Trek to Glacier Lagoon in Bolivia

The geological wonder known as Glacier Lagoon in the Andean Cordillera Real is one of the highest lakes in Bolivia and in the world. Where Janq’u Uma (‘white water‘ in Aymara) joins with the slightly higher snowy peak of Illampu into one single massif, one finds the lake, with a glacier spilling between the two peaks and into the lake. At this pristine spot, one can admire both the blue waters of the Lake Titicaca and the humid Yungas jungle at the edge of the Amazon. The glacier itself has receded 164 feet in the past three years, so don’t miss your opportunity to see it in all of its splendor before the march of time and climate change further erode it!

Pirwa Travel Service offers 3-day treks to this rarified site. Setting off from La Paz, we head for the mountain hamlet of Sorata (often described as a ‘hiker’s paradise’) along a road rising out of the geographic bowl of La Paz and onto the windy high plains known as the altiplano, a staggering expanse dominating Bolivia’s northern terrain. We’ll wind around Lake Titicaca’s eastern shore before reaching the foothills of the monumental Cordillera Real, whose craggy peaks separate the plains from the steamy Yungas to the east.

Upon our arrival to the sleepy trailhead town of Sorata, with its cobblestone streets, flower and palm bedecked colonial central plaza, and idyllic views, we’ll be close to the trail’s start. The town hugs the side of a large hill, and despite its stunning views of frosty peaks is actually located in a temperate valley. By following an unmarked winding road along small communities for an hour, we’ll arrive at the beginning: Pampacolani.

If you’ve allowed some time for acclimatization upon arriving in La Paz (a must for all travelers), you will find the entirety of the hike is moderate, not too difficult. Embarking on our trail, our first landmark will be Apacheta Pass, from where we’ll continue along a spartantalus slope towards Titisani Mine. We’ll hike 4 to 6 hours (with breaks and lunch) to arrive at the first night’s camp, Chilata Lagoon at 13864 feet above sea level. The name comes from Khotapata, which is Aymara for ‘the lake above’. An itinerant group of healers in the pre-Columbian tradition, the Kallawaya (direct descendants of the Tiwanaku culture) consider this lake sacred, and perform rituals at the site during the full moon.

The following day, after a fortifying rest and warming breakfast, we hit the trail again, following a narrow path and climbing over the moraine walls of accumulated sediment and rock left behind by glaciers, spurred on by expansive views showcasing the cold and flat waters Lake Titicaca, Sun Island (the sacred island to which the Incas traced their mythical origin) the edge of Janq’u Uma peak, and finally, in three to four hours Glacier Lagoon itself will come into view.

Also known as Lichi-Khota, ‘milky-white lake’ in Aymara, it is located at a staggering 16,830 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest lakes in the world. A glacier resting in the saddle between the two mountain peaks, Illampú (21,220ft) and Janq’u Uma (21,092ft), falls upon the shore of the lake, pouring itself into the waters. After enjoying an unforgettable lunch at this pristine site blessed with singular views, we’ll explore the surroundings before setting up camp and spend our second night in the high mountain air under the stars of the southern hemisphere. The next days descent will be easy and quick, while the trip back to La Paz will be filled with enduring memories.

For more information on this and other excursions throughout Bolivia and Peru, feel free to contact Pirwa Travel Service at pirwatravel@gmail.com- one of our experienced travel specialists would be thrilled to help you plan your next adventure!