline. They train their physical and mental endurance, check their equipment and clothing, and gather information about the weather conditions and ascent routes. They also perform ancestral rituals to seek permission and protection. With faith, courage, and joy, the cholitas trepadoras of Bolivia embark on the adventure of conquering the most challenging summits of the continent.

Ritual of Preparation with Coca Leaves

Before starting their climb, they undertake a series of preparations that include:

• Choosing the mountain they want to ascend, considering its difficulty, altitude, and cultural significance.
• Training physically and mentally to face the challenge, practicing on other lower mountains and acclimating to the cold and altitude sickness.
• Obtaining the necessary equipment for the expedition, such as boots, crampons, ice axes, helmets, ropes, tents, sleeping bags, and food.
• Hiring professional guides to accompany and provide guidance during the ascent and descent.
• Performing a ritual ceremony called challa or payment to Pachamama, which involves offering coca leaves, alcohol, and other elements to Mother Earth and the Apus (mountain spirits), to seek permission and protection for climbing the mountain.
• Dressing in their traditional attire, including pleated skirts (polleras), colorful shawls, mushroom-like hats, and gold and silver jewelry, representing their cultural identity and indigenous pride.

In summary, the cholitas climbers of Bolivia prepare themselves physically, technically, and spiritually to face the challenges of climbing a mountain, showcasing their bravery, perseverance, and deep connection with nature.

Cholitas before embarking on their feat

Obstacles to their feats

The cholitas escaladoras of Bolivia face several obstacles during their mountain expeditions. Some of the main challenges they may encounter include:

1. Adverse weather conditions: Bolivia's mountains are exposed to drastic weather changes, including extreme temperatures, strong winds, and unpredictable weather conditions. These conditions can make climbing difficult and increase associated risks.
2. Difficult terrain: Bolivian mountains feature steep, rocky, and slippery terrain, requiring technical climbing skills and good balance. Altitude can also be a challenge, as it can cause oxygen deprivation and altitude-related illnesses.
3. Natural hazards: Cholitas trepadoras must be prepared to face risks such as avalanches, rockfall, and crevasses in glaciers. These hazards require careful route planning and appropriate safety precautions.
4. Stereotypes and discrimination: Although the cholitas trepadoras have challenged gender stereotypes and gained recognition, they may still face discrimination and prejudice within the mountaineering community. Overcoming these cultural and social barriers can be an additional challenge for them.

Despite these obstacles, they demonstrate their strength, determination, and courage in facing them, and they continue to break barriers and pave the way for other women in the world of mountaineering.

Cholitas showing their unity and strength

Their long-term goals and plans

The cholitas trepadoras of Bolivia have several long-term plans aimed at strengthening their position and promoting gender equality in mountaineering. Some of these plans include:

1. Economic empowerment: They seek to improve their economic situation and that of their families through the promotion of mountain tourism. This involves continuing to participate in expeditions and promoting their services as guides and porters, which provides them with income and financial autonomy.
2. Training and skill development: They want to continue training and acquiring technical climbing and mountaineering skills. This allows them to enhance their performance, take on greater challenges, and access leadership opportunities in the mountaineering field.
3. Inspiring other women: They aim to remain an inspirational example for other women, showing them that they can overcome barriers and challenge established gender roles. They seek to encourage the participation of more women in mountaineering and in other activities traditionally considered male-dominated.
4. Awareness and social change: They work to raise awareness about gender equality and the importance of inclusion in mountaineering and society at large. Through their participation in events, conferences, and media platforms, they aim to promote cultural change and break down deep-rooted gender stereotypes.

Their goal is to continue pushing boundaries and demonstrating that women can achieve great things in the world of mountains.

Proud of their country

The cholitas climbers of Bolivia are an inspiring example of courage, determination, and resilience. They have challenged gender stereotypes and conquered mountains, showing the world that women are capable of achieving great feats. Their indomitable spirit and love for nature drive them to overcome obstacles and reach new heights. The cholitas trepadoras are a symbol of empowerment and a reminder that there are no limits for those who dare to dream big. Their legacy will endure, inspiring future generations to pursue their own dreams and challenge established norms. In a world where gender equality is a fundamental goal, the cholitas trepadoras teach us that the sky has no limits, and together we can conquer any summit.

Cholita defying altitude and cold