Huayna Potosí Glacier & Lagoons Trek from La Paz: Private 4x4
Reach two high-altitude lagoons and a glacier in one day from La Paz.
A private 4x4 trek from La Paz to Huayna Potosí's west side combines a drive to Laguna Esmeralda (Charquini) at 4,930 meters with a trek to Maria Lloko Lagoon and the glacier face. The 10-hour day departs at 7:00 am, includes a mountain brunch, and returns by 5:30 pm. A guide speaks English or Spanish. The vehicle, hiking poles, altitude medication and insurance are all provided.
Step-by-step itinerary
Huayna Potosí Glacier and Lagoons Trek
- Depart La Paz at 7:00 am
- Panoramic view of El Alto city
- View Chacaltaya Mountain
- View snowy Huayna Potosí mountain
- Photo stop at Milluni Cemetery
- Visit Emerald Lagoon - Charquini
- Panoramic view at hike start point (4930 m)
- Hike with views of Imilla Apachita and María Lloko
- Trek 4 km to Maria Lloko Lagoon
- Walk 30 minutes to Huayna Potosí glacier (west side)
- Return 4.5 km to starting point
What’s included
- A modern 4x4 vehicle with private transportation.
- a live guide in English or Spanish.
- hiking poles and altitude medication.
- a poncho (optional, with prior coordination).
- mountain brunch.
- tickets to the protected area.
- drone images and photographs (optional).
- and a liability insurance policy.
Times
- Saturday and Sunday 07:00
Before you book
Operated by Explorando Bolivia
Prices and times updated today
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The experience
The 4x4 leaves La Paz at 7:00 am and climbs through El Alto, passing Chacaltaya Mountain on the route north. After 90 minutes of driving, you reach the trailhead at Laguna Esmeralda, where the Cordillera Real spreads across the horizon and Huayna Potosí rises to the south. This first lagoon sits at 4,930 meters. The hike here is moderate, and you'll be among the first to reach it.
From there, the trek continues to Maria Lloko Lagoon, a 4-kilometer one-way walk that passes through an aqueduct and stays easy underfoot. You'll walk with the west face of Huayna Potosí in view and the María Lloko peak (5,522 m) overhead. If the day allows, a 30-minute push from the lagoon reaches the glacier itself at 5,010 meters. The return follows the same route back to the vehicle.
Brunch happens in the mountains between the two sites. The driver provides hiking poles, altitude medication, and a poncho if you want one. The 4x4 is modern and built for rough terrain. Insurance and liability coverage come with the booking. You're back in La Paz by 5:30 pm.
Is this one for you?Choose this private tour if you want early-morning access to two remote lagoons before other groups arrive, with a 4x4 handling the high-altitude terrain while you focus on the scenery.
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Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English and Spanish.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
What's the difference between Laguna Esmeralda and the Maria Lloko Lagoon on this trek?
Laguna Esmeralda (Charquini) sits at the higher trailhead and is the first stop after the drive. The hike there is moderate. Maria Lloko Lagoon lies 4 kilometers further on an easy trail and sits between the María Lloko peak and Huayna Potosí's west face, with the option to push another 30 minutes to the glacier.
How much of this day is driving versus hiking?
The drive from La Paz takes 1.5 hours each way. The trek itself covers about 8 kilometers round trip (4 km to Maria Lloko Lagoon and back, plus the optional 30-minute push to the glacier), with brunch and photo stops built into the day.
What altitude will I be at, and how hard is the hiking?
You'll start at 4,930 meters at the Laguna Esmeralda trailhead. The hike to Laguna Esmeralda is moderate. The trek to Maria Lloko Lagoon is easy. Altitude medication and hiking poles are included, and the guide can adjust the pace to your fitness.
Does the 4x4 pick me up from my hotel in La Paz?
Yes, pickup from your hotel in La Paz is included. The vehicle departs at 7:00 am and returns by 5:30 pm. The guide speaks English or Spanish and will coordinate the exact pickup time with you.
What happens if I can't reach the glacier?
The glacier is optional and depends on how you're feeling at Maria Lloko Lagoon. The 30-minute push is an extra choice, not a requirement. The main trek to Maria Lloko Lagoon is the core of the day, and the guide will help you decide based on your condition.
Huayna Potosí Glacier & Lagoons Trek from La Paz: Private 4x4
10h · EN · ES
from US$ 199 per person
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