5 Best Hikes and Valleys Near La Paz
5 Best Hikes and Valleys Near La Paz, Bolivia
Every hike near La Paz starts at altitude and usually goes higher. City center sits around 3,640m already, and most of the walking below climbs well past that, so give yourself at least a day or two to acclimatize before attempting any of them; drink water, skip alcohol, and consider mate de coca before you start.
1. Valle de la Luna
The easiest and most accessible option: an eroded landscape of clay and sandstone spires about 10km south of the city, walkable in a 30-60 minute loop. A gentle introduction to hiking at altitude, and a good first outing once you’ve settled in.
2. Muela del Diablo
A distinctive rock tower that stands over the southern edge of the city, reached by a moderate hike with genuinely rewarding views back over La Paz and the surrounding peaks once you reach the top.
3. Valle de las Ánimas
East of the city, this valley of eroded pinnacles offers a quieter, less-crowded alternative to Valle de la Luna, with similarly dramatic formations and noticeably fewer other visitors.
4. Palca Canyon
Neighboring Valle de las Ánimas, Palca Canyon adds canyon walls and longer walking routes for those wanting more distance than the valley alone provides. The two are often combined into a single outing.
5. Chacaltaya
At roughly 5,300m, this former ski area is one of the highest points most visitors will reach on a trip to La Paz, and a stark, visible marker of how far the region’s glaciers have retreated. This is a serious-altitude outing: don’t attempt it until you’re properly acclimatized, dress warmly, and go with a guide who knows the terrain.
Before you go
None of these require technical climbing skill, but altitude changes everything about pacing: what feels like an easy walk at sea level can leave you breathless here. Pack layers, sun protection, and plenty of water regardless of which one you choose, and check conditions locally before heading out, since road access to some of these areas can be affected by occasional blockades.
A local guide is worth the modest cost for any of the farther-out options, both for route-finding and for context on the landscape and its history. Coca leaf, chewed or brewed as tea, is a genuinely useful companion on longer walks at altitude, a legal and centuries-old Andean practice rather than anything to be wary of, though it’s worth remembering it’s illegal to bring leaves or tea out of the country afterward. Get around to trailheads by registered taxi or organized tour transport rather than an unmarked cab, and build a buffer into your schedule in case a blockade or strike briefly affects the road you need.
Read more: our La Paz nature spots guide covers more sights that don’t require quite as much walking.