Illimani is the mountain that defines La Paz's horizon — a triple-peaked massif of glaciated rock rising to 6,438 metres southeast of the city. It can be seen on clear days from the mirador at Parque El Montículo, from the southern end of El Prado, from the upper teleférico stations, and from various viewpoints around Sopocachi and Miraflores. The views are best in the morning before the clouds build around the summit.
Climbing Illimani is a serious high-altitude mountaineering undertaking, typically done as a three-day expedition with a guide from the start in Pinaya village. It is not a hike — the approach involves a glacier crossing and the summit altitude is life-threatening without proper acclimatisation. Most visitors are better served by watching from the city. The contrast between the white mountain and the red-brick sprawl of the city below is one of the signature images of La Paz.