The trip starts in the morning around 8.00 to 8.30 when the bus picks you up from your hotel and you begin with a journey through La Paz up to El Alto and onto the altiplano towards the mountain range.  Along the way you will see alpacas and llamas grazing in the hills and views of Huayna Potosi amongst other mountains in the Cordillera Real range. If you wish you can stop off at a local store along the way to buy some coca leaves to chew to help ward of symptoms of altitude sickness.

As you get closer to the mountain you will gradually be gaining altitude and start to feel the temperature falling. Most people feel the effects of altitude to some degree and  it is best to have spent a least a few days in La Paz before trying to go up to these heights. A winding road climbs steeply up the mountain and you will arrive at the 5100 meter refuge after approx 2 hours from La Paz. Putting on all your warm clothes you pay the entrance fee at the lodge and if you wish can climb the last 200 meters up to the top. This sounds easy but every step at this altitude is harder than you expect. The views from the refuge and summit are stunning and this is rare chance to get up this high without mountain climbing and equipment. Illimani and Huayna Potosi are just two of the mountains viewable. Afterwards you can sip a welcome warm drink in the refuge before the bus sets off back towards La Paz and then on to the Valley of the Moon.

Located in the southern zone in the village of Mallasa and parallel to La Paz golf course (the highest tournament standard golf course in the world) the “Valley of the Moon” is landscape of eroded rock and pinnacles with a lunar like appearance.  It can make for interesting photographs and a pleasant walk to view the different formations. Several species of cactus can also be seen.. The tour is usually brief and consists of around a 15 minute guided walk. This area is lower than central La Paz and is much warmer. At the end of the walk there is a good view of La Paz city.

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• Transport in tourist bus
• Pickup from your hotel / hostel in central La Paz
• Bilingual local guide - English & Spanish