Chacaltaya and the Valley of the Moon offer a remarkable chance to explore Bolivia’s stunning natural landscapes. Standing tall at over 5,300 meters, Chacaltaya Mountain provides an exhilarating hiking experience with panoramic vistas. Meanwhile, the Valley of the Moon captivates visitors with its unique, wind-sculpted rock formations. Though the tour lasts around two hours, it’s an unforgettable adventure for those with reasonable fitness levels. However, those sensitive to altitude may find the experience more challenging. Nonetheless, this tour combines natural beauty and excitement in a way that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Good To Know
- This tour offers shared transportation, a bilingual guide, and admission tickets to explore the Chacaltaya Mountain and Valley of the Moon.
- Chacaltaya Mountain, at an altitude of 5,300 meters, provides breathtaking views, while the Valley of the Moon showcases unique wind-formed rock formations.
- The tour duration is approximately 2 hours, and it is not suitable for those with altitude sickness or limited mobility.
- Chacaltaya Mountain offers 1 hour of exploration, while the Valley of the Moon provides 45 minutes to walk among the rock formations.
- The tour involves challenging road conditions, including bumpy, narrow roads, and requires experienced drivers and reasonable physical fitness from participants.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Overview
The "Chacaltaya & Valley of the Moon" tour provides visitors with the opportunity to explore two iconic natural wonders near La Paz, Bolivia.
The tour includes shared transportation, a bilingual guide, and admission tickets to both Chacaltaya Mountain and the Valley of the Moon. At 5,300 masl, Chacaltaya offers breathtaking views of the Bolivian Altiplano, while the Valley of the Moon features unique wind-formed rock formations.
The tour lasts around 2 hours in total and costs $27.99 per person. However, it’s essential to note that the tour may not be suitable for those prone to altitude sickness or individuals with limited mobility, as the routes can be challenging.
Tour Highlights
Visiting Chacaltaya Mountain, at a staggering height of 5,300 meters above sea level, provides travelers with the chance to admire sweeping views of the Bolivian Altiplano. The tour includes transportation to a certain point, followed by a hike to the summit. Visitors can expect to spend around an hour at the mountain, with admission tickets included.
| Chacaltaya Mountain | Valley of the Moon |
|---|---|
| Height: 5,300 masl | Located south of La Paz |
| Duration: 1 hour | Duration: 45 minutes |
| Included: Admission | Included: Admission |
The Valley of the Moon, located south of La Paz, offers a unique opportunity to explore wind-formed rock formations. The tour includes 45 minutes to walk among these captivating geological wonders, with admission tickets provided.
Location and Duration
This tour takes travelers to two distinct locations – Chacaltaya Mountain and the Valley of the Moon.
The Chacaltaya Mountain, standing at a lofty 5,300 meters above sea level, offers a scenic hike to the summit and breathtaking views of La Paz and the Bolivian Altiplano. The tour includes transport to a specific point, followed by a 1-hour hike with admission ticket included.
The Valley of the Moon, located south of La Paz, invites visitors to explore its unique wind-formed rock formations over a 45-minute duration, also with admission ticket included.
The tour highlights the contrasts of these two remarkable destinations:
- Chacaltaya’s high-altitude challenge
- Valley of the Moon’s otherworldly landscapes
- Varied terrain and road conditions
- Limited accessibility for some travelers
Transportation and Accessibility
Pickup points for this tour vary, with confirmations provided approximately an hour prior.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. It’s also unsuitable for those with serious medical conditions or heart problems. Group size is capped at 15 travelers.
The journey involves bumpy, narrow, and potentially dangerous routes, requiring physical fitness to hike to the top of Chacaltaya Mountain. Descriptions highlight the challenges, including single-track shale roads and steep drops.
This tour isn’t recommended for individuals prone to altitude sickness or with low stamina.
Physical Requirements
The tour isn’t recommended for individuals with low stamina or susceptible to altitude sickness.
The journey to Chacaltaya Mountain involves a hike to the summit at an elevation of 5,300 meters above sea level. This can be challenging for those not accustomed to high altitudes.
The route to the Valley of the Moon also requires a level of physical fitness, as the roads are described as bumpy, narrow, and potentially dangerous.
Travelers should be aware of the following:
- The tour involves strenuous hiking and exposure to high altitudes
- Participants must have a reasonable level of physical fitness
- Those prone to altitude sickness should exercise caution
- The journey can be taxing, with descriptions of challenging road conditions
Road Conditions
According to the overview, the journey to Chacaltaya Mountain and the Valley of the Moon involves traversing bumpy, narrow, and potentially dangerous routes.
