A trip to the Palca canyon

Palca Canyon is located about 25 kilometers southeast of La Paz. There are stone formations that resemble Gothic cathedrals and obelisks created by water erosion up to 200 meters high. The edge of the canyon can be reached, for example, by bus line no. 42 (situation in 2015), to the town of Uni. Directly in the capital, transport and guides to the area are offered by a number of local travel agencies. The journey through the bottom of the canyon is not difficult, but it is necessary to respect the altitude between 3500 and 3900 meters.

The beautiful Mount Illimani, Bolivia's second highest mountain, creates a monumental natural backdrop when viewed southeast from the center of La Paz. Between the capital and this mountain is the Palca Canyon.

The trek can be started in the town of Uni, from where a relaxed and quite wide carriage path leads to the bottom of the canyon, along which there are several farm buildings.

Even before reaching the bottom of the canyon, a view of fantastic geological formations opens up. Maybe a little reminiscent of some rocks in Zion National Park…

The bottom of the canyon is about 8 kilometers long. However, the road from Uni does not lead through the whole canyon. In any case, the view of some formations is reminiscent of a walk under the skyscrapers of a world metropolis.

The slanting rays of the sun contribute to the drama of the landscape, in which brightly lit rock walls alternate with deep shadows.

On the southeastern edge of the canyon opens a view of the monumental peak of Illimani. However, an interesting rocky landscape is right on the outskirts of La Paz and the natural stone towers are created by the high-rise buildings of the capital.

The last part of the road leads back up along small fields to the town of Palca. There you can refresh yourself, find accommodation, or go back to La Paz.