Pico Austria Tour from La Paz

A full-day guided hike to one of Bolivia’s most accessible high peaks, with panoramic views of the Cordillera Real and the valleys below.

Flexible Booking With Free 48-Hour Cancellation*

“An unforgettable hike with breathtaking views”

Full-Day
Pico Austria Tour

High-altitude adventure to one of Bolivia’s most rewarding day hikes

The Pico Austria tour is one of the most popular full-day hikes from La Paz, offering a perfect combination of accessibility and breathtaking mountain scenery. Starting in the Condoriri area, this route takes you past glacial lakes like Chiar Khota, where the reflection of the surrounding peaks mirrors on the water. As you ascend from 4,500 meters up to the 5,300-meter summit, every turn opens up new vistas of the Cordillera Real and its rugged valleys.

At the top, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Condoriri massif, Juri Khota Valley, and the Ventanani glacier. The journey down follows a scenic alternate route, allowing you to admire the glacier lakes and dramatic mountain landscapes from a different perspective. With a total distance of around 9 km, this hike requires good acclimatization but is achievable in a single day for those prepared for high-altitude trekking.

Join us for a full-day guided Pico Austria tour departing from La Paz and experience one of the Andes’ most spectacular viewpoints in a single day.

Pico Austria Tour Highlights

High-Altitude Summit

Reach 5,300 m on one of Bolivia’s most accessible peaks.

Glacial Lakes

Pass by Chiar Khota and other stunning alpine lakes.

Condoriri Views

Admire the dramatic “Condor’s Head” massif from multiple angles.

Scenic Return Route

Descend along a different trail with new perspectives of the valley.

Full-Day Adventure

A complete 13-hour experience from La Paz and back.

Certified Trekking Guide

Travel with experienced guides who know the terrain and altitude.

Pico Austria Tour Overview & Itinerary

Not all hikes to Pico Austria are the same. Our guided tour takes you beyond the standard tourist trail and onto a more scenic route that reveals perspectives most visitors never see. Beginning in the Condoriri Valley, we follow popular mountain paths past crystalline lakes and up toward the summit, where the jagged peaks of the Cordillera Real unfold in breathtaking scale. Along the way, our expert guides share insights into the Andean landscape, local culture, and the meaning behind names like Chiar Khota, which translates to “black lake” in Aymara.

On the descent, we avoid the typical route and the tourist groups by instead taking an alternative trail that offers sweeping views of the Condoriri massif and its glacial lakes shimmering far below. This unique approach enriches the journey with fresh scenery and ensures a more immersive, less crowded experience. With the comfort of round-trip transport, a hearty packed lunch, and the security of traveling with seasoned local guides, this full-day Pico Austria tour is designed for travellers who want more than just a summit. It is an adventure that feels truly off the beaten path.

Full-Day Pico Austria Tour Schedule:

Hotel Pick-Up: 6 AM
Transportation to Trail Head: Scenic 2 to 2.5 hour drive to Rinconada trailhead.
(Morning) Begin the Ascent: Start hiking at 4,500 m. Pass by alpine landscapes and glacial lakes, including the famous Chiar Khota.
(Mid-Day) Reach the Summit: Arrive at Pico Austria’s 5,300 m peak. Take in panoramic views of the Condoriri massif, Juri Khota Valley, Ventanani glacier, and surrounding mountains.
(Lunch) Meal with a View: Enjoy a packed lunch with incredible views before starting the descent.
(Afternoon) Scenic Descent: Return by an alternative trail with sweeping views of the Condoriri massif and glacier lakes from above.
(Late Afternoon) Return to La Paz: Complete the hike at the pick-up location and take return transportation to La Paz through the mountains.
Hotel Drop Off: 7 PM

What You'll See On This Trek

The Pico Austria tour offers much more than a summit. Along the way, you’ll pass through glacial valleys, shimmering alpine lakes, and some of the most striking views of the Cordillera Real. Each stop along the route adds to the sense of adventure and makes the journey as memorable as the peak itself.

