| Chacaltaya | |
 | |
| State | Bolivia |
|---|---|
| Region | La Paz Department |
| Mountain range | Cordillera Real, Andes |
| Height | 5,421 m a.s.l. |
To know
Until a few years ago, Chacaltaya was a winter sports center 25 km from the capital which also boasted the record as the highest ski resort in the world. Currently, due to global warming that has resulted in the almost total retreat of the glacier, the Chacaltaya massif remains a convenient day trip from La Paz to enjoy the landscape from an altitude of over 5,000 m.
When to go
Due to the presence of the university astronomical observatory, the road to Chacaltaya is kept open and active all year round. However, as with any excursion to Bolivia, it is advisable to avoid the rainy season (November-February). In particular, the road leading to Chacaltaya from the capital is paved only up to El Alto. During the rainy season it is not advisable to tackle the route due to the high risk of getting stuck in the mud.
In every season it is advisable to bring warm clothes, a hat and sunscreen. Given the altitude, above 5000 m, it is in fact possible to get burned even in the event of an overcast sky. For the same reason, the temperature can drop suddenly.
Territories and tourist destinations
How to get
The excursion is suitable for anyone.
By car
In fact, it is possible to reach the refuge of the Bolivian Andean Club[link not working] via a carriage road. From the refuge, the ascent to the top is just over a hundred meters in altitude.
One option is to contact one of the many travel agencies of La Paz to organize a transport. Make sure they secure a four-wheel drive vehicle.
Alternatively, you can contact the Andino Boliviano Club which can arrange transport. It is certainly a good idea to call a few days in advance to book as the Club often tries to travel with full capacity vehicles.
By bus
From La Paz there is no direct public transport to Chacaltaya.
How to get around
What see
Itineraries
The journey towards the Chacaltaya massif offers splendid views to hikers, who can wander across the plateau, from Chacaltaya to Huayna Potosí and to Zongo Valley, another very popular destination for mountaineering and hiking enthusiasts.Reaching the end of the road, after a series of hairpin bends and beyond the University Research Center, is the refuge of the Bolivian Andean Club, which offers the possibility of hot meals and drinks.From the parking lot of the refuge you reach the summit with an ascent of about 100 meters in altitude. The refuge asks hikers for an offer for the maintenance of the station.
Given the altitude and the fact that you have probably arrived by car, it is advisable to tackle the climb to the summit, without any technical difficulty, with particular attention. The altitude of over 5000 m is in fact felt and it is advisable to drink frequently and take breaks even very close.
What to do
Shopping
Where to eat
Where stay
For those who are not afraid of prohibitive temperatures, there is the possibility of contacting the headquarters of the Bolivian Andean Club in La Paz [1][link not working] to organize the overnight stay.
Safety
How to keep in touch
Around
Other projects
Commons contains images or other files on Chacaltaya
