Paddling On Top Of The World: Iconic High Elevation Paddling Destinations

Paddling On Top Of The World: Iconic High Elevation Paddling Destinations

Paddling is a sport that can be as relaxing or extreme as you want it to be. It can even be both at once. Kayaking or canoeing at a high elevation is a perfect example of this duality. Enjoying a leisurely paddle at the top of a mountain can be both calming and adrenaline-pumping, and is an activity every paddling lover should seek out at least once.

While higher-altitude lakes and rivers are sometimes harder to reach than other bodies of water, there are a few iconic high-elevation paddling locations that are worth the effort.

Some of the best high-elevation paddling destinations are located in the Andes Mountains, like Lake Titicaca. Huaraz, Peru has incredible high-altitude turquoise lagunas, and Ecuador’s Lake Otavalo is also breathtaking. Juf is a stunning high-elevation town in Switzerland, and lakes in Nepal offer an opportunity to paddle high in the Himalayas. There are also fantastic high-altitude paddling locations in Colorado, and Alberta, Canada.

Reaching a high-elevation body of water and then basking in its serenity is an overwhelmingly rewarding experience. It can also be quite challenging, which is why it’s important to know the high-elevation paddling locations that are worth the effort. This way you only exert the energy required for the most beautiful spots. Below is a list of some of the best and highest bodies of water in the world that are worth paddling in.

9 Incredible High-Elevation Paddling Destinations

1. Lake Titicaca, Peru and Bolivia

Elevation: 12,500 ft

Best Time To Visit: June through September enjoys mild and dry weather, but you can visit this destination throughout the year.

The pinnacle of high-altitude water adventures is located on the border of Peru and Bolivia in the fabled Lake Titicaca. Known as the highest navigable on Earth, it should come as no surprise that this body of water is the top high-elevation paddling destination.

Both the Peruvian and Bolivian sides of this vast Andean lake offer incredible paddling opportunities. On the Peruvian side, you can kayak from the city of Puno to the floating islands of Uros, and paddle in one of the many culturally-significant islands off the coast.

On the Bolivian side, you can experience Isla Del Sol, a sacred island with Incan ruins and stunning views. Lake Titicaca is an incredible vacation destination and an essential stop for any paddling lover who visits Peru.

2. Himalayan Lakes, Nepal

Elevation: Up To 16,000 Feet

Best Time To Visit: The best time to take a paddling trip to Nepal is between September and October when the weather is pleasant and visibility is excellent.

It doesn’t get higher in elevation than the Himalayan Mountains in Nepal. Home to Mount Everest and a handful of the other tallest peaks on the planet, Nepal is a country known for its high altitude way of life.

Many of the lakes in the Himalayan range are difficult to get to and may require several days of trekking. These are also some of the coldest paddling conditions on the planet. Therefore an inflatable paddling vessel may be your best bet to concur these waters.

One important thing to note about Nepal is that many lakes are sacred, and it may be forbidden to enter some of these high-elevation lakes. Ensure you have permission from a guide before you inflate a kayak and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan paddle.

3. Huaraz, Peru

Elevation: Approximately 13,000 ft.

Best Time To Visit: For the best paddling weather, head to this Peruvian adventure capital between May and September, when there is plenty of sunshine. After August, be prepared for stronger winds on the water.

Huaraz was once Peru’s best-kept secret, but this stunning mountain region is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for trekking lovers. Huaraz is loaded with hiking trails, and even glaciers.

With all the snow-capped mountains around it’s no surprise there are dozens of stunning blue lakes. Laguna Paron is the largest of these lakes, and also one of the highest.

You can easily rent kayaks or take a canoe ride by speaking with local villagers who provide this surface. The water might be frigid, but you will be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque blue hue than the waters of Laguna Paron.

4. Lago Pátzcuaro, Mexico

Elevation: 7,200 Feet

Best Time To Visit: Pleasant to visit throughout the year, with the shoulder seasons of spring and fall offering great weather and fewer crowds.

Mexico is home to one of the highest capitals in the world, and it is also no stranger to high-altitude lakes. Lago Pátzcuaro is a magical lake town with lots of paddling opportunities. This lesser-known region has tranquility and natural bliss that make you feel like a world away from nearby Mexico City and Guadalajara. It is also a completely different paddling experience compared to kayaking in the Sea of Cortez.

