Location and surroundings
Chearoko belongs to the Andes system, within the Central Andes, Eastern Cordillera, and the Royal Cordillera. It is in Bolivia, in La Paz region, Provincia Larecaja, Municipio Guanay. At 6,127 m it is one of the high ice-clad summits of the northern Cordillera Real, with broad alpine slopes and ridges above the glacier line. Nationally it is the 9th highest named peak, so it belongs to the upper tier of Bolivian mountains.
Neighbouring peaks
- Nevado Quelluani — 5,828 m, 2.4 km south.
- Nevado Chachacomani — 6,076 m, 4.3 km southeast.
- Cerro Tiara — 5,296 m, 4.8 km southwest.
- Chearoco — 6,127 m, 4.9 km northwest.
- Patapatani — 5,452 m, 5.2 km south.
- Wari Umaña — 5,264 m, 5.8 km south.
- Cerro Calzada — 5,874 m, 6.8 km northwest.
- Abra Calzada — 4,780 m, 6.8 km northwest.
These nearby summits and the pass show how tightly packed the range is. Chearoko rises above most of its immediate neighbours, though Nevado Chachacomani is close in height and the higher giants of the Cordillera Real lie farther northwest.
The view from the summit
From Chearoko, the highest peaks within 25 km are concentrated to the northwest. Nevado Ancohuma reaches 6,427 m and lies 18.4 km away; Nevado Illampu is 6,368 m at 21.6 km; Pico del Norte is 6,070 m at 21.8 km. Also in that direction are Cerro Piramide at 5,907 m, Kasiri at 5,850 m, and Nevado de Casiri at 5,828 m. The skyline is therefore dominated by the main high massif of the northern Royal Cordillera.
The range
Chearoko is part of the Royal Cordillera, whose highest peak is Pico Sur at 6,462 m, about 102 km to the southeast. The range contains 312 named peaks and spans the high Andes of Bolivia. Chearoko ranks 6th by elevation in this range, which places it among the leading summits but below the very highest points of the cordillera. Its prominence and isolation also make it a distinct mountain rather than a minor shoulder of a larger massif.
Climbing routes
The easiest line is the normal route south, graded PD+ on the alpine scale with engagement IV. It gains about 1,000 m and is usually climbed in 4 days from the south. The southwest face is harder at AD, also with engagement IV, the same height gain and time, but on steeper SW terrain. The most demanding listed line is the west goulotte, graded D+ with engagement V, about 1,100 m of ascent in 4 days, on W, S and SW aspects.
Access and starting points
The mountain is in the Guanay area of Larecaja Province, in the northern part of the Cordillera Real. Sorata is the usual starting town for climbs in this sector, and approaches from there lead into the high valleys and glacier country north of La Paz. The terrain around Chearoko is remote and high, so access is normally by road and then on foot, with the final approach depending on the chosen line and season.
Climate and weather
Climate estimates from NASA POWER data suggest that the summit is below freezing all year. The warmest month is November, at about -4 °C, and the coldest is June, at about -7 °C. Around the mountain, annual precipitation is about 800 mm, with the wettest month in January at about 150 mm and the driest in June at about 15 mm. Expect snow, wind, strong sun, and rapid weather changes.
Best time to visit
There are no months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit, so the climb is always a cold high-altitude effort. The drier period is the better window, especially around June and the other low-rainfall months, when snow and storm activity are usually reduced. In the wetter season, fresh snow, cloud, and unstable conditions can make the glacier and upper slopes more difficult. Even in the dry months, early starts and careful timing are important.
Nature and wildlife
Chearoko sits in a high Andean glaciated landscape of rock, ice, scree, and snowfields. Vegetation is sparse at these elevations, with hardy puna plants lower down and little growth near the summit. Wildlife in the wider region can include Andean birds and camelids in lower terrain, but the upper mountain is mainly a cold, exposed alpine environment. The main natural hazards are crevasses, hard snow, loose rock, and strong ultraviolet exposure.
Guides and organised ascents
For a 6,127 m peak with glacier travel and technical sections, a certified mountain guide is sensible unless you already have strong alpine experience. In Bolivia, the national guide body is the Bolivian Mountain and Trekking Guides Association (AGMTB), an IFMGA/UIAGM member. Visitors also commonly look to established operators such as Climbing South America in La Paz and Bolivian Journeys. Guided trips usually cover logistics, route finding, glacier safety, and equipment planning.
Safety and preparation
Chearoko demands acclimatisation, glacier travel skills, and the ability to move efficiently at very high altitude. Crampons, rope work, and crevasse awareness may be needed depending on the line and season. Weather can change quickly, and the cold remains severe even in the drier months. For mountain rescue in Bolivia, the emergency number is 110 for police; ambulance is 118, and 911 is also listed as a universal number.
History and name
Chearoko was first climbed on 25 June 1928 by Erwin Hein, Alfred Horeschowski, Hugo Hoertnagel, and Hans Pfann. The name is linked to Aymara roots often explained through ch'iyara meaning black and juqhu meaning muddy place. The mountain’s name is related to nearby local names and to the Ch'iyar Juqhu river that begins near the mountain.
Interesting facts
Chearoko is 6th highest in the Royal Cordillera and 9th highest in Bolivia. Its parent peak is Ancohuma, and its topographic isolation is 18.4 km. The nearest key col is at 5,049 m, giving it a prominence of 1,055 m. In the wider northern Cordillera Real, it sits between Qalsata to the northwest and Chachakumani to the southeast, which helps place it within the main chain of high glaciated summits.
FAQ
How high is Chearoko? It rises to 6,127 m above sea level.
Where is Chearoko located? It is in Bolivia, in La Paz region, Provincia Larecaja, Municipio Guanay, in the Royal Cordillera of the Andes.
What are the nearest peaks? The closest listed neighbours are Nevado Quelluani 2.4 km south, Nevado Chachacomani 4.3 km southeast, and Cerro Tiara 4.8 km southwest.
How hard is it to climb Chearoko? The easiest listed route is the south normal route at PD+ with engagement IV. The southwest face is AD, and the west goulotte is D+ with engagement V.
Is there water on the way to Chearoko? On the upper mountain you should expect snow and glacier melt rather than reliable running water. Carry about 1.5-3 litres for a day, more if the approach is long or the weather is warm, and treat any meltwater before drinking.
Are there huts on Chearoko? OpenStreetMap shows no hut or shelter within 2 km of the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
How long does it take to climb Chearoko? The listed routes are usually climbed in about 4 days, whether you take the normal south route, the southwest face, or the west goulotte.
Is mobile phone coverage likely? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. On an open summit it may be possible, but deep valleys and ridges often block the signal. Download maps before setting out, and remember that 112 reaches emergency services over any available network.