A Perfect Guide to a Day Trip from La Paz to Chacaltaya & Moon Valley

Are you planning a visit to La Paz, Bolivia and looking for an interesting day trip idea that is both educational and nature oriented? Then a daytrip from La Paz to Chacaltaya & Moon Valley is the perfect plan for you! In this guide, you will find all the information necessary for an adventurous trip to the charming mountain town of La Paz.

What to See in Chacaltaya & Moon Valley

Chacaltaya & Moon Valley is the ideal spot for a multitude of activities and sightseeing options. Located at the foot of Mount Chacaltaya, Moon Valley is made up of stunning red-rock formations and caves, creating an impressive landscape that you can explore during your journey. In the area you can take a mini train ride, ride a privately-owned donkey (locally known as “burite”) and explore a cave network. There are also multiple look-out points and places of historical interest such as the Plaza de Armas and the old San Pedro de Tiquina Church.

What to Expect During Your Trip

The journey will begin with a pickup from your hotel in La Paz at around 9:00 am. After that, the first stop of the day will be at Mount Chacaltaya, where you will have time to explore its various lookouts and historical sites. After that, you’ll head to Moon Valley, where you will take a train ride, explore the caves and visit different look-out points. The bus ride from La Paz to Chacaltaya & Moon Valley should take around two hours, depending on the traffic and speed of the bus.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Chacaltaya & Moon Valley is during the dry season, which usually falls between October-April. However, it is important to note that in Bolivia, weather can be unpredictable. In months like September and May it can be raining and wet, making it difficult to hike or take pictures.

What to Bring

During your trip it is important to be prepared for any type of weather. You will want to bring items such as lightweight clothing, a hat and sunscreen. You will also want to bring comfortable shoes (such as hiking boots or sneakers) that can handle rocky terrain. Since the sun can be quite strong during the day, sunglasses are also recommended. Lastly, you will want to bring a bottle of water and snacks to keep your energy level up throughout the excursion.

How Much Does it Cost?

The cost of a day trip from La Paz to Chacaltaya & Moon Valley typically ranges between $60-80 USD per person, depending on the number of people in your party and other variables such as discounts or travel challenges. Booking your ticket online through trusted companies such as GetYourGuide or other well established companies can help ensure the best value for your money.

Tips for Visiting Chacaltaya & Moon Valley

When planning your trip to Chacaltaya & Moon Valley, it is important to have realistic expectations about what type of activities you can do while there. Since the journey is only a day trip, it may not be possible to do everything that you want to do in such a short period of time. It is best to plan ahead by researching different activities beforehand and picking a few key places to focus on instead of trying to do too much in one day. This will make it easier to manage your time and enjoy your visit more. Additionally, be sure to pack light and bring only essential items with you so that you do not carry too much weight while exploring.

Summary

Chacaltaya & Moon Valley offers stunning views and an abundance of activities for tourists visiting La Paz. At this stunning area of natural beauty, there are plenty of things to explore and activities available such as mini train rides, exploring caves and visiting local historical sites. Although it is best to visit during the dry season (October- April), taking care when exploring due to the unpredictability of the weather is essential. Additionally, it is important to keep expectations realistic as even on a full day trip, it may not be possible to see everything there is to see in the region. If you are looking for an exciting day trip from La Paz, then Chacaltaya & Moon Valley should definitely be on your list! Be sure to book your tickets through reliable websites such as GetYourGuide in order to get the best value for your money. Enjoy your travels!