This is a great paddling escape for those visiting Mexico’s capital, and it is also becoming a popular homecase for American and Canadian expats.

5. Pacific Tarn Lake, Colorado

Elevation: 13,420 ft.

Best Time To Visit: Summer months between June and August make this lake easier to access, and the days are dry, and long.

Pacific Tarn Lake might be small, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in elevation. This Colorado lake is the highest in the United States. While it is not commonly paddled, a few adventure paddlers have hiked to its peak in the Rocky Mountains and then kayaked its waters.

The closest town to Pacific Tarn Lake is Breckenridge, a lovely resort town. If you are looking for an American bucket-list adventure on your next Colorado vacation, consider packing a portable paddling vessel and heading up to the highest lake in America.

6. Lake Tota, Columbia

Elevation: 9,892 ft

Best Time To Visit: All of Columbia enjoys great weather between December and March, and Lake Tota is also pleasant from June to November thanks to its elevation.

Lake Tota is both a high-elevation lake and the largest lake in Columbia. This stunning water basin is home to various islands you can paddle to, as well as charming lakeside towns that feel like a lifetime away from nearby Bogota.

This is a fantastic place to retreat and cool off after a wild and hectic visit to Bogota or Medellin. Several rivers begin at this lake, making your exploration opportunities endless in a paddling vessel.

7. Otavalo, Ecuador

Elevation: 8,307 ft

Best Time To Visit: June through October is the best time to visit Otavalo, as the weather is mild and sunny. August and September, however, can have much windier paddling conditions, and June and July tend to be the ideal months for a trip to Otavalo.

Otavalo is located just over an hour north of Ecuador’s capital, Quito, and is both a natural and cultural hub of the country. Otavalo is known for its snow-capped Imbabura volcano and its bustling weekend market.

There are also several stunning high-altitude lakes in this Andean region, including San Pablo Lake. You can take a guided kayak tour or rent a paddling vessel and explore this lake on your own while enjoying beautiful views of the volcano.

8. Juf, Switzerland

Elevation: 6,975 ft

Best Time To Visit: May Through September for warmer, sunnier weather and pleasant paddling conditions.

When you think of stunning blue waters in the mountains, there is a good chance you are picturing a lake in Switzerland. While many of the more iconic paddling lakes in this beautiful country are located at lower elevations, there are some smaller high-elevation lakes worth exploring.

Juf is the highest-elevation town in Switzerland and has several tranquil bodies of water within its limits, and also nearby. It is a lovely place to enjoy the quiet mountain village aesthetics that Switzerland is known for. It is also a great trekking destination for those who like adventure in and out of the water.

9. Lake Moraine, Alberta

Elevation: 6,181 ft

Best Time To Visit: June through October offers the best and warmest weather for paddling in Lake Moraine.

Alberta has some of the most unbelievably blue glacial lakes in the world, and several of them are at high elevations. While some bodies of water like Lake Louise get the most attention, Lake Moraine is higher than the rest, and just as stunning.

Located within Banff National Park, this lake has pristine waters and equally untouched wilderness surrounding it. It is a great place to paddle at high elevations with your family, as it is generally considered quite safe, especially in the warm summer months. There are even boat rental facilities.

Pro Tip: If you bring your kayak or canoe, consider launching it later in the day. Most kayak rental offices close by 5 pm, so you can have the lake practically to yourself after this time.

Summing Up Top Iconic High-Elevation Paddling Destinations

Paddling at high elevation requires strong lungs and an even stronger sense of adventure. But for those who love combining a bit of trekking with their paddling, there are some jaw-dropping high-elevation lakes worth visiting around the world.

Lake Titicaca is the largest navigable lake in the world and offers incredible paddling on both the Bolivian and Peruvian sides. Other great Andean paddling locations include Otavalo, Ecuador, and Huaraz, Peru. Colorado and Alberta also offer iconic high-altitude paddling opportunities. If you are looking for the pinnacle of high-elevation lakes, however, head to the Himalayas, but make sure you get permission before paddling into one of the many sky-high sacred lakes in Nepal.