Ventanani Glacier hike from La Paz: Private Cordillera Real trek

Three glacial lakes and 9 kilometers of high-altitude solitude in the Cordillera Real

A private high-altitude trek from La Paz to Ventanani Glacier in the Cordillera Real, limited to three people, with 4x4 transport, professional guide and mountain picnic. You hike 9 kilometers across three alpine lakes (Juri Khota at 4,700 meters, Slovenia at 4,900 meters, and Ventanani Glacier Lagoon at 5,010 meters) with views of Huayna Potosí and the snowy peaks of the Bolivian Andes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Ventanani Glacier Hike and Scenic Drive

• Pick up from La Paz at 6:00 AM
• Drive through El Alto city early
• View Bolivian Altiplano and Lake Titicaca
• Take dirt route from Palcoco to Royal Range
• Stop for panoramic photos of Royal Range
• See west face of Huayna Potosí mountain
• Arrive at Juri Khota lagoon (4730m)
• Hike passing Slovenia lagoon (4900m)
• Reach Ventanani Glacier lagoon (5030m)
• Return to La Paz by approximately 5:30 PM

The experience

The day starts at 6:00 AM with pickup from your La Paz hotel in a 4x4 vehicle. The 2.5-hour drive north passes through El Alto and across the Altiplano, skirting Lake Titicaca before climbing into the highlands. You'll see the west face of Huayna Potosí (6,088 meters) as you approach the trailhead at Juri Khota lagoon. The route itself is rocky for roughly 40 percent of the distance, so sturdy hiking boots matter. The operator provides adjustable trekking poles for the steeper sections.

The hike climbs 300 meters over 5 to 6 hours, moving between three lakes in sequence. Juri Khota sits at 4,700 meters. From there the trail crosses to Slovenia at 4,900 meters, then continues to Ventanani Glacier Lagoon at 5,010 meters, where the day's highest point opens views of snowy peaks: Condor Head at 5,800 meters, Austria Peak at 5,330 meters, and the panorama of the Cordillera Real itself. The terrain is moderate to high difficulty, and altitude is the main factor. The operator provides altitude sickness pills if needed and can adjust the pace to your fitness level. A mountain picnic with a traditional Bolivian snack and handmade almond cake breaks the hike midway.

You return to the trailhead by 3:00 PM and arrive back in La Paz by 5:30 to 7:00 PM. The group stays under four people, which means no waiting for slower hikers and no crowds at the lakes. Professional photographs taken during the day are included, as is entrance to the Ventanani Reserve and all communal access fees. The guide speaks English or Spanish and carries liability insurance and safety protocols for high-altitude trekking.

What’s included

• Mountain picnic with traditional Bolivian snack and handmade almond cake.
• professional photographs taken during the hike.
• entrance fee to Ventanani Reserve and communal access fees.
• pickup and return to your La Paz hotel in a 4x4 vehicle.
• adjustable trekking poles.
• specialized local guide in English or Spanish.
• altitude sickness pills and liability insurance if required.

Before you book

Days and timesSaturday and SundayDeparts at 06:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (18 to 55 years) · Senior (56 to 60 years) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6 · max 3 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Explorando Bolivia

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're based in La Paz and want to skip arranging separate transport. The 4x4 handles the 2.5-hour drive to the trailhead, leaving you to focus on the high-altitude hike itself.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years). Children under 14 can't be included in the booking.

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 is the elevation gain on this hike?

The elevation gain is 300 meters, climbing from Juri Khota at 4,700 meters to Ventanani Glacier Lagoon at 5,010 meters. The hike takes 5 to 6 hours over rocky terrain, so acclimatization to altitude and moderate fitness matter more than technical climbing skill.

How long is the drive from La Paz to the trailhead?

The drive takes 2.5 hours in a 4x4 vehicle, departing at 6:00 AM. The route passes through El Alto and across the northern Altiplano, with views of Lake Titicaca and the approach to the Cordillera Real.

What is Ventanani Glacier Lagoon like when you reach it?

Ventanani Glacier Lagoon sits at 5,010 meters and is the highest of the three lakes on the route. From there you can see the snowy peaks of the Cordillera Real, including Huayna Potosí, Condor Head and Austria Peak, with views across the Bolivian Andes.

Does the tour include food and water?

A mountain picnic with a traditional Bolivian snack and handmade almond cake is included midway through the hike. Carry additional snacks and water. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are not provided.

What equipment does the operator provide?

The operator supplies adjustable trekking poles, altitude sickness pills if needed, professional photographs from the hike, and entrance fees to the Ventanani Reserve. Liability insurance is included. You bring your own hiking boots and layers for high-altitude weather.

Is this hike suitable for someone visiting high altitude for the first time?

The operator welcomes hikers with moderate fitness and can adjust the pace to your acclimatization. Altitude sickness pills are available, and the guide has deep knowledge of safety protocols for high-altitude trekking. Children from age 14 are welcome if they have moderate fitness. The operator does not recommend it for travelers with cardiovascular or respiratory conditions.