Cholitas Escaladoras: Climbing in Skirts

Years ago, the Cholitas were familiar faces on climbing expeditions—but not as climbers. They worked supporting others on their quests to reach the peaks. Watching these adventurers return exhilarated from summits, a question began to take root: why not us? With every expedition, that question grew louder.

One day, they decided to find out.

Without fanfare, they gathered their resolve, borrowed gear, and set out to climb Huayna Potosí, a mountain towering 6,088 meters above sea level. Their first steps were tentative—boots felt unfamiliar, and ice axes seemed awkward—but as the altitude rose, so did their confidence. Step by step, they overcame doubts and the weight of expectations. When they reached the summit, everything changed. That moment ignited a passion for adventure that couldn’t be contained.

Today, they are celebrated as the Climbing Cholitas—a group of extraordinary Aymara women rewriting narratives and conquering not only mountains but also stereotypes. Clad in their traditional skirts and bowler hats, they have become powerful symbols of empowerment and cultural pride. Beyond their well-documented ascents and iconic photos, their journey is rich with inspiring insights that merit attention.

A Journey Rooted in Tradition

To understand the significance of the Cholitas Escaladoras, we must first delve into their heritage. The word cholita refers to Indigenous Andean women, often identifiable by their traditional attire: voluminous skirts (polleras), shawls, and bowler hats. Historically marginalized and stereotyped, cholitas have faced discrimination for decades. Yet, these women have long been the backbone of their communities, embodying strength, perseverance, and resourcefulness.

High Altitudes, Higher Aspirations

Their story gained international attention in 2015 when the group climbed Huayna Potosí, a 6,088-meter peak near La Paz. Dressed in their traditional clothing—a statement of cultural pride—the Cholitas Escaladoras defied the stereotypical image of mountaineers. Since then, they have tackled several peaks, including Illimani, Acotango, and Sajama.

Scaling these heights is no small feat. Mountaineering demands physical endurance, mental fortitude, and meticulous preparation. The ascent of Sajama, Bolivia’s tallest peak at 6,542 meters, is widely recognized as one of the Cholitas Escaladoras' significant achievements. They faced freezing temperatures and unrelenting winds, conditions that made their climb both physically and mentally taxing. 

The Cholitas train rigorously, often balancing their expeditions with familial responsibilities. Their attire, though symbolic, is also practical: the layered skirts provide warmth and mobility. By blending tradition with the demands of modern mountaineering, the Cholitas have created a unique identity that resonates across cultural and geographical boundaries.

A Message to the World

For the Cholitas Escaladoras, their climbs are more than personal triumphs. They represent a powerful message of empowerment, and the dismantling of stereotypes. Historically, cholitas were often confined to roles that left their strength and abilities unacknowledged. By scaling peaks in their traditional attire, they have shattered the stereotype that Indigenous women are limited to domestic or supportive tasks. Their determination and cultural pride have deeply moved onlookers and inspired respect across the mountaineering community.

In 2019, they took their mission global by climbing Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest peak in the Americas at 6,961 meters. This achievement solidified their status as international symbols of female empowerment and cultural resilience.

The Cholitas Escaladoras are more pioneers and ambassadors of change. Their story shows that the human spirit is boundless, capable of transforming challenges into triumphs and inspiring others to rise above societal constraints.

Next time you face a mountain—whether literal or metaphorical—remember the Cholitas Escaladoras. With determination and heart, any summit is within reach.

Thank you Cholitas for sharing your adventures and photos with us.

Follow them on :