Illimani, Mountain summit in Cordillera Real, Bolivia

Illimani stands at 6,438 meters as the highest peak in the Cordillera Real and dominates the skyline above La Paz and El Alto with its four distinct summits. The mountain displays steep rock faces, sharp ridges, and snow-covered peaks that characterize the rugged terrain of the Bolivian Andes.

British climber William Martin Conway completed the first recorded ascent in 1898 with Italian guides J.A. Maquignaz and L. Pellissier. This expedition marked a turning point in European exploration of South America's highest peaks.

Aymara speakers call the mountain an apu, a tutelary spirit guarding La Paz and the balance between the Altiplano and the Yungas valleys. The name's etymology is uncertain: one reading combines illi (light) and mani (place), "place of light"; others give Illemana (where the sun rises) or Jillimani (eldest son). Aymara names mark the summits: Khunu Urucuncu (snow bear) on the left, Chapa Punku (gate of foam) in the centre, Khunu Chaubiri (snow lookout) on the right.

Climbing requires snow and ice experience plus safe navigation on frozen slopes, best attempted during the dry season from May to October. Visitors should plan several days at high altitude and travel with mountain guides, as conditions can become dangerous quickly.

Eastern Air Lines Flight 980 struck Illimani in 1985 while beginning its descent along the cordillera, killing all 29 people aboard. Wreckage lies high on the mountain, and the accident is the deadliest aviation incident recorded on the peak.