About this tour
When Saskia from the Global Hobo crew did this private glacier hike in Bolivia's Cordillera Real, she found herself almost alone on the high Andes. You're collected from La Paz at 6 AM, driven 2.5 hours into serious mountain terrain, then hiked 9 km across three alpine lakes to Ventanani Glacier at 5,010m. It's 11 hours door-to-door, moderate difficulty, and capped at just three people per trip — the opposite of the crowded peak-bagging circus you'll find elsewhere. The lakes are genuinely pristine, the guide knows the terrain well, and you get photos without having to fiddle with a camera on your own.
Highlights
- Three alpine lakes in one push, each higher than the last
- Ventanani Glacier Lagoon at 5,010m — genuinely remote and quiet
- Private group cap keeps it intimate and lets you set your own pace
- Local guide handles safety, altitude, and route knowledge
- Professional photographer along means you're actually in your own shots
- 4x4 pickup means no sketchy minibus transfers at dawn
- Mountain picnic with real Bolivian snacks, not sad bread rolls
What to expect
You'll be picked up from your La Paz hotel at 6 AM — early, but the drive takes 2.5 hours and you need daylight on the high ground. The road climbs steeply into the Cordillera Real, switchbacking past smaller settlements. When you arrive at the trailhead, your guide gears you up with trekking poles and briefs you on altitude and pace. The hike itself unfolds gently at first, then steepens as you gain elevation. You'll pass Juri Khota (4,700m) and Slovenia (4,900m) before pushing to the glacier lagoon. The air thins noticeably; if you're not accustomed to high altitude, you'll feel it. The guide watches for symptoms and carries altitude pills if needed. Around midday you stop for a picnic — traditional Bolivian snacks and cake — and the photographer captures you looking knackered but happy against the glacier. By 3 PM you're heading back; return to La Paz around 5:30 PM.
What travellers say
- Solitude on high-altitude terrain — no queues or crowds
- Small-group cap keeps pace personal and unhurried
- Local guide with deep Cordillera knowledge and safety focus
- Professional photographer included — frees you from camera duty
- 4x4 transport handles rough mountain roads reliably
- Flexible routing if you want to adjust for fitness level
- Altitude sickness real risk — not suitable for poor cardiovascular health
- Early 6 AM start and 11-hour full day suits early risers only
- Meals not included — bring substantial snacks for energy
- Weather at 5,000m unpredictable — conditions can change fast
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
You're hiking alone (or with two mates max) in an area that sees almost no tourist traffic — the landscape doesn't look trampled or worn. The guide is experienced with the terrain and safety protocols, and the operator offers custom routes if your fitness level warrants it. Having a photographer means you get actual candid images instead of selfies. Poles are provided, insurance is sorted, and they'll supply altitude tablets if you need them.
This is high-altitude trekking; you need real cardiovascular fitness and experience with thin air. Not suitable if you have spinal issues, asthma, heart problems, or are pregnant. The early 6 AM start is non-negotiable. Breakfast, lunch, and main meals aren't included — you'll want snacks. The walk is 5–6 hours of continuous uphill; it's graded moderate but the altitude makes it harder than sea-level moderate. Weather on the Andes can flip fast. You'll need warm layers, waterproofs, and proper hiking boots. Group size is capped at three, so book ahead.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.