Among the spiky towers of the Valley of the Moon is the colorful village of Mallasa, Bolivia.
Question: Where in the world is this otherworldly location supposedly named by Neil Armstrong?
Answer: Valley of the Moon, Bolivia
Bolivia’s aptly named Valley of the Moon is a magical landscape of deep gullies, oddly shaped outcroppings, and spindly stone spires galore. Known by locals as Valle de la Luna, this unexpected natural location is a centerpiece of the region just a few miles outside of the bustling city of La Paz.
The Valley of the Moon is not really a valley but rather a maze of spires and canyons carved out from thousands of years of wind and rain. At a staggering 11,975 feet above sea level, the craggy clay and sandstone formations were battered from the mountains throughout time. They also contain rich variations of mineral content which adds color to the landscape.
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In the desert sea of standing stalagmites, no two formations are the same. Many people notice animal and human shapes carved into the formations which can have spiritual significance. Some of them have been given names like "El Buen Abuelo" (The Nice Grandfather) which looks like an older man carved in stone. Others have names like the Turtle Shell and the Cholita’s Hat.
Locals claim that the landscape gets its name from moonwalker Neil Armstrong himself. The rumors go that he when he visited the destination, he said it reminded him of his trip to the moon, and since then, the name the Valley of the Moon stuck. However, this may just be a fun story told to visitors that does not have much truth to it.
Despite the desert climate, there’s a surprising amount of flora and fauna in the park including 32 different species of cacti wedged between the spires. The park also has fun and easy hiking trails bridging the formations which offer dramatic views of the surrounding rock towers.
A Few Fun Facts about Nearby La Paz:
- La Paz is famed for Mi Teleferico, a speedy cable car system that soars over the city. The cable car system is the longest in the world.
- Indigenous culture is alive and well in La Paz. The native people called Aymara form the majority in La Paz, and their colorful traditional outfits can be seen proudly on display.
- According to indigenous beliefs, animals should be buried under buildings to appease Pachamama (Mother Nature) in return for her blessings. Because of this belief, there are llamas buried beneath buildings all over the city.
- During the January festival of Alasitas, thousands of people descend on a special market to buy miniature trinkets of all the things they hope to have in the upcoming year. If blessed by a local priest or an indigenous witch doctor, their wishes are said to become a reality.
- A clock on the House of Congress in La Paz was configured to run backward. It’s said that the reason for this was to pay homage to the local indigenous heritage. By running the clock backward, the people will eventually reach the pre-colonial days.
- There are more parades than days of the year here. Every neighborhood has frequent bright and colorful celebrations where groups of traditionally dressed dancers and musicians block off the streets for festivities.
Hike through the spindly desert formations of the Valley of the Moon during the Bolivia pre-trip extension to our Machu Picchu & the Galápagos Small Ship Adventure.
