Chacaltaya Tour & Trekking Adventure

Hike beyond the typical route with a full-day Chacaltaya trek, from the historic ski station to Milluni Lake.

Flexible Booking With Free 48-Hour Cancellation*

“Reaching the summit and descending to Milluni Lake was simply unforgettable.”

Chacaltaya Tour:
A High-Altitude Trekking Experience

Full-day guided trek through Bolivia’s legendary mountain landscapes.

The Chacaltaya tour offers more than just a quick stop at the former ski resort. Our route begins at around 5,000 meters, taking you along a less-traveled slope that leads up to the old ski station. From there, we continue to the summit at 5,350 meters, where sweeping views of the Cordillera Real open up, with the majestic Huayna Potosí seemingly close enough to touch.

Instead of retracing the standard tourist path, our trek continues down the western side of the Chacaltaya range. The descent leads us to the tranquil shores of Milluni Lake at 4,580 meters, a rewarding finish to an 8 km journey through high-altitude trails and rugged Andean terrain. With expert guides and a carefully designed route, this trek balances adventure with safety for an unforgettable day in the Bolivian mountains.

Join us for a Chacaltaya trekking tour that combines history, adventure, and unmatched scenery. Book today to experience Bolivia’s Andes in a way few travelers do.

Chacaltaya Tour Highlights

Summit at 5,350 m

Reach the peak of Chacaltaya with sweeping views over the Andes.

Historic Ski Station

Visit the remains of South America’s highest ski resort.

Milluni Lake Descent

Trek down the scenic west side to the tranquil lake.

Huayna Potosi Views

Admire the majestic glacier-clad peak up close.

Off-Trail Adventure

Follow a unique route away from the standard tourist path.

Full-Day Experience

From 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., enjoy a complete trekking day.

Chacaltaya Tour Overview & Itinerary

The Chacaltaya tour begins with an early morning pick-up in La Paz, heading high into the Cordillera Real to reach the starting point at around 5,000 meters. This mountain is not only famous for its breathtaking views but also for its history. It was once home to the highest ski resort in the world. The now-abandoned ski station still stands as a reminder of Bolivia’s unique place in alpine sports history. From here, we start our trek along a different slope than the usual tourist trail, steadily making our way toward the summit at 5,350 meters to find seasonally snowy peaks (apx. December to March) and beautiful landscapes vistas.

At the top, panoramic views stretch across the Andean range, with Huayna Potosí dominating the horizon. The adventure continues as we descend along the western slopes of the Chacaltaya range, following rugged mountain paths until we reach the tranquil Milluni Lake at 4,580 meters. After a rewarding trek of around 8 kilometers, our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to La Paz in the late afternoon. This full-day program combines the cultural history of Chacaltaya with the raw beauty of the Bolivian Andes, making it one of the most memorable treks near the city.

Full-Day Chacaltaya Tour Schedule:

Hotel Pick-Up: 7 AM
Transportation to Trail Head: Depart La Paz and drive into the Cordillera Real to reach the base of Chacaltaya.
(Morning) Start Trek at 5000 m: Begin hiking on a unique slope away from the usual tourist route.
Visit Historic Ski Station: Explore the remains of the world’s highest ski resort.
Summit Chacaltaya (5,350 m): Enjoy panoramic views with Huayna Potosí rising nearby.
(Mid-Day) Packed Lunch: Rest and refuel with incredible alpine scenery.
Descend to Milluni Lake: Trek down the west side of the range to the peaceful lake.
(Afternoon) Return to La Paz: Finish the trek at the pick-up location and take return transportation to La Paz.
Hotel Drop Off: 5 PM

What You Will See on the
Chacaltaya Tour

Trekking Chacaltaya is an adventure that combines challenge, discovery, and reward. Along the trail, you’ll uncover relics of Bolivia’s alpine past, walk in the shadow of Huayna Potosí, and descend into quiet mountain valleys where few travellers venture.

Chacaltaya Summit (5,350 m)

The highlight of the trek, where vast views of the Cordillera Real unfold. On clear days, you can even spot Lake Titicaca in the distance.

Historic Ski Station

Once the highest ski resort in the world, this rustic building now stands as a relic of Bolivia’s alpine past, offering a glimpse into a unique chapter of local history.

Huayna Potosí Views

This iconic, glacier-covered mountain dominates the skyline, rising to 6,088 meters. Its proximity makes it feel as though you’re trekking in its shadow.

West Side Mountain Trails

Far from the tourist crowds, the descent leads you along rugged trails where the silence and scale of the Andes are unforgettable.

Milluni Lake (4,580 m)

A peaceful glacial lake at the end of the trek, surrounded by rocky landscapes and reflecting the peaks above.

Customize Your Chacaltaya Trek!

Looking for a shorter hike, a private group experience, or a multi-day adventure? Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll design a trek just for you.

What's Included?

Not Included

Testimonials

Safety on the Chacaltaya Tour

Trekking at high altitude requires preparation and care, especially on a route that begins above 5,000 meters. Our experienced guides are certified in mountain safety and first aid, ensuring that every step of your Chacaltaya tour is monitored with your well-being in mind. We pace the trek carefully, watching for any signs of altitude sickness, and provide guidance on how to adjust to the conditions.

To give you extra peace of mind, private transportation remains on standby throughout the day, ready to assist if needed. Our guides carry a complete first aid kit, and every trek is planned with safety as the top priority. With proper acclimatization and the support of our team, you can focus on enjoying the adventure while we handle the logistics and precautions.

What to Bring on the Tour?

High-altitude trekking requires a bit of preparation to ensure you’re comfortable and safe throughout the day. Here are the essentials we recommend bringing on your Chacaltaya tour:

Clothing & Gear:

Other Essentials:

Chacaltaya Tour FAQs

How difficult is the Chacaltaya trek?

The trek is considered moderate difficulty. It starts at 5,000m and reaches a maximum of 5,350m before descending to 4,580m at Milluni Lake. While the distance is only about 8 km, the altitude makes it more challenging than the elevation gain suggests.

Do I need prior trekking experience?

Previous trekking experience is helpful but not required. Our certified guides adjust the pace to the group and provide support throughout the hike. Good physical condition and some acclimatization to altitude are strongly recommended.

What is included in the Chacaltaya tour?

The tour includes private transportation, a certified mountain guide, packed lunch, and first aid kit. Extra snacks, accommodations, and personal gear are not included unless otherwise stated in your booking.

What should I bring for the trek?

We recommend sturdy hiking shoes, warm layers, a windproof jacket, hat, gloves, water, and a daypack. Sun protection is essential, as well as a camera to capture the views of Huayna Potosí and the Cordillera Real.

When is the best time to do the Chacaltaya Trek?

The trek is available year-round, but the best conditions are during the dry season (May to October) when the skies are clear, and the trails are more stable. During the rainy season, the weather can be more unpredictable.

Will I feel altitude sickenss on the Chacaltaya tour?

Because the trek begins at over 5,000m, altitude effects are possible. We recommend spending at least 2–3 days in La Paz before the tour to acclimatize. Our guides monitor all participants for signs of altitude sickness, with transportation on standby if needed.

Can the Chacaltaya Tour be customized?

Of course! We are always happy to customize our tours to give you the best experience possible. Whether it is multi-day tours, added cultural stops, or a special occasion, we can design a custom itinerary based on your needs.

Chacaltaya Tour & Trekking Adventure

Chacaltaya Tour:
A High-Altitude Trekking Experience

Full-day guided trek through Bolivia’s legendary mountain landscapes.