Chacaltaya and Moon Valley offer an exhilarating day of exploration in Bolivia. Visitors can challenge themselves with a 1-hour hike to Chacaltaya’s summit, where they’ll be rewarded with stunning views and remnants of a once-thriving glacier. Afterwards, they’ll embark on a 1 to 1.5-hour walk through the otherworldly landscapes of Moon Valley, known for its unique rock formations. With private transportation, a bilingual guide, and a hearty lunch included, this immersive experience promises unforgettable memories. Though the tour may sound straightforward, there’s more to discover about this captivating destination.
Good To Know
- The tour offers a combination of visiting Chacaltaya mountain, with an ascent to its summit, and exploring the unique rock formations of Moon Valley.
- The tour duration is 8 hours, with private transportation and a bilingual guide, providing a comfortable and informative experience.
- Chacaltaya mountain, at over 17,000 feet, offers breathtaking views and a challenging 1-hour hike to the summit, while Moon Valley showcases remarkable erosion-sculpted landscapes.
- The tour includes entrance fees, a hearty lunch, and amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey, with consistent 5-star reviews.
- The tour requires a moderate fitness level and is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart issues, with private transportation and timely departures from La Paz.
Tour Overview
This tour offers visitors a chance to explore two of Bolivia’s most captivating natural wonders – Chacaltaya Mountain and Moon Valley.
Over 8 hours, travelers are treated to private transportation, a bilingual guide, and a tasty lunch. The tour departs daily at 8 AM from central La Paz, ending at 4 PM.
Highlights include a 1-hour hike to the summit of Chacaltaya, where travelers can admire the Cordillera Real, and a 1 to 1.5-hour walk through Moon Valley’s unique rock formations.
With consistent 5-star reviews, this tour is a must for adventurous travelers seeking an immersive experience in Bolivia’s stunning landscapes.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in El Alto.
Inclusions
The tour includes private transportation, a bilingual guide fluent in both Spanish and English, a hearty lunch, and necessary entrance fees to Chacaltaya and Valle de la Luna.
| Inclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Private |
| Guide | Bilingual (Spanish – English) |
| Meals | Lunch |
| Fees | Chacaltaya (15 Bs) Valle de la Luna (15 Bs) |
These amenities ensure a comfortable and informative journey, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the natural wonders of Chacaltaya and Moon Valley without the hassle of logistics.
Chacaltaya Mountain
Chacaltaya Mountain is the highlight of the tour, offering a thrilling 1-hour walk to the summit.
At an altitude of over 17,000 feet, the mountain provides breathtaking views of the Cordillera Real mountain range. Visitors can marvel at the stark, lunar-like landscape and the remnants of the once-thriving Chacaltaya glacier.
Along the way, the bilingual guide shares insights into the mountain’s history and geology. The challenging ascent requires a moderate level of physical fitness, but the reward of standing atop Chacaltaya is well worth the effort.
This unique experience allows travelers to enjoy Bolivia’s stunning high-altitude environment and appreciate the country’s natural wonders.
Moon Valley
Following the visit to the majestic Chacaltaya Mountain, the tour takes visitors to the captivating Moon Valley.
This unique geological destination is known for its remarkable rock formations, created by centuries of erosion. The 1 to 1.5-hour walk through the valley offers visitors:
- Breathtaking views of the otherworldly landscape
- Opportunities to explore the intricate, sculpted rock formations
- A chance to enjoy the lunar-like environment
The Moon Valley provides a striking contrast to the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real, offering a truly remarkable and memorable experience for all who visit.
Additional Information
Confirmation is received upon booking this tour, which is not wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed, but the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems and serious medical conditions. A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour involves a 1-hour walk to the summit of Chacaltaya Mountain and a 1 to 1.5-hour walk through the unique rock formations of Moon Valley.
| Tour Suitability | Chacaltaya | Moon Valley |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnant Travelers | Not Recommended | Not Recommended |
| Heart Conditions | Not Recommended | Not Recommended |
| Serious Medical Conditions | Not Recommended | Not Recommended |
| Moderate Fitness Level | Required | Required |
| Service Animals | Allowed | Allowed |
Reviews
The tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with all 6 reviews awarding it a 5-star rating.
Customers have praised the experience, with one reviewer noting the "exhilarating" feeling of reaching the summit of Chacaltaya under light snow.
Another reviewer described the tour as "excellent", commending the attentive guides and the fulfillment of all contracted services.
- 100% 5-star ratings
- "Reaching the summit of Chacaltaya under light snow was exhilarating." – Jose_T, Mar 2023
- "Excellent activity, attentive guides, fulfilled all contracted services." – DeniseGabriela_D, Jan 2022
Booking and Cancellation
Customers can book the Chacaltaya + Moon Valley tour on the tour operator’s website or by contacting them directly. Confirmation is received at the time of booking.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed. It’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart problems or serious medical conditions, as a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
Cancellations can be made, but policies may vary, so customers should check with the tour operator for specific details.
Getting There
Although the tour departs daily from central La Paz, travelers should plan to arrive at the designated meeting point by 8:00 AM to ensure a prompt start.
The tour includes the following transportation details:
- Private transportation provided throughout the tour
- Pickup and drop-off from central La Paz locations
- Timely departures to make the most of the 8-hour itinerary
Given the tour’s remote destinations, arriving on time is crucial to fully experience the highlights of Chacaltaya Mountain and Moon Valley.
With a bilingual guide to lead the way, travelers can expect a seamless and efficient journey from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?
This tour may not be suitable for families with young children. The itinerary includes a 1-hour walk to the Chacaltaya summit, which could be too strenuous for younger kids. Plus, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for pregnant travelers.
Can I Book the Tour With a Private Group?
Yes, the tour can be booked as a private group. The tour operator offers private transportation and a bilingual guide, and the tour is suitable for small or large private groups.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Travelers can request additional time to explore the sites in more depth or add other nearby attractions to the itinerary for an additional fee.
Will the Tour Be Canceled in Case of Bad Weather?
The tour won’t be canceled due to bad weather. However, the itinerary may be adjusted or certain activities modified based on the conditions to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the participants.
Can I Customize the Itinerary Based on My Preferences?
The tour operator likely allows some flexibility to customize the itinerary based on traveler preferences, though major changes may not be possible. It’s best to discuss any desired modifications directly with the tour provider prior to booking.
The Sum Up
The Chacaltaya + Moon Valley tour offers an unforgettable adventure, combining a challenging hike to the summit of Chacaltaya with an exploration of the otherworldly landscapes of Moon Valley. With private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a hearty lunch included, this immersive experience promises to create lasting memories for visitors to Bolivia.