Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), La Paz

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Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), La Paz

Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), La Paz

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Though the Moon is our closest cosmic neighbor, only twelve people have ever set foot on its surface. As it turns out, however, you don’t need to be an astronaut to admire a lunar-like landscape with your own eyes. Tucked away on the outskirts of La Paz is Moon Valley, a slice of an alien world in the middle of the Andes.

By: Omri Westmark

Date: 02:02 04.03.25

Last Update: 02:02 04.03.25

Nature Rock Formations La Paz Bolivia Latin America & Antarctica

The Bolivian capital pulses with energy, yet some of its most striking sights wait just beyond its limits. Head south, and in minutes, you’ll arrive at Valle de la Luna, or Moon Valley, a rugged terrain so otherworldly it seems plucked from another celestial body. Yet, despite its name, it isn’t a valley at all. Instead, it’s an expanse of rock pillars sculpted by millennia of wind and rain. The result? A dense forest of towering spires and narrow ravines.

Unlike solid rock formations, the terrain here consists of fragile clay and sandstone, steadily eroding over time. Over the centuries, this natural process has given rise to an unusual, almost alien landscape that leaves visitors bewildered, including, as the story goes, astronaut Neil Armstrong. During a visit in 1969, he was said to have been so impressed by the site’s uncanny resemblance to the Moon’s surface that he coined its current name. Whether the story is true or not, the name stuck, and the area has since become one of La Paz’s most surreal attractions.

The formations across Moon Valley vary in color depending on the minerals in the soil. While most of the landscape is a pale beige or sandy brown, some sections have deep reddish hues, while others take on a dark violet tone. The contrast creates a stunning visual effect, especially in the shifting light of sunrise or sunset.

The main entrance sign that greets visitors

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

The trail

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

photography by: Omri Westmark

Vegetation is sparse, but cacti cling to the arid slopes, including the Choma cactus, a species known for its hallucinogenic properties. The area is also home to small wildlife, such as viscachas, rodent-like creatures reminiscent of a mix between a rabbit and a squirrel.

Visitors can explore Moon Valley via two designated trails. The shorter route takes about 15 minutes, while the longer loop, which leads to a high point known as Devil’s Point, offers the best panoramic vistas and takes roughly 45 minutes to complete. The trails are clearly marked, though some sections can be steep and narrow, requiring sturdy footwear. A small tourist center at the entrance provides basic information, while a fee of Bs 15 (2 USD) is required for entry.

Located about 10 kilometers from the city center, within the district of Mallasa, Moon Valley is often compared to another nearby formation, Valle de las Ánimas (Valley of the Souls), both known for their surreal topography.

For those looking to spend more time in the area, a campsite along the main road offers a place to stay, complete with amenities like showers, an outdoor kitchen, and hammocks overlooking the valley.