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They Climb in Skirts… I Tried to Keep Up

Author(s): National Geographic & Eva Zu Beck
Video Release Date: December 30, 2025
Video Source: YouTube

Journey into the freezing Andes mountains of Bolivia with Eva zu Beck, and meet the Climbing Cholitas, a group of Indigenous women on a mission to reclaim their power. One climb at a time, they endure tough routes at extreme altitudes, all while wearing traditional pollera skirts as an act of resistance. Eva grabs an ice pick and crampon to join them on a challenging trek through the Condoriri Glacier with hopes to harness their confidence and overcome her fear of heights. Experience the ultimate display of female empowerment and cultural heritage as Eva learns how these mountain climbers defy the odds of gravity, challenge social norms, and change the narrative of what it means to be an Indigenous woman in a conservative society.

The best seller used by outdoor programs across the country as a resource and textbook. 

Available in paperback, E-book, and now as an Audiobook at Amazon.com