Mik'aya, Mountain summit in La Paz Department, Bolivia
Mik'aya is a peak in the Cordillera Real, a high mountain range in Bolivia, reaching 5,286 meters above sea level. The mountain has steep slopes and sits near a small glacial lake that collects meltwater from its higher elevations.
The mountain has been a water source since before Spanish arrival, with glacial melt flowing into high plateaus and valleys to supply local settlements. Over the centuries, this flow of water shaped how people lived and used the land in the region.
The name Mik'aya comes from the Aymara language, meaning 'abyss in the water', reflecting how indigenous communities understood their surroundings. This word choice shows the deep relationship between the people who live in these high regions and the dramatic landscape around them.
Climbers need specialized high-altitude equipment and should start their expedition from La Paz, traveling through Yanacachi Municipality to reach the route. The journey requires good physical fitness and experience with climbing at extreme elevations.
A small glacial lake sits beside the mountain at 5,342 meters elevation, feeding a stream that flows first westward and then turns southwest. This hidden lake is often overlooked by visitors even though it plays an important role in the water system of the surrounding region.
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