Muela del Diablo

The Muela del Diablo, the devil's molar, is the eroded core of an old volcanic vent standing about 3,825 metres above the southern districts of La Paz, a blunt rock tooth on a ridge with the softer surrounding material long stripped away. A path climbs from the end of the minibus route through a small village and up the ridge, taking around two hours, with the last section a scramble to the saddle below the rock itself; going onto the tooth proper needs climbing skills and is not part of the ordinary walk. From the saddle the whole bowl of La Paz opens out below with Illimani behind. It is the standard half-day walk from the city and needs nothing but reasonable fitness and tolerance of the altitude.

What you actually see

• The rock tooth - the volcanic plug on its ridge above the city.
• The city bowl - La Paz spread out below from the saddle.
• Illimani behind - the great peak closing the view southeast.
• The ridge walk - the path up through village and open ground.

When to go

May to September for dry paths and clear views; mornings are best before cloud builds. The wet season makes the ridge slippery and the views poor.

Honest expectations

The walk is at 3,600 to 3,800 metres and harder than the distance suggests. The final rock requires climbing and should not be attempted casually. Robberies on the approach have been reported, so going in company and in daylight is the usual advice. There is no water on the route.

Nearby

Valle de las Ánimas lies east; central La Paz is north.