Pickup at 8:00 in central La Paz, by minibus. Acclimatization: 24 hr beforehand in La Paz.
The Cañón de Palca is a downhill hike from Uni to Palca, through 2 hr 30 min to 3 hr of ravine. The canyon is about eight kilometers from end to end, and the full day from La Paz takes roughly 9 to 10 hr including transfers. The minibus drops you at Uni's main square, waits for you at the exit of Palca and takes you to the Alaxpacha viewpoint for an aperitif before heading back to La Paz. It includes transport, a Spanish-speaking guide (English on request), canyon entrance fees and permits, a snack and water during the hike, and a drink at the viewpoint.
Highlights
- Obelisks. Dozens of obelisks rise more than 200 meters above the canyon floor.
- Changing rock. Sandstones and conglomerates in ochers, reds and grays, almost violet in the shaded stretches.
- A town at the end. The hike ends in the main square of Palca, a municipality with a mostly Aymara population.
- Aperitif. Bolivian wine, beer, a snack or tea at the Alaxpacha viewpoint, after the hike.
What does the itinerary look like?
- Departure from La Paz toward Uni (approx. 1 to 1 hr 30 min)We leave at 8:00 by minibus from La Paz toward the village of Uni, the starting point of the hike.
- Uni's main squareLast instructions from the guide and the first steps toward the canyon.
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The noise of the city is behind you: there are dogs, a couple of stalls and wind stirring the dust.
- Hike down from Uni to Palca (approx. 2 hr 30 min to 3 hr)The ground is a bed of loose gravel, sand and rounded stones that shift under your soles: short steps, eyes down and an occasional stop to lift your head.
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Above you, the obelisks dominate the walk. What looks like granite is sandstone and conglomerate, soft rock that water and wind have been carving for millions of years.
You walk between 3,200 and 3,500 m. The terrain demands nothing technical, but the air does: after an hour you will notice that you talk a lot less than when you started. A few eucalyptus trees appear among the rock, along with a silence made of your own footsteps and, far off, water.
- Meeting point at the exit of PalcaThe minibus waits for you at the exit of Palca.
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Palca means fork, a word that is both Aymara and Quechua: the point where two waters and two roads meet. It is a living municipality, the first section of the Pedro Domingo Murillo province, and Illimani (6,438 m) can keep you company if the sky is clear.
- Alaxpacha viewpoint and return to La PazTransfer to the Alaxpacha viewpoint, south of the city, on the same road back (approx. 45 min to 1 hr 15 min).
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An aperitif is included there, with Bolivian wine, beer, a snack or tea; it is served at the end, not during the hike. Then the minibus returns to La Paz, once the sun has set; the exact time depends on the time of year.
What is included in this tour?
Included
- Minibus transport (La Paz, Uni, Palca, Alaxpacha, La Paz)
- Spanish-speaking guide; English on request
- Canyon entrance fees and permits
- Snack and water during the hike
- Bolivian wine, beer, a snack or tea at the viewpoint, for everyone, whether or not you drink alcohol
What do you need to know before booking?
Altitude and effort
It is a physically long day, 9 to 10 hr including transfers. Good general fitness, a good night's rest beforehand, an unhurried pace and constant hydration during the descent are recommended. It requires 24 hr in La Paz beforehand: the altitude (3,200 to 3,500 m on the hike) is noticeable even though the trail demands no technique.
What to bring
Bring sunscreen, a cap, a jacket, a rain jacket, water and a snack.
Rain, floods and schedules
Times are approximate and may vary depending on the group's pace and the road conditions. The tour also runs in light rain.
Alcohol
The drink is served after the hike, at the viewpoint. There is a non-alcoholic option, the driver does not drink alcohol, and moderation is recommended given the altitude.
Altitude and health
This tour reaches 3,965 m. It is not recommended in case of pregnancy, heart or respiratory disease, uncontrolled hypertension or significant vertigo. Minimum age: 10 years. Prior acclimatization: 24 hr beforehand in La Paz. We advise you to stay well hydrated, avoid alcohol on the first day and check with your doctor before booking. If symptoms of altitude sickness appear, the guide may decide to descend, for your safety.
Before you book: payment, cancellation and the unexpected
Payment and booking
When you book, you pay 30% of the total: 15% as a booking payment (arras, non-refundable) and 15% as a deposit. Then a second deposit of 20% 30 days before departure and the remaining 50% 7 days before departure. If you book 15 days or less before departure, you pay 100% of the total when you book and it is non-refundable. If a payment does not arrive by its due date, the booking is cancelled automatically. You can pay in foreign currency with Libélula, RedEnlace and Revolut, or by bank card, QR code or bank transfer; the payment provider may charge transaction fees.
Cancellation and date changes
More than 45 days before departure: 100% of the deposit (15%) is refunded, less bank fees for the money transfer; the booking payment (arras) is not refunded. From 45 to 31 days: 50% of the deposit is retained, which corresponds to the pre-payment of lodging, transfers or others. From 30 to 8 days: 100% of what you paid is retained. From 7 days to 24 hours: everything you paid is retained. Less than 24 hours, and in case of a no-show: the full price is due. Date change: possible depending on the availability of the company and of our providers, with a new quote; sums already paid to providers are not refundable and must be paid again. If Terra Alta cancels or postpones the trip, you choose a new date at no extra cost or a refund of what you paid, except costs already paid to providers that cannot be recovered.
Prices
Prices are in US dollars per person, based on a group of 6 people, in a shared departure.
Blockades, closed roads and weather
A flooded salt flat (roughly December to April) is not a reason to cancel: the tour goes ahead with an itinerary adapted by the guide, with the mirror effect, and Incahuasi island may not be reachable; no refund is due for the visits that change. If a dangerous external event (a storm, heavy snowfall or another natural event) or social unrest or a blockade requires it, Terra Alta may modify, postpone or cancel the trip to protect travellers; what applies is what is provided for a cancellation by Terra Alta.
Tips and expenses
Tips are not included and are voluntary. Entrance fees listed in bolivianos are approximate and may change; they are paid on site, in cash.
Insurance
Terra Alta does not include travel insurance. If you wish, we recommend taking out a policy with medical assistance and repatriation from high altitude.
Frequently asked questions
How far do you walk in the Cañón de Palca?
The hike down from Uni to Palca takes 2 hr 30 min to 3 hr, always downhill. The canyon is about eight kilometers from end to end.
How long is the full day?
Roughly 9 to 10 hr including transfers, from La Paz. Times are approximate and vary with the group's pace and the road conditions.
How hard is it?
It is of moderate difficulty. The terrain demands nothing technical, but the altitude (3,200 to 3,500 m) is noticeable. Good general fitness, a good night's rest and an unhurried pace are recommended.
Do I need to acclimatize first?
Yes, it requires 24 hr in La Paz beforehand. Drink water constantly during the descent.
Is there a non-alcoholic option at the viewpoint?
Yes. The drinks service has a non-alcoholic option and is for everyone, whether or not you drink alcohol. The driver does not drink alcohol.
Guides to prepare your trip: La Paz: history and altitude · altitude sickness and soroche in Bolivia · what to see in La Paz and around
From USD 99 / person
If you only want the sunset, without the canyon hike, see Sunset in the Valle de la Luna. Valleys at Sunset
