Bolivia 2008

Travel time: November 2008  |  by Oliver Schuetz

Chacaltaya - Nov 13

Mount Chacaltaya (summit at 5500m), located about 1.5 hours by car from La Paz, used to be the highest skiing resort in the world. And one of the oldest, with a ski lift built in 1937. The ski slope became a victim of global warming, the glacier has nearly disappeared and so has the ski lift. 1999 was the last season that permitted skiing.

These days the mountain is still a good choice for unexperienced mountain climbers, who would like to make it to a summit of 5500m altitude. Me being the first time above 5000m, the final ascent went easier than I would have believed.

Chacaltaya (5500m) is the mountain in the middle, with the (remnant of a) glacier.

Chacaltaya (5500m) is the mountain in the middle, with the (remnant of a) glacier.

A view to the nearby Huayna Potosi (6100m, in clouds).

A view to the nearby Huayna Potosi (6100m, in clouds).

The refugio andino on the way to the summit of Chacaltaya. Skiing could be practised regularly until 1999.

The refugio andino on the way to the summit of Chacaltaya. Skiing could be practised regularly until 1999.

The 5500m high summit of Chacaltaya.

The 5500m high summit of Chacaltaya.

Me on the summit.

Me on the summit.

© Oliver Schuetz, 2008
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The trip
 
Description:
Planned is a two-week trip to Bolivia, mainly in the Altiplano with a short detour half way into the jungle. Not sure whether I will be able to attach photos during the trip, so make sure to visit the pages later again.
Details:
Start of journey: Nov 12, 2008
Duration: 15 days
End of journey: Nov 26, 2008
Travelled countries: Bolivia
The Author
 
Oliver Schuetz is an active author on break-fresh-ground. since 15 years.