Valle de la Luna, Protected natural area in La Paz, Bolivia.
Valle de la Luna is a protected natural area in La Paz, Bolivia, known for its tall clay spires and unusual formations. The structures display shades of beige, brown, red, and violet across the surface.
Erosion processes over centuries removed the upper sections of the mountain and shaped the clay soils into the current landscape. The area was later designated as a protected space to preserve the geological features.
The Spanish name translates to Moon Valley, chosen by early visitors who saw the terrain as similar to lunar landscapes. Many families from nearby neighborhoods walk through on weekends, treating it as a local retreat within the city.
The protected area sits about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from downtown La Paz and offers walking paths and viewpoints for exploring. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the trails can be uneven and the altitude requires effort.
The mineral composition of the mountains creates different optical effects throughout the day as sunlight interacts with the colored slopes. Some visitors notice that the shapes of the spires resemble different figures depending on the viewing angle.
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