Chiar Kota

Known as the “black lake” in Aymara, this glacial lake sits beneath the Condoriri peaks. On clear days, you’ll see perfect reflections of the surrounding mountains mirrored on its surface.

Condoriri Massif

The centrepiece of the region, this dramatic set of peaks resembles a condor with outstretched wings. The closer you hike, the more impressive its snowcapped ridges appear.

High-Altitude Pass

Before the final push to the summit, the trail crosses a panoramic mountain pass that reveals both the Condoriri Valley and Juri Khota Valley below.

Pico Austria Summit

At 5,300 meters, the peak delivers 360-degree views of glaciers, valleys, and neighboring mountains. It’s one of the most rewarding viewpoints in the entire Cordillera Real.

Scenic Descent & Glacial Lakes

Instead of retracing your steps, the return trail offers a fresh perspective from above, with sweeping views over the Condoriri massif and its glittering glacier lakes.

Customize Your Trekking Adventure!

Looking for something beyond the classic Pico Austria trail? We can design a trekking itinerary that matches your pace, interests, and schedule. From multi-day treks in the Cordillera Real to unique cultural stops along the way, our team creates experiences tailored just for you.

What's Included?

Not Included

Testimonials

Safety on the Pico Austria Tour

Hiking Pico Austria is an accessible adventure, but it does take place at very high altitude in a remote area. With a starting point of 4,500 m and a summit at 5,300 m, good acclimatization is essential before joining this hike. We recommend spending at least two to three days in La Paz or another high-altitude location to adjust before taking this hike.

Our experienced guides are certified and trained in high-altitude safety and will pace the group to ensure everyone has time to enjoy the climb, as well as monitor for signs of altitude sickness. We also provide round-trip transportation, equipped with oxygen tanks in case of emergencies, which means you don’t need to worry about logistics or emergency response. Travellers should be in good physical condition and comfortable walking uphill on uneven terrain for several hours.

What to Bring?

Be prepared for rapidly changing weather in the high Andes. Dressing in layers and packing a few essentials will make your hike more comfortable and safe.

Clothing & Gear:

Other Essentials:

FAQs About
Pico Austria Trekking Tours

How long does the Pico Austria Tour take?

The Pico Austria full-day tour takes about 13 hours in total. We depart La Paz at 6:00 AM, begin the hike around 9:00 AM, and return to the city around 7:00 PM.

How difficult is the Pico Austria Hike?

The hike is considered moderately challenging due to the high altitude. The trail is about 9 km round-trip with a steady ascent from 4,500 m to 5,300 m. Previous trekking experience is not required, but good acclimatization and basic fitness are essential.

Do I need to be acclimatized before the Pico Austria Tour?

Yes. Because of the altitude, we strongly recommend spending at least two to three days in La Paz or another high-altitude location before attempting the Pico Austria hike. This helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

What is included in the Pico Austria Tour?

The tour includes round-trip transportation from La Paz, an experienced trekking guide, and a packed lunch. Travellers need to bring appropriate trekking gear, water, and personal items.

What will I see during the Pico Austria Tour?

Highlights include glacial lakes such as Chiar Khota, stunning views of the Condoriri massif (also called the “Condor’s Head”), high mountain passes, and panoramic summit views over the Cordillera Real.

When is the best time to do the Pico Austria Tour?

The best season for hiking Pico Austria is during the dry season from May to October, when skies are clear and trails are more stable. The rainy season (November to March) is less predictable but still possible with proper preparation.

Can the Pico Austria Tour be customized?

Yes. If you want to combine Pico Austria with multi-day treks in the Cordillera Real or add cultural stops, we can design a custom itinerary tailored to your interests. Reach out to us directly for free travel advice and tour planning.

Pico Austria Tour from La Paz

Full-Day
Pico Austria Tour

High-altitude adventure to one of Bolivia’s most rewarding day hikes