The roads are described as single-track shale roads with steep drops, requiring physical fitness to navigate successfully.
Travelers should be aware of the challenging driving conditions, as the tour highlights the challenges faced along the way.
The descriptions emphasize the need for caution and preparedness when embarking on this excursion, as the journey itself can be just as thrilling and demanding as the destinations.
Driving Experience
Navigating the challenging roads to Chacaltaya Mountain and the Valley of the Moon requires experienced drivers. The journey involves traversing single-track shale roads with steep drops, which can be treacherous.
Drivers must be skilled in maneuvering the vehicle through these conditions:
- Narrow, winding roads that often have only one lane
- Steep inclines and declines that test the vehicle’s capabilities
- Unpredictable weather conditions, including sudden snowfall or icy patches
- Potential hazards such as loose rocks or debris on the road
The driving experience is an integral part of the tour, and participants should be prepared for a thrilling, yet potentially nerve-wracking, journey to reach the stunning destinations.
Customer Feedback
Based on the 30 total reviews, travelers have provided a range of feedback on the Chacaltaya & Valley of the Moon tour. The overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 reflects both positive and negative experiences. While many praised the unique rock formations in the Valley of the Moon, some found the ride to be bumpy and challenging. Safety and road conditions were also concerns noted by several participants.
| Rating | Number of Reviews |
|---|---|
| 5 stars | 15 |
| 4 stars | 4 |
| 3 stars | 5 |
| 2 stars | 2 |
| 1 star | 4 |
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
- From La Paz: Huayna Potosi 2-Day Climbing Trip
- City Tour Plus Cable Car La Paz
- Vertical Route, the Highest via Ferrata in America
- Death Road, Bolivia: Mountain Bike Tour on the Worlds Most Dangerous Road
- Full Day Guided Tour in Copacabana and Isla Del Sol
- Cable Car, Cementery, Shaman and El Alto Adventure in La Paz
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Bring for This Tour?
For this tour, one should bring proper hiking shoes, warm layers, sun protection, snacks, water, and any necessary medications. Travelers should also prepare for potentially challenging road conditions and high altitude. Bringing cash for admission fees is also recommended.
Is Photography Allowed at the Sites?
Photography is generally permitted at both Chacaltaya Mountain and the Valley of the Moon. However, visitors should check for any local restrictions or guidelines before taking photos, as these may vary.
Can I Purchase Additional Food or Drinks During the Tour?
Yes, travelers can purchase additional food and drinks during the tour stops. The tour includes snacks, but there are opportunities to buy more at the sites if desired.
How Cold Does It Get at the High Elevation?
It can get quite cold at the high elevation of the Chacaltaya mountain, which reaches over 5,300 meters (17,400 feet) above sea level. Travelers should pack warm layers and be prepared for temperatures that may dip below freezing.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
The tour does not provide restroom facilities along the route. Travelers should plan accordingly, as there are limited stops and opportunities to use the restroom during the excursion.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- Tour in Tiwanaku Archaeological Ruins
- Private Cholets, Andean Architecture of El Alto Tour
- Private 1D 1N Trip From La Paz to Uyuni Salt Flats by Air.
- 2-Day Uyuni Salt Flats – Including Laguna Colorada by Flight From La Paz
- Kitchen 69
- 3 Days 2 Nights Uyuni Salt Flats by Bus From La Paz
- Private Tour: Tiwanaku Archeological Site From La Paz
- Private Tour: La Paz City Sightseeing and Moon Valley
- Copacabana, Island of the Sun (2 Days)
- Full-Day Chacaltaya and Valley De La Luna (Valley of the Moon) Tour
- Bicycle Tour on Death Road
- Death Road in Coroico, Bolivia
- Huayna Potosi 6088m. 2 Day Climb
- Private Palca Canyon Tour From La Paz With Optional Stop at Valle De Las Animas
- Full-Day Chacaltaya and Valley De La Luna (Valley of the Moon) Tour
The Sum Up
The Chacaltaya & Valley of the Moon tour offers an unforgettable adventure for those with reasonable fitness levels. Soaring at 5,300 meters, Chacaltaya Mountain provides stunning vistas, while the Valley of the Moon captivates with its unique rock formations. Though it may be challenging for those sensitive to altitude, this approximately two-hour tour combines breathtaking landscapes and an exhilarating hiking experience, making it a must-do for visitors to Bolivia.