From La Paz: Day Trip to Chacaltaya & Moon Valley in La Paz

Are you planning a visit to La Paz? Are you looking for an amazing day trip that offers something special and unique? Then the Chacaltaya and Moon Valley day trip in La Paz is just for you!

This stunning excursion takes you on a journey deep into the sacred lands of the ancient Inca Empire, discovering serene valleys and snow-capped peaks from the magical Chacaltaya Mountain. Prepare to explore these realms through a self-guided tour, learning about the fascinating culture and history that make these mysterious lands so remarkable. Along the way, you will also visit the Moon Valley, where you can appreciate the peculiarities of the diverse and mesmerizing Bolivian landscape, uninterrupted for centuries.

In this article we’ll tell you all you need to know to get the most out of your Chacaltaya and Moon Valley day trip in La Paz. Be warned that this is a tough but rewarding expedition! From getting there to seeing the sights, we’ll humour you through each step of the way.

What is Chacaltaya & Moon Valley?

Chacaltaya and Moon Valley are two spectacular natural locations located in Bolivia, close to La Paz. The Chacaltaya Glacier is a magnificent Andean peak, surrounded by mesmerizing alpine slopes, glaciers, and shrublands. Its 5,395 meter altitude makes it one of the highest points in the country. The valley was formed by geological processes between La Paz and the Salar de Uyuni –the world’s largest salt flat.

The Moon Valley is a photo realistic setting with strange geographical formations that gives its name –it resembles the surface of the moon. It’s an incredible mix of vivid colors, knife cut cliffs, waterfalls, freshwater ponds and lovely meadows.

How to get there?

The best way to get to Chacaltaya and Moon Valley is through a guided tour starting in La Paz city. The route will take you through the Sacred Valley, an area considered to be very sacred in both Incan and Andean traditions. You can book a full-day tourthat will give you plenty of time to explore this unspoiled beauty along with all its surprises, or a half-day tourif your time is more restricted.

Another great way to get there is to set out on an adventurous journey starting from the city of La Paz up the Mount Chacaltaya. This challenging climb is a great way to get acquainted with the breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley. This option may take longer, depending on fitness level, but it’s a great way to enjoy nature.

If you’re looking for an alternative option and you have more time on your hands, you might want to rent a car in La paz and drive there yourself. Be aware that the roads are rough at times, so make sure your car is ready for off-road driving before venturing off road.

Planning your itinerary

Once you’ve sorted out your preferred way of getting there you’ll want to plan your itinerary for your Chacaltaya and Moon Valley experience. The best way to do just that is by splitting your time between both locations. Since the area encompasses both regions, it’s important to split your time according to each particular areas features:

At Chacaltaya, there is plenty to explore! You can begin with a pleasant walk along the mountainous terrain while you marvel at the extraordinary view around you. Once you reach nearby Chacaltaya Refuge –which lies close to the summit– take some time off to visit it before continuing your trek around late afternoon when weather improves and light conditions are better for sightseeing.

Next, you can head over to Moon Valley to explore its peculiarities and unique landscapes while you enjoy its natural beauty up close. You can follow one of many trails or walking paths that lead around its circumference or you can even simply drive around Moon Valley taking time at each spot for sightseeing (this is an amazing option if you have no walking opportunity). As dusk approaches have dinner at one of the nearby restaurants before returning back to La Paz with unforgettable memories of awe-inspiring mountainscapes and dramatic rock formations!

What should I bring?

Bear in mind that based on the weather conditions in any given day during your trip– altitude in both Chacaltaya and Moon Valley can range from hot (avg of 24C) to cold ( lowest temp can reach -14C ), so it’s important to pack accordingly by bringing raingear and warm clothes for examples. Here’s a helpful checklist of items suggested by tour operators:

• Comfortable clothes & shoes.
• Light jacket.
• Rain gear.
• Hat & sunglasses.
• Sunscreen.
• Camera.
• Phone & charger.
• Snacks & water.

What kind of experiences can I have?

Your Chacaltaya and Moon Valley experience is something truly special! Here are some activities available on most tours:

Chacaltaya Mountain: Expert guide taking you on a tour around points of interest explaining their cultural significance or their geological formation process; stopping along the way for breaks or panoramic photos; Or self trekking around on your own if preferred!

Moon Valley: Experiencing up-close its peculiar land formations, taking pictures for keepsakes; visiting near-by restaurants for dinner or biking if preferred; balloon rides can be arranged if booked in advance!

Conclusion

No matter how you decide to go about it, visiting Chacaltaya and Moon Valley is sure to be a memorable opportunity filled with adventurism, culture discovery and breathtaking landscape views! That said, if you’re looking for an amazing day trip that gives something special and perhaps out of this world, then this is it! Book this Chacaltaya & Moon Valley tour online, get prepared, get excited and get ready because this is going to be one amazing journey!