Chacaltaya

Understand

Landscape Going up to the mountain you'll see the earth change to every color imaginable, with the towering peaks of Huayna Potosi, Illimani and Mururata seemingly within reach. This is a mining area and the many different metals in the ground makes for the colorful scenery. In the distance you'll see El Alto and La Paz and, on clear days, even Volcan Sajama.

Flora and fauna Domestic llamas, sheep and alpacas are plentiful and makes the otherwise dry and desertlike area come to life. Drive slowly as the animals often tend to jump in front of the car.

Climate Winter is dry and sunny, although it turns very cold as soon as the sun is obscured by the odd cloud or mountain. Summer is wet season with snow and clouds lowering the daytime temperature.

See

From the summit there are great views of the 6,088-metre (19,974 ft) Huayna Potosi. La Paz and El Alto glowing in the night is a spectacular sight if staying overnight. The abandoned mine sites in/around Alto Milluni Miners cemetery and memorial for the victims murdered during the 1965 strike.

Sleep

Putting up a tent is possible, but it might take a while to find a good spot among the rocks. Water is available by melting snow from the glacier or from the refugio. El Alto is the nearest place to stock up on food.

Go next

Walk to Huayna Potosi. Bring full camping equipment and detailed maps from IGM (See Maps under La Paz section). The trek is possible to do in one day with the night spent in refugio Huayna Potosi. If attempting this without gear, be sure to know the way and to be adjusted to the altitude.