Exploring El Alto, Bolivia: Adventure And Activities

El Alto, meaning 'The Heights' in Spanish, is a city in Bolivia located at an altitude of over 4,000 metres above sea level. It is one of the fastest-growing urban areas in Bolivia, with a population of over one million people. The city is known for its vibrant street markets, colourful architecture, and Aymara culture. El Alto is also home to the highest international airport in the world and is a hub for travellers exploring the Andean region of Bolivia.

- Take the Mi Teleférico cable car for stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

- Visit the Mercado de Las Brujas (Witches' Market) to browse a variety of goods, including herbs, potions, and amulets, and learn about Bolivian folklore.

- Explore the unique architecture of Cholets, colourful, multi-storey buildings with decorative facades that are a modern interpretation of traditional Andean motifs.

- Check out Plaza Murillo, a public square that is the heart of La Paz, Bolivia's administrative capital, surrounded by important government buildings.

- Visit the La Paz Metropolitan Cathedral, one of the most beautiful churches in Bolivia, built in the 18th century and home to a collection of religious art and artefacts.

- Discover the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), a unique geological formation located just outside the city, made up of eroded earth and rock formations that resemble the surface of the moon.

- Experience Cholitas Wrestling, a popular wrestling show featuring women dressed in traditional Bolivian attire.

- Explore the Tiwanaku Archaeological Site, located about an hour from El Alto, which was once a major centre of civilisation in the Andean region.

Explore El Alto's unique Cholet architecture

El Alto, Bolivia's second-largest city, is home to a unique style of architecture called Cholets. This style is a mix of the words "chalet" and "cholo", a racial epithet used to identify the indigenous population. Cholets are extravagant and colourful buildings that have become a representation of economic success and the rise of the indigenous Aymara group, the largest in the country, in Bolivian society.

The Cholet Structure

Cholets are multi-level buildings with a fixed structure. On the first floor, there is typically a commercial space, such as a shop. The second floor is dedicated to an elaborate event or party space, often decorated with colourful lightbulbs, chandeliers, and intricate geometric designs. The third floor features rental apartments, helping to offset the cost of the building. Finally, the top floor is the mansion, or Cholet proper, where the owners reside.

The Cholet Style

The colourful and geometric style of Cholets is inspired by indigenous Aymara culture and textiles. The use of fluorescent colours, geometric shapes, extreme angles, and glass is prominent. This style also channels the Indigenous wiphala flag, with its bright colours and geometric design.

Experiencing Cholets

Cholets can be found throughout El Alto, with dozens designed by the originator of the style, Freddy Mamani Silvestre, and an increasing number by other architects inspired by his work. A few tour companies in La Paz offer guided tours of Cholets in El Alto, allowing visitors to experience these unique buildings and, if timed right, witness the vibrant party spaces in action.

For those who want to fully immerse themselves, there is even a Cholet B&B Havana hotel in El Alto, allowing guests to sleep in a Cholet. Additionally, the Juan Cholet Resto Bar in La Paz offers food and drinks in an interior decorated in the Cholet style.

Visit the world's highest international airport

El Alto International Airport is a must-see attraction when visiting El Alto, Bolivia. Located 13 kilometres west of La Paz, the airport sits at an elevation of 4,061.5 metres, making it the highest international airport in the world! Serving the city of La Paz, this airport has been in operation since the first half of the 20th century and became modernised in the 1960s.

The airport has two runways, one paved and 4,000 metres long, and one unpaved at 2,050 metres. The terminal boasts various shops offering Bolivian handicrafts, bookstores, and duty-free shops. You can also find restaurants and cafes in the main lobby and in both domestic and international departure areas.

Due to the thin air at such a high altitude, many commercial wide-body aircraft cannot operate at full load out of El Alto International Airport. As a result, much of the international air traffic to and from Bolivia is handled by Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, which sits at a much lower elevation. However, El Alto's high elevation offers unique conditions for aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus, Bombardier, and Boeing to test high-altitude takeoff and landing for flight certifications.

To get to El Alto International Airport from La Paz, you can take a local white mini-bus from San Francisco Plaza, which will take approximately 30 minutes and costs Bs 2 each way.

So, whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply looking for a unique travel experience, a visit to El Alto International Airport is definitely worth considering during your time in El Alto, Bolivia.

Take in the views from the Mi Teleferico cable car

El Alto, Bolivia, is a fascinating place for travellers looking to experience local Bolivian life. One of the city's main attractions is the Mi Teleferico cable car, which offers breathtaking views of La Paz and the snow-capped mountains of Huayna Potosi and Illimani. Here are some reasons why you should take in the views from the Mi Teleferico cable car:

Revolutionary Transport System

The Mi Teleferico cable car system has revolutionised the way locals travel between La Paz and neighbouring El Alto. Operating at 4,000 metres (13,000 feet) above sea level, it is the world's highest cable car ride. The cable cars have cut commute times from one hour to just 10 minutes and reduced travel costs with a one-way ticket priced at 3 Bolivianos, compared to 5 Bolivianos for a bus ticket. The system consists of three lines—red, yellow, and green, like the colours of the Bolivian flag—and 11 stations in total. The cable cars depart every 12 seconds and run for 17 hours a day.

