Chacaltaya

A high Andean mountain near La Paz, Bolivia, rising to roughly 5,421 metres and long known for its high-altitude ski station and scientific observation activity. The summit ridge and former ski infrastructure are visible from the surrounding altiplano.

The mountain was notable in the 20th century for hosting one of the world’s highest ski areas and for scientific and glaciological studies; rapid glacial retreat in the early 21st century ended regular skiing and changed local conditions. Hikers and day visitors access viewpoints from the roadheads a short drive from La Paz and from local altiplano settlements.

Located on the Bolivian Altiplano north of the city of La Paz, the mountain sits within the La Paz Department and is reachable by road from the city, generally within a one-to-two hour drive depending on route and traffic.

• Elevation and ski history: Summit elevation about 5,421 metres, making it one of the higher accessible peaks near La Paz and previously home to a high-altitude ski resort.
• Glacial retreat: The glacier that once enabled skiing has largely disappeared in the 21st century, altering access and conditions for visitors and scientific work.

What to See #

• Summit and ski station: The summit ridge and former ski station area that sit above 5,400 metres, historically used for high-altitude skiing and climatological observations.
• Access points: Lower access roadheads and observation points reached from the road linking La Paz with higher altiplano settlements; these form the primary approach for visitors and researchers.