- Address: Departamento de La Paz, Bolivia
- Height above sea level: 5421 m
Chakalta is the mountain range of Bolivia with a maximum height of 5421 m. It is located near the famous Lake Titicaca , and also 30 km from the town of La Paz . The name of the ridge is translated as "The Way of Cold", there are also such transliteration as "Chakaltaia" and "Chakaltaia".
Ski resort
Until 2009, there was the only ski resort in Bolivia , one of the most mountainous ski resorts in the world, and also the closest to the equator. However, as a result of the temperature increase, the glacier melted, and the resort, unfortunately, no longer exists. The lift, which was built in 1939 and became the first in South America, does not work either. However, some ski tracks still exist, however, it is possible to ride here only in winter and only after heavy snowfalls.
Observatory
On the slopes of the Chakaltai, at an altitude of 5220 m, there is an astrophysical observatory called Observatorio de Física Cósmica. It was created in 1942 and gained fame as a result of the first observations of pions (pi-mesons). Belongs to the observatory of the University of San Andres . One of the main areas of its activity is the emission of gamma radiation, as well as monitoring of climatic changes caused by aerosols, greenhouse effect and meteorological variables. The Observatory cooperates with universities and research institutes around the world.
Housing and food
Near the parking, which is at an altitude of 5300 m, is located Refugio - the only mini-hotel in this area with a restaurant. However, falling asleep at such an altitude is problematic enough, and if you have any health problems - it is better to return to La Paz or El Alto , as thin air helps exacerbate existing diseases.
How to get to Chakaltai?
You can drive to Chacaltai from La Paz by car in less than an hour and a half. If you go by Autopista Heroes de la Guerra del Chako, Ruta Vacional 3 and then by road number 3, the path length will be 29 km, and the journey will take from 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes. If you get through Avenida Chacaltaya, the distance will be slightly smaller, but the time will take a little longer, about 1 hour 20 minutes - 1 hour 30 minutes. From El Alto by Avenida Chacaltaya to Chacaltai, you can drive in an hour. If you decide to take a taxi, make an agreement with the driver in advance so that he waits for you for the one and a half or two hours that you will need to admire the local beauties. Do not forget to take your passport with you, because there is a police checkpoint at the turn to Chakaltai. From the parking lot on foot you can walk 15 minutes to the lowest peak of the Chakaltay Range and 15 more to the highest peak.
Today, cycling tours to the Chacaltayu are also very popular. You can rent a bike or order an organized bike tour in La Paz or El Alto.
| | | |
| | | |