Spectacular Bird's-Eye Views

The cable cars provide spectacular aerial views of La Paz and El Alto, giving passengers a sense of the vastness and sprawl of the cities. The unique perspective allows you to grasp the scale of the metropolitan area and appreciate the contrast between the modern cityscape and the surrounding natural landscape.

Environmental Benefits

In addition to improving mobility, the Mi Teleferico cable car system has been designed with a focus on environmental sustainability. By running on electricity, with a portion of it generated through solar power, the cable car system helps reduce smog and air pollution in the cities. This is particularly important in Bolivia, where environmental consciousness is a topic of great importance.

Accessibility and Social Inclusion

The Mi Teleferico cable car system is accessible to all and offers preferential treatment to individuals with disabilities or mobility challenges. It is the first public transport system in Bolivia to specifically address the needs of people with disabilities or impaired mobility. The system features Universal Design standards, including ramps, elevators, and tactile paving at the stations, ensuring that the facilities are accessible to all. Additionally, specific programs have been developed to promote social inclusion, such as targeted initiatives for women and young people.

Efficient and Reliable Transport

The Mi Teleferico cable car system provides a much-needed efficient and reliable mode of transport between La Paz and El Alto. The neighbouring cities, separated by a steep slope, previously relied on winding and congested roads, resulting in long commute times. The cable car system offers a faster, more direct route, reducing travel time and providing a safer and more comfortable travel experience for commuters and tourists alike.

Shop at the sprawling El Alto Market

El Alto Market, or Feria 16 de Julio, is the biggest market in Bolivia and one of the largest in the world. It's held every Thursday and Sunday and stretches over 5 square kilometres. The market is mostly run by the indigenous Aymara people and is known for its unique, bustling atmosphere.

The market sells almost anything you can think of, from car parts to sports equipment, second-hand clothing, and DVDs. It's a great place to pick up some souvenirs, such as hand-carved flutes, traditional weavings, and audiobooks. You can also find some unusual items like javelins, car parts, and computer software.

To get to the market, take one of the local white mini-buses from San Francisco Plaza in La Paz. The bus ride costs Bs 2 each way and takes about 30 minutes. When you arrive, you'll be greeted by a lively scene with sellers shouting out their wares and customers haggling over prices. It's a fascinating and chaotic place that truly comes to life.

However, it's important to keep a close eye on your belongings as pickpocketing is common. Try to keep your wallet in your front pocket and your bag around your chest. It's also a good idea to leave valuables behind and only carry the cash you need, as things are very affordable.

The market is a unique and exciting shopping experience, offering a mix of traditional Bolivian culture and modern, capitalist ways of life. It's a must-visit destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and pick up some interesting souvenirs.

Visit the ancient Tiwanaku Archaeological Site

El Alto, Bolivia, is a fascinating place for travellers looking to experience local Bolivian life. One of the most popular attractions is the ancient Tiwanaku Archaeological Site, which is located about 70 kilometres from La Paz. Here are some reasons why you should visit:

Uncover the Mystery of Tiwanaku

The Tiwanaku people, who pre-dated the Inca by hundreds of years, were highly skilled in stonework, architecture, and agriculture. However, by 1000 AD, their civilisation came to an end, leaving behind a lot of unanswered questions. Experts and visitors are drawn to the site to explore this mystery.

Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Tiwanaku is recognised by UNESCO for its historical and cultural significance. Covering around 4 square kilometres, the site features decorated ceramics, monumental structures, megalithic blocks, and elaborate stone carvings.

Discover Ancient Political and Ceremonial Centre

By 800 AD, Tiwanaku had become an important political and ceremonial centre, with tens of thousands of residents. The Semi-submerged Temple, believed to be built between 500 and 600 AD, is a highlight of the site, featuring stone monoliths, pillars, and carved stone faces.

Admire the Sun Gate and Moon Gate

The Sun Gate, one of the most famous elements of the site, is believed to have been carved from a single slab of stone weighing over 10 tons. It is adorned with petroglyphs and niches, possibly used as a calendar or astrological tool. In comparison, the Moon Gate is plainer and less studied, but it may reveal more secrets in the future.

Learn About the Tiwanaku People's Lifestyle

In addition to their impressive constructions, the Tiwanaku people also had a complex society. They practised a complex agropastoral economy, with evidence of tens of thousands of fields and an elaborate irrigation system. They also had a system of elite redistribution, where the elites controlled the economic output and provided resources to commoners based on their functions.

Tiwanaku Archaeological Site offers a glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to explore the mysteries and accomplishments of a civilisation that flourished centuries ago. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, archaeology, or cultural exploration.

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