Valle de las Ánimas
La Paz Department · Nature and hiking
East of the Zona Sur, above Ovejuyo, erosion has carved a whole valley of tall spires and clay walls, said to be home to the souls of the dead. The trail follows the valley floor between these organ pipes, with Illimani opposite, and can carry on to the Palca canyon. It is a municipal protected area, and a half-day to full-day hike barely outside the city.
3,965 maltitude
0 to 1 dayto spend there
High altitude. Above 3,500 m, altitude sickness (soroche) is common. Arrive gradually, drink plenty and take it slow on the first day.
Things to do
- Hike among the clay spires (2 to 4 h)
- Views of Illimani
- Carry on to the Palca canyon (full day or tour)
What to eat
- SalteñaBolivia's pastry: slightly sweet dough with a juicy filling of meat, potato and olives. Eaten in the morning, without spilling the juice!
- Plato paceñoA typical La Paz plate: corn, broad beans, potatoes and fried cheese.
Tip. Puma Katari bus or minibus to Chasquipampa and Ovejuyo, then walk, or a tour with the Palca canyon. Close to 4,000 m and no shade: water, sunscreen, a hat, and start early.
How to get to Valle de las Ánimas
La Paz Road (bus, car) · 45 min to 1 h
Puma Katari bus or minibus to Chasquipampa and Ovejuyo, then on foot; or a tour.
Photos of Valle de las Ánimas
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More places in this region
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El AltoThe big Aymara city on the Altiplano, right above La Paz: a giant market, cholets and cholita wrestling.
Valle de la LunaMoon-like clay formations in the southern suburbs of La Paz.
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Cordillera Real: CondoririGlacial lagoons and snowy peaks, two hours from La Paz.
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Choro trek (Inca trail)Three days on a pre-Hispanic trail, from the snows of La Cumbre down to the Yungas forest.
Takesi trek (Inca trail)Two days on one of Bolivia's best-preserved Inca trails, down to Yanacachi.
Yunga Cruz trekThe wildest pre-Hispanic trail down to the Yungas: 4 to 5 days below Illimani.
Coroico (Yungas)A hilltop village in the subtropical Yungas: coffee, waterfalls and pools with a view.
Chulumani (South Yungas)A small South Yungas town among coffee, coca and cloud forest, away from the crowds.