EXHIBIT 16.1



Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20549


Commissioners:


We have read the statements made by AltaVista pursuant to Item 11 (i) of Form
S-1 contained in the second paragraph in the section entitled "Experts" of the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated December 17, 1999. We agree
with the statements concerning our Firm in such Form S-1.



Very truly yours,

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP


San Jose, California
March 8, 2000