Top 5 El Alto Outdoor Activities: See Bolivia’s Heights
El Alto, Bolivia, sitting super high in the Andes, is more than just a place you pass through. It’s almost a spot brimming with experiences, especially if you are into getting outside and exploring. With views that could stretch to forever and a culture that’s really like no other, it’s a playground for anyone wanting adventure. So, if you are figuring out just how to experience El Alto, here is a rundown of five outside things you won’t want to skip.
1. Shop ’til You Drop at the Feria 16 de Julio Market
No visit to El Alto is complete without hitting up the Feria 16 de Julio. This isn’t just any market; it might be one of South America’s hugest, stretching for what appears to be miles. That makes it seem fairly intimidating! You’ll see all sorts of things sold here, going from car parts to traditional clothing. It is very much a cultural bath where you are able to haggle for neat souvenirs, try tasty street eats, or maybe just observe the craziness going on around you. And, remember, keep a watch on your stuff, ’cause that’s almost as important as getting some memorable experiences. A good starting place will be at Avenida 6 de Marzo; just go along with the crowd to get deep into the core of the market.
2. Gasp at the View from the Teleférico (Cable Car)
El Alto keeps expanding, so it has implemented a neat cable car service known as the Teleférico. It is more than only a transit system; rather it is one awesome method for observing the city coming from on high. The ride offers panoramic vistas, very impressive to say the least of the Andes highlands plus the sprawling cityscape below. So take different lines so that you can acquire many viewpoints, specifically at dusk when El Alto changes into a twinkling sea of light. Each color-coded line presents something different, yet the Yellow and Blue lines often get great views of the neighboring mountains and populated neighborhoods.
3. Scale Huayna Potosí for the Adventurous
Alright, thrill-seekers! This is definitely something for you. Huayna Potosí is often an astonishing mountain right close to El Alto, offering you mountaineering that both experienced and beginner climbers often get pleasure from. In case you may need any, several tour companies supply all-inclusive deals containing guides, gear and instruction for multi-day hikes up the mountain. Now, so you’re aware, elevation is real; but reaching the peak is quite something. The sight out of this world and provides an unequaled feeling of achievement. And the perfect time to climb is probably from May to September throughout the dry period to make conditions even better for climbing.
4. Dig the Art at El Alto’s Cholets
For something definitely and uniquely El Alto, you’ll want to tour a few of its colorful “Cholets.” Such structures could be extravagant, the funky architectural statements mostly display that Aymara people’s rising wealth. Built using vivid colors, geometric forms, and even a blend of classic Andean symbolism and contemporary layout, it is extremely intriguing and gives some terrific photo opportunities. Arrange for a tour manual, or go to the main streets alone to discover and admire these unique landmarks.
5. Learn Some History at Museo de Arte Contemporáneo
If you have any curiosity as regards art, stop in the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo. Based within the Universidad Pública de El Alto, it shows modern artwork simply showcasing regional and Bolivian painters. It provides an inside look into Bolivian modern culture, this being the artworks tend to replicate on social concerns, local customs, plus the country’s colorful history. It could offer a tranquil rest among all that outdoor exploration, offering your brain anything too, like your eyes get a feast.
- Feria 16 de Julio: Go deep into South America’s hugest market and haggle for awesome goods and delicious street food.
- Teleférico: Use this for more than transit; make use of these lines to appreciate sweeping sights of El Alto as well as the Andes.
- Huayna Potosí: Try to climb this majestic mountain with led tours. You’ll gain views plus an outstanding sense of doing it.
- Cholets of El Alto: Check such vibrant and innovative constructions which show El Alto’s distinct Aymara culture.
- Museo de Arte Contemporáneo: Uncover modern Bolivian art and learn much more about the town’s modern cultural happenings.
