Travel Beta for Valle De Las Rocas, Bolivia 

Climate: The climate varies tremendously throughout different regions.  The climate of the Altiplano is dry in the winter with regular precipitation in the summer from November to April (southern hemisphere!).  The ideal time to visit is from the beginning of May to the end of October, when the sun makes for pleasant daytime temperatures, but keep in mind the altitude and possibility of icy winds, especially in the region near Uyuni. 

Security: You will need a range of clothing to be comfortable in the various extremes of the climate.  A parka, gloves, hat, warm sleeping bag, etc. – remember that although the days may be nice thanks to the warm sun, night time temperatures can fall below freezing.  You will also need all of the gear necessary to be 100% self-reliant at the bouldering area – a stove (a multifuel stove is a good idea) and food, and water must be collected and treated on the spot (we had three flexible 10-liter containers that provided us with two days worth of water before having to refill at the source).

Finally, even though Bolivia has the reputation for being one of the safest countries in South America be polite and discrete at all times, and never outwardly display signs of your wealth, and respect the locals.  Basically, follow the universal rules of the traveler.  A few crimes against tourists have been reported in the big cities like La Paz.  The travel guidebook Lonely Planet Bolivia may be one of the most important items you could bring. 

Access: Widely used throughout the country, the bus system is as large as it is unpredictable.  You can find anything from a huge chartered bus with all of the comforts to an unreliable minivan!  But it is always pretty cheap and practical for long journeys.

• From the bus station in La Paz, plan on about 14 hours to get to Uyuni, passing through Oruro.  A less exhausting option is to take the bus to Oruro (3 hours) then catch a train to Uyuni (this way you’ll avoid the rough roads and a long night…).  Then it’s about three or four hours (180km) to Villa Alota.  Two companies have routes to Chile that pass through the area and Villa Alota starting in Uyuni.  At present, the busses leave every Monday and Thursday at 3:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., at a cost of about 30 Bs (“Trans 11 de Julio”, at 3:30 a.m., destination Avaroa/Calama).  Therefore, it is possible to avoid hiring a 4x4 by asking the bus driver to stop at a good spot, the bouldering area being exactly 15km after Villa Alota when heading towards Chile (see maps).  In Uyuni, the Alojamiento Martih is a nice play to stay.

• To get an idea (and as a base for negotiation), we paid about $180 to hire a 4x4 with a driver in Uyuni, including one day there and one day back with a small side trip included.

• The surrounding area is loaded with hiking in absolutely gorgeous places (like El Sillar, an amazing group of rock pinnacles, rivaling certain Americain national parks).  There are undoubtedly some climbing areas to be discovered back there, cragging and bouldering.  One travel agency in particular is very helpful, a nice option to arrange your trip and do the negotiating for you (Agence El Grano de Oro: elgranodeorotours@hotmail.com  098 Av. Chichas, Tupiza  Tel (00591-2) 6944763).  This can be done in Bolivia (the best option) — you can go sightseeing in addition to climbing, and maybe climb a few volcanoes as well. …  From Tupiza, visit South Lipez then head up and get dropped of at La Valle de las Rocas, then stop a bus to get to Uyuni when you’re ready to leave.  You can pay in U.S. Dollars or Bs.  “Marco” is a particularly friendly and accommodating driver.  They can provide lodging as well (price negotiable, like everything in Bolivia) and the hostel Valle Hermoso is also nice. 

• In any case, try to get a hold of Daniel Aramayo (climber/outfitter in La Paz), who can also give you advice or guide you.  His agency can arrange your trip as well, and they speak English.  Email: daniel@planetaventura.com.  Visit their website at www.planetaventura.com.  Their address is: Planet Aventura, Calle Vincenti #850, Sopocachi, La Paz.  Tel (00591-2) 2423855.