Valle de las Ánimas

The Valle de las Ánimas, the valley of the souls, is the same geology as the Valle de la Luna on a larger scale: a set of canyons on the eastern edge of the city where erosion has left ranks of tall thin clay pinnacles standing close together, some tens of metres high, with paths running up the dry gullies between them. The name comes from the sound the wind makes among the spires, or from a story about souls, depending on who tells it. It is much less developed than the Valle de la Luna, with rough paths rather than walkways, more walking, and far fewer people, and it is possible to spend half a day going up the different branches with Illimani appearing above the rim.

What you actually see

• Tall clay pinnacles - ranks of spires standing close together.
• The gully paths - rough routes up the dry canyon branches.
• Illimani above - the mountain visible over the canyon rim.
• Emptiness - a site with very few other visitors.

When to go

May to September for firm paths and clear views; rain makes the clay slippery and dangerous. Morning light is best on the spires and avoids the strongest sun.

Honest expectations

Paths are rough and unmarked in places, and it is easy to take a wrong branch. The clay is slippery when wet and unstable underfoot. There are no facilities. The area is on the city fringe and going with company is sensible.

Nearby

Valle de la Luna lies west; Palca canyon is southeast.