This post was first published in 2017 but has been updated in 2019 with the most recent information about Valle de la Luna, La Paz, Bolivia
Situated just 10km from downtown La Paz, Valley of the Moon Bolivia feels like another universe compared to the country’s busy capital. Visiting the valley was one of the coolest experiences of our trip in Bolivia, and we are super excited to share the footage of this unique attraction with you in this video.
The valley is not really a valley but an area where erosion has destroyed the majority of a clay mountain, leaving behind tall spires. The different sides of the mountain are different colours, creating crazy optical illusions on the spires.
Check out our video exploring Valley of the Moon
Why Visit Valle De La Luna, La Paz, Bolivia
Let’s face it, you probably never heard about Valle de la Luna in La Paz, Bolivia, before reading this post. Since Bolivia is not a big travel destination, you will be one of the few tourists to visit this place before it becomes overrun by mass tourism.
If that alone doesn’t convince you, there are plenty of other reasons to tour Valle de la Luna.
It’s a perfect spot to experience the serene atmosphere minutes away from the busy city, so if you get tired of the busy streets of La Paz, Valley of the Moon is the place to visit. But the main draw of this place is the otherworldly views that look like the surface of the moon. Walking along these jagged rock formations will make you think that you’ve just landed on another planet!
How To Get To Valle De La Luna, La Paz
Valley of the Moon ( Valle de la Luna in Spanish ) is located a little bit over 6 miles from downtown La Paz. Since Bolivia is largely an underrated country in South America, you will not experience crazy lines with people trying to beat each other to get a spot. Enjoy the peace and quiet!
There are several ways to get to Moon Valley Bolivia:
Taxi. Valley of the Moon is only 15 minutes away from La Paz, and a taxi is the fastest way to reach it.
Teleferico. Teleferico is a public cable car and a great alternative if you are not in a rush. To reach the Valley of the Moon via Telerifico, simply take the green line to the final station, Irpavi. After you get off the train, you can either take a walk to the 8th Street of Calacoto and catch a bus to the town of Mallasa or take a taxi to get to the entrance.
Organized tour. You can also arrange a tour of La Paz Moon Valley which will include transportation, a bilingual guide and entrance fees. Tour Valley de la Luna is a good option for those who don’t feel confident enough to take the trip on their own.
Opening Hours & Facilities:
Valley of the Moon is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from Monday through Sunday. The entry ticket costs $15 USD. The valley doesn’t have any stores or facilities, just trails that meander along alien-looking landscapes.
What to Bring & What to Wear
Whether you decide to tour Valle de la Luna on your own or with an organized group, don’t forget to dress in some layers. The valley can get cold depending on the season and time of the day.
It’s also a good idea to bring some water and snacks.
Wear a pair of shoes with a good grip, so you can follow the rocky paths of Valle de la Luna without a worry.
Touring La Paz Moon Valley
There are two circular trails at Valle de la Luna. One trail takes about 45 minutes to complete, while another one takes about 15 minutes. Both walks are relatively easy, however, you will need to be extra cautious, as there are no guard rails on either side.
The most impressive viewpoint called Devil’s Point is located at the end of the 45-minute track. Valle de la Luna, La Paz, Bolivia is a series of giant spires and labyrinths that will impress even the most jaded traveller. One of the most stunning features of the valley is its varied palette changes colours from pink and red to beige and neutral depending on the time of the day.
It’s an amazing place with colourful compositions and unique geologic formations that is well worth at least half of your day.
Hi,
My friend and I is thinking to visit Moon Valley Bolivia in Oct. we are planning to travel from Santiago to Cusco Peru. is it possible to include Moon valley into this trip? what is the best way to do the transport? we will need to travel back to Montevideo afterwards. so the plan is Santiago –> Cusco/Moon valley Bolivia –> Montevideo.
We have have about 10 nights to do this.
thank you
Kai-Jia from Australia
email: [email protected]
That’s a pretty big detour to go from Cusco to Bolivia just to see the Valley of the Moon. Unless you plan to spend more time in Bolivia, see the salt flats and spend some time in La Paz, we would recommend that you skip the detour.