APEX 2

The Expedition 

The format was 5 serial expeditions of approximately 22 volunteers, with each group spending 8 days in Chacaltaya laboratory. With this ambitious undertaking we increased the power of the research we undertook.

At over two vertical miles above sea-level, La Paz (3630m; pictured on the right), the capital of Bolivia, is the highest capital city in the world. Each group spent four days there to acclimatise before ascending by jeep to the rudimentary laboratory at 5200m on Chacaltaya, a mountain near La Paz. There they stayed for the next eight days.

During their time in the lab the group conducted and participated in the various research projects. This was the crux of the expedition, and the key to its success. However, living in the lab was not dull for volunteers or organisers. Set in dramatic scenery, one can never tire on the breathtaking panoramas and awesome sunsets and sunrises which the lab affords its residents. After our time in the lab, the group descended to La Paz again. The volunteers then had some free time before heading back to Edinburgh. A popular destination for many of the volunteers was one of the many spectacular mountains Bolivia offers.

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Research Aims 

To advance understanding of human physiology and pathophysiology in high altitude environments

To encourage the formation of active high altitude research collaborations worldwide

To assist young researchers seeking to organise research expeditions

To widen public awareness of the importance of medical research in general, with particular reference to high altitude physiology

To educate people and inform them of current beliefs in the field of high altitude medicine

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