The rock spires
A forest of brown and gold stone.
Yazzmale — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Maurichipo — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Saray Vargas 1312 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · MagnoBlanco — CC BY 4.0 · Saray Vargas 1312 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Olga Lidia Paredes Alcoreza — CC BY-SA 4.0
Valle de las Ánimas, the Valley of the Souls, is a municipal protected area and geological formation near La Paz, at 3,965 metres. Hundreds of thin rock spires stand here like a forest of stone, wider and less crowded than the city's famous Valle de la Luna. There are two explanations for the name: locals say the wind makes pitiful sounds passing through the rocks, and the long spires suggest the silhouettes of spirits. Specialists link the formations with Palca Canyon, cut by a shifting river from the melting of ancient glaciers. Pre-Hispanic ceremonial structures lie nearby, at risk from unregulated urban growth. Visitors follow a popular route of about 7 km, taking 3 to 4 hours round trip, between jagged walls of brown and gold. From above you see distant La Paz and the snowy Illimani and Mururata. Mirador Alaxpacha is the final viewpoint. The light changes a great deal with the hour, and the spires turn to sharp shapes at sunset. The valley is 10.7 km in a straight line south-east of central La Paz. You can come by minibus to Ovejuyo or by taxi. There are many trails, so keep to the main one or take a guide. The altitude is high, so spend some days acclimatising in La Paz, and bring water, a hat and a stick, as visitors mention stray dogs. British advice mentions a state of emergency and road blockades, so check your government's advice.
A forest of brown and gold stone.
The viewpoint at the trail's end.
Snowy Illimani and Mururata.
Near Ovejuyo and Uni, south-east of La Paz
Yes, it is a wider, quieter valley, a few kilometres away.
It is not compulsory, but with so many trails a guide or offline map helps.