Full-Day Chacaltaya and Valley De La Luna (Valley of the Moon) Tour

Discover the captivating landscapes of Bolivia’s Chacaltaya and Valle de la Luna on this full-day tour. Departing from La Paz, travelers will explore the remnants of the world’s highest ski resort and marvel at the surreal geological formations that make up the ‘Valley of the Moon’. With a local guide leading the way, this adventure offers the chance to take in the stunning vistas of the Andes. What unexpected wonders await those who embark on this unforgettable journey?

Key Points

• A full-day tour that explores the abandoned ski resort at Chacaltaya and the unique geological formations of Valle de la Luna in Bolivia.
• The tour departs from La Paz, includes a local guide, transportation, and entrance fees, with free time for self-paced exploration at each site.
• Visitors can witness the remnants of the world’s highest ski resort at Chacaltaya and enjoy panoramic views of the Andes and La Paz.
• Valle de la Luna offers a surreal, lunar-like landscape with eroded spires and pinnacles, allowing for immersive exploration and photography.
• The tour concludes at the San Francisco Church in La Paz, with food, drinks, and gratuities included, but no hotel drop-off provided.

Tour Overview

This full-day Chacaltaya and Valle de la Luna tour allows visitors to explore an abandoned ski resort and the otherworldly landscapes of Valle de la Luna.

Offering 20 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, the tour departs from La Paz, Bolivia at 9:00 am. With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour includes local guide services, transportation, and all entrance fees.

Guests can enjoy free time at each site for self-paced exploration, taking in scenic views of La Paz and the Andes from Chacaltaya. Pickup and drop-off service is provided, though feedback suggests mixed experiences with guiding quality and pacing.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins with an exploration of an abandoned ski resort at Chacaltaya, where travelers can hike through the eroded spires and marvel at the scenic views of La Paz and the Andes mountains.

After soaking in the dramatic landscapes, the tour proceeds to Valle de la Luna, or the Valley of the Moon.

This unique geological formation features towering pinnacles, deep gullies, and a stark, otherworldly environment.

Participants have free time at each site to explore at their own pace, with included entrance fees ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Inclusions and Logistics

The tour includes a local guide, hotel pickup from selected downtown hotels, and transportation throughout the day.

Pickup is from designated meeting points, with an option to meet at Maria Auxiliadora Church for those in the Sopocachi or south zone.

The tour returns to the San Francisco Church, located at the corner of Montes Avenue and Sagarnaga Street.

Food, drinks, and gratuities are included, but hotel drop-off is not.

Travelers must provide their passport details at booking.

Infants can attend but must sit on laps, and those with serious medical conditions may not be permitted.

Pickup and Meeting Points

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour departs at 9:00 am from downtown La Paz hotels or the Maria Auxiliadora Church.

Those staying in Sopocachi or the southern zone should meet at the Maria Auxiliadora Church between 8:30 am and 8:45 am.

The tour concludes at the San Francisco Church, on the corner of Montes Avenue and Sagarnaga Street.

This convenient pickup and drop-off arrangement allows travelers to easily access the tour from their accommodations and return to central locations afterwards.

Prompt arrival at the designated meeting points is essential for the smooth start and timely completion of the full-day excursion.

Chacaltaya: An Abandoned Resort

After departing from the designated pickup locations, the tour first visits the abandoned Chacaltaya ski resort, which once hosted the world’s highest ski run.

Situated at an altitude of over 17,000 feet, Chacaltaya’s ski resort operated from the 1930s until it closed in 2009 due to melting glaciers.

Visitors can explore the remnants of the resort, including the old ski lifts and lodges.

The tour provides free time for travelers to wander through the eroded spires and scenic viewpoints, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding Andes mountains and the city of La Paz below.

Valle De La Luna: Exploring Eroded Spires

From Chacaltaya, the tour then proceeds to Valle de la Luna, or the Valley of the Moon.

Characterized by surreal, lunar-like landscapes, this otherworldly destination delights visitors. The group explores eroded, jagged spires and strange rock formations sculpted by wind and water over time.

Paths wind through this alien terrain, offering opportunities to marvel at the unique geology. Travelers can take their time wandering the site, capturing photos of the dramatic scenery.

The tour provides free time for self-guided discovery, allowing guests to fully enjoy the valley’s breathtaking beauty and enigmatic atmosphere.

Traveler Experiences and Feedback

Travelers have provided a mix of experiences and feedback on the Chacaltaya and Valle de la Luna tour.

Reviews indicate the quality of guiding and pacing can vary. Some travelers praise the knowledgeable guides and find the tour well-organized, while others report disjointed explanations and rushed experiences.

The scenic views of the Andes and eroded spires tend to be highlights. However, the logistics, such as timely pickups and dropoffs, seem inconsistent.

The Sum Up

The Full-Day Chacaltaya and Valley De La Luna Tour offers a unique chance to explore Bolivia’s natural wonders. Visitors can marvel at the remnants of the world’s highest ski resort and the surreal landscapes of Valle de la Luna, all while enjoying the convenience of included transportation and entrance fees. This tour promises an unforgettable adventure amidst the stunning Andes.