Dressed in their colorful skirts and long black braids, the Cholitas Escaladoras Bolivianas have transformed the face of mountaineering. This group of indigenous Aymara and Quechua women, from El Alto and La Paz, decided to challenge prejudice and difficulties to conquer the highest peaks of the Andes and beyond.

Many began as cooks or porters in expeditions, but soon felt the desire to be protagonists rather than background figures. With determination and pride, they have climbed some of Bolivia’s symbolic mountains — including Huayna Potosí, Illimani, and Aconcagua — bringing both their strength and their culture to the summits.

In 2023, they wrote a new chapter of their story with the ascent of Mont Blanc,
proving that roots and identity can become a source of strength even on Europe’s highest peaks.