Details
Chacaltaya - Although known as the highest “ski resort” in the world it is rare to see anybody on the slopes nowadays as the glacier has receded rapidly in recent years due to climatic changes. The 5380 meter mountain is still a fantastic day trip from La Paz and its location provides stunning views over the Cordillera Real, over to Lake Titicaca and back towards the cities of El Alto and La Paz. This is a chance to get the views that mountaineers get without doing all the climbing. Also a visit to Chacaltaya is an opportunity to witness first hand the devestating effects of global warming on our planet.
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 where Chacaltaya sits. 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 - Chacaltaya is some 1700 meters higher than La Paz!
As you get closer to Chacaltaya 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 Chalcaltaya Ski 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 of Chalcaltaya 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.
Valle de la Luna – 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.
For those interested here is a video report on the disappearence of the Chacaltaya glacier
INCLUDED IN TOUR
- Transportation and pick up from your central Hotel or Hostel
- Guide - English and Spanish speaking
NOT INCLUDED IN TOUR
- Entrance Fees - 30bs total
- Travel Insurance
- Water / extra beverages
- Meals and snacks
- Sunglasses & Sun cream
- Insect Repellent
- Tips for guides
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This tour goes up to an Altitude of 5300 meters (17388 feet) so it is essential that you are acclimatized at least for a couple of days to altitudes above 3000 meters. You do not have to be extremely fit for this tour though as the walking is optional and at an easy level..
GROUP SIZES
There is a requirement of a minimum of 6 people booked in order for this tour to be confirmed so we do not guarantee departures until that amount has been reached.
HOW TO BOOK
Simply fill in the required details in the form boxes at the bottom of this page and when completed click "add to cart". Your product should appear in the mini cart on the right hand side and you can then continue shopping for more products or go to checkout by clicking on the "checkout" link at the top right hand section of the page
IMPORTANT
YOU MUST PROVIDE DETAILS FOR EACH PASSENGER THAT YOU ARE BOOKING FOR AND ALSO ENSURE THAT YOU CHANGE THE QTY BOX TO SHOW THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF PASSENGERS THAT YOU ARE BOOKING FOR. IF YOU PROVIDE ANY INCORRECT DETAILS YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL CHARGES THAT MAY ARISE DUE TO THIS. IF YOU DO NOT SUPPLY ALL THE REQUIRED INFORMATION THERE MAY BE A DELAY IN PROCESSING YOUR ORDER AND WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR PROBLEMS THAT ARISE DUE TO THIS.
