So, I had this layover in El Alto, right? And I’m thinking, “El Alto Airport, what’s that going to be like?” I’d heard it was, you know, high. Like, really high up.
First thing I did was Google it, obviously. Just to get a feel for the place. Saw some pictures, read some reviews. People were talking about the thin air, how you gotta take it easy. I made a mental note: Don’t rush.
Getting There and Initial Impressions
Getting to the airport was an experience in itself. We took a taxi from La Paz, winding our way up these crazy steep roads. I could feel my ears popping, no joke. The view, though? Incredible. You could see the whole city sprawling below.
When we arrived, the airport itself was… smaller than I expected. Not a lot of fancy stuff, pretty basic. But hey, it was clean and the staff were friendly enough. I checked in my bag – no problems there.
Dealing with the Altitude
This is where it got interesting. I’d read about altitude sickness, and I was a little nervous. So, I made a conscious effort to walk slowly. Like, really slowly. I saw other people rushing around, and I just thought, “Good luck with that.”
I found a seat near a window and just… sat. Drank some water. Ate a little snack I’d packed. Just trying to acclimatize, you know? I could definitely feel the difference in the air. It was… thinner. Harder to catch your breath.
- Stayed Hydrated: That is always my travel mantra.
- walk slowly: My biggest action there.
- Took Deep Breaths: Tried to consciously breathe deeply and slowly.
Passing the Time
My layover was a few hours, so I had some time to kill. I wandered around the few shops they had. Nothing too exciting, mostly souvenirs and stuff. I bought a little llama keychain, because, why not?
I also spent some time just people-watching. It’s always interesting to see the mix of travelers at an airport. Lots of locals, some tourists, all heading off to different places.
The Departure
Finally, it was time to board my connecting flight. I headed to the gate, feeling a little more used to the altitude. Still took it slow, though. No need to push it.
The takeoff was… interesting. You could feel the plane working harder to get up in the air. But once we were up, the views were amazing again. I looked out the window and just thought, “Wow, that was an experience.”
So, El Alto Airport. It’s not your typical airport experience. But it’s definitely memorable. Just remember to take it easy, and you’ll be fine. It is a special experience!
