Bolivia Travel Experience

A Hiking Adventure to Laguna Charquini!

Located high in the Andes Mountains just outside of La Paz, Laguna Charquini is a relatively unknown tourist attraction. It is surrounded by spectacular snow-peaked mountain views coupled with peaceful natural tranquility. The centerpiece attraction is the beautiful turquoise glacial lagoon at approximately 5000m asl. It is a great escape from the hustle of La Paz and offers an authentic Bolivian Travel Experience. It is very much worth the high-altitude hike!

How to Arrive at the Beautiful Turquoise Glacial Lagoon

Many tours are available from La Paz that can assist you with your Charquini hike experience! The tour we went to picked us up early morning (0630) from the Obelisk in Central La Paz in a minibus. They then drove us to the starting point of the hike. Along the way we stopped at the headquarters of the tour company where you could hire equipment necessary for the environment. After that we stopped at a store in El Alto to pick food and drink supplies.

We then headed to the start of the hike, stopping an amazing lookout point with Huyana Potosi in the background! After that we stopped at the Cementerio de Milluni for some more superb photos and more views of Huyana Potosi! From here we went to the drop off point for the Laguna Charquini hike.

Once receiving a brief from our guide, we commenced the approximate 1000m climb to the Laguna Charquini. Along the way we saw amazing mountainous landscapes and wild animals that made the hike terrific indeed! Although a tough climb, after about an hour or so of hiking along the path we made it to Laguna Charquini! After recovering our breaths from the challenging climb, we were able to savor this beautiful turquoise glacial lagoon.

Nature Immersion at the Beautiful Turquoise Glacial Lagoon

Once arriving to Laguna Charquini, you will most certainly feel a sense of peace and accomplishment. Savor the amazingly unique nature views this spectacular place offers. Relish the sound of silence as you reflect on your journey so far. Plentiful unforgettable photo opportunities can be had at this beautiful turquoise glacial lagoon.

After savoring the moment at Laguna Charquini, it will be time to make your descent along the same way you came. Your hike will be all downhill from here so you will be able to enjoy the views even more! Keep a good lookout for wildlife such as llamas and condors flying above. Once you arrive at the starting point of your hike, the tour minibus will pick you up and take you back to La Paz. At this point, we were quite tired so the bus journey back was a good opportunity to rest after a challenging but rewarding hike!

High Altitude Challenges and Rewards

With Laguna Charquini being at 5000m above sea level, your hiking experience will present physical challenges. Personally, after spending some time at the Lagoon, I had a moderate headache but nothing worse than that. My partner told me that she had similar symptoms and felt tired. She even had a bit of a nap at the Lagoon!

But for those concerned about the high altitude, there are ways you can prepare for the hike. First, I would recommend being acclimatized to the altitude at La Paz (approx. 3600m) for at least a few days before you do the hike. The longer the better. I would avoid arriving to La Paz and the first thing you do is this hike! But as a precaution, the tour guide will carry portable oxygen and first aid equipment on the hike.

Being prepared, well rested and we fed before the hike will maximize the chances that you won’t have any problems. This will give you freedom to enjoy your authentic Bolivian travel experience and all the rewards this will bring!

Further Hikes in the Vicinity of Laguna Charquini

If the beauty of the area inspires you to adventure further, more hiking opportunities are available. Although we did not complete this hike as of yet, the tour company offered another hiking tour to Cima Charquini. It’s a more challenging hike but it offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and glaciers. Go for it if you have a strong sense of adventure and are looking for a challenge!

What you should Bring?

Consider the following items to bring on your Laguna Charquini hike:

• Good All-weather Jacket or Wet Weather Gore-Tex Jacket
• Long Hiking Pants
• Scarf and Beanie
• Gloves and/or Pocket Hand Warmers
• Sturdy Hiking Shoes (The path is rocky)
• Small backpack
• Sunglasses and Suncream
• 2 liters of water
• Snacks

If you don’t have all of these things do not stress. The tour company had everything you need available for hire. The prices were quite cheap, from memory 10bs for gloves or beanie etc.