El Alto: a unique experience at high altitudes

If you are an adventure and travel enthusiast, you are always looking for new and distinctive destinations that go out of the ordinary. One such destination that may catch your eye is El Alto, the high-altitude Bolivian city that is the highest major city in the world. Located at an altitude of approximately 4,150 meters above sea level, El Alto overlooks the capital city of La Paz, offering a unique blend of cultural experiences, stunning landscapes and geographical challenges.

Introduction to El Alto

El Alto means "high" in Spanish, and its name perfectly reflects its geographical location. The city was founded as a suburb of the capital, La Paz, but quickly grew into an independent city of nearly a million inhabitants. El Alto lives at altitudes beyond most of the world's mountain peaks and is among the most adaptable peoples to harsh climatic conditions and oxygen scarcity.

Geographically, El Alto is located on the towering Altiplano plateau that stretches across parts of Bolivia and Peru. This plateau is home to one of the harshest natural environments in the world, with nighttime temperatures dropping sharply and oxygen levels below what the average human needs. But despite all these difficulties, El Alto offers a rich experience that goes beyond the harsh nature to include the cultural heritage and daily life of the Andean people.

How to get to El Alto?

Getting to El Alto can be a challenge in itself. Most tourists pass through the capital city of La Paz, which is connected to El Alto through land routes and modern transportation services such as the famous cable car. This cable car network is the longest and highest in the world, offering tourists a unique opportunity to see the city from the sky and enjoy stunning panoramic views.

In terms of aviation, El Alto International Airport has a privileged position as one of the highest airports in the world, located at an altitude of about 4,061 meters. Travelling to this airport is an unforgettable experience, not only because of the altitude, but also because of the sights that accompany the landing and take-off process in the rugged skies of the Andes.

Life at high altitudes

Coping with high altitudes is a major challenge for most visitors, as many suffer from symptoms of altitude disease. It is important to take some measures to alleviate these symptoms such as drinking enough water, avoiding excessive physical exertion in the early days, and resorting to local traditional medicine such as chewing coca leaves that locals use to mitigate the effects of the rise.

The thin air in El Alto is not the only challenge, but also sudden changes in temperature. Although the sun may be scorching during the day, the cold creeps in quickly as soon as the sun sets. So, if you are planning to visit El Alto, you should bring a variety of clothes to match this rapid change in weather.

El Alto attractions

Although El Alto is not a traditional tourist city compared to its neighbor La Paz, it has many unique sights to visit. Among the most prominent of these landmarks:

1. El Alto Markets: The city's markets are among the largest open-air markets in Bolivia, where visitors can find everything from traditional handmade products to electronics and clothing. These markets are a great opportunity to learn about the local culture and interact with the people who still preserve their ancient traditions.

2. Unique architecture: El Alto has a unique architectural style known as "cholite", which are colorful buildings with ornate designs inspired by the local Aymara culture. These buildings have become a symbol of the city and represent its vibrant spirit and cultural diversity.

3. Shuleta Wrestling: If you're looking for an unfamiliar cultural experience, don't miss the chance to watch Shuleta wrestling. This unique show combines sport and folklore, with local women dressed as traditional wrestlers taking part in action-packed wrestling.

4. Scenic landscapes: El Alto offers natural lookouts overlooking the Andes and the Altiplano plateau, making it an ideal place for photography and landscape enthusiasts. Tourists can also enjoy watching Mount Elemani, one of Bolivia's highest mountains, which dominates the horizon on the distant horizon.

Local culture and everyday experience

El Alto is not just a city high in the sky, it is a vibrant center of cultural and social life. The locals here are mostly indigenous Aymara peoples, and retain their own traditions and mother tongue along with Spanish. By interacting with the inhabitants, you can feel the generosity and simplicity of Andean culture.

Handicrafts are an essential part of daily life in El Alto, where many traditional products such as handwoven woolen garments and pottery goods are manufactured. Tourists can visit local workshops and buy products meticulously made by local craftsmen.

In addition, several annual festivals are held that celebrate the Emari heritage and Catholic traditions fused with local elements, giving visitors the opportunity to participate in folk celebrations and enjoy traditional music and dances.

The challenges of life at high altitudes

Living at an altitude of more than 4,000 meters comes with many challenges, not only in terms of health, but also in terms of providing basic resources such as water and food. Often, infrastructure is limited compared to other cities. However, the people of El Alto are highly adaptable and innovative in the face of these challenges. The use of traditional technology and the preservation of ancient farming methods are part of this adaptability.

Tips for tourists

If you are planning to visit El Alto, here are some tips to make your experience easier and more enjoyable:

1. Gradual acclimatization: Set aside a few days to adapt to high altitudes. You can start your journey in La Paz which is located at a relatively lower altitude before climbing to El Alto.

2. Multi-layered clothing: Be sure to wear multi-layered clothing, as temperatures can change abruptly between day and night.

3. Interact with locals: Feel free to talk to locals, they are known for their generosity and love to share stories with visitors.

4. Cultural experience: Take advantage of the opportunity to attend traditional performances such as choulita wrestling and visit local markets.

El Alto is not a traditional tourist destination, but it offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Between its stunning landscapes and rich culture, this city is ideal for those looking for an adventure outside the ordinary. Despite the challenges that visitors may face due to its high altitude, a trip to El Alto is an experience worth the effort.