Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas
La Paz, Bolivia

Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas

Outty Ranking 58 4.6 · 19 traveler reviews6 hoursFrom $150
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Outty Ranking

58/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 19 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas worth booking?

Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas is a 6-hour experience in La Paz, Bolivia, from $150 per person. It scores 58 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 19 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
58 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (19)
Duration
6 hours
From
$150 per person

Although not well known, Palca Canyon is perhaps one of the best hiking destinations in Bolivia. The high desert environment is home to many rare plant and animal species including puma, pampas cat, Andean fox, northern Andean deer, viscacha, Andean condor and the spectacular red tailed hummingbird to name a few. This is an in depth exploration of the canyon and its environs led by an expert hiking guide who has thoroughly explored the canyon system for over 8 years. It is a hiking tour, so remember to wear sneakers and heavy pants. Lunch is cooked inside the canyon and served with beer or a glass of wine. Itinerary and difficulty are amenable to accommodate hikers and travelers of all ages and skill levels.

What you get

    About this experience

    Although not well known, Palca Canyon is perhaps one of the best hiking destinations in Bolivia. The high desert environment is home to many rare plant and animal species including puma, pampas cat, Andean fox, northern Andean deer, viscacha, Andean condor and the spectacular red tailed hummingbird to name a few. This is an in depth exploration of the canyon and its environs led by an expert hiking guide who has thoroughly explored the canyon system for over 8 years. It is a hiking tour, so remember to wear sneakers and heavy pants. Lunch is cooked inside the canyon and served with beer or a glass of wine. Itinerary and difficulty are amenable to accommodate hikers and travelers of all ages and skill levels.

    What's included

    Included

    • Large lunch cooked in the canyon (meat free vegetarian option available)
    • Beverage or beer with lunch
    • English/Spanish speaking driver/guide
    • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
    • Hotel pick-up and drop-off

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Palca Canyon

      Travelers can expect a full day of hiking with a large lunch cooked in the canyon. We guide routes through the canyon that are suitable for all ability levels, but ask that you be in good enough shape to hike for at least 2-3 km. We are happy to briefly stop at Valle de las Animas on the way back to your hotel in La Paz. Dress in appropriate footwear and clothing for hiking (heavy pants and sneakers recommended). Temperatures can range from 10C-28C in the canyon.

      360 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Solace Trekking and Tours

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Small-group of maximum 6 people
    • This tour is conducted at altitude (3500m or higher)

    Photos

    Exploring the cathedral-like labyrinth of canyons., Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las AnimasPrivate Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas, photo 3Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas, photo 4Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas, photo 5Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 19 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Food and drink

    3 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Physical effort

    2 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Traveler reviews

    19 verified traveler reviews for Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    15
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    Tycon2 · September 2022

    Proceed with Caution

    While we visited amazing locations in Bolivia that no other company offers tours to, there were some issues that detracted from the experience. Van overheated several times, tired were not fully inflated, significantly later than promised return to La Paz, and instances of road rage

    via Tripadvisor

    62LauraC62 · September 2022

    Make an informed decision

    Adventurous tour. Great destinations without crowds. Knowledgeable guide. Some nerve wracking roads. Lots of Bolivian history. Definitely not your typical tour. Read all reviews and responses to understand what you’re signing up for.

    via Tripadvisor

    Janice C · September 2019

    We Chose the Right Tour Company

    As Bolivia novices choosing the right tour company was a challenge. We came upon the Solace site and Caleb became our guide for three days. He is an outdoorsman and approaches his all-day tours from that perspective. As an American who adopted Bolivia as his home, he is passionately engaged with it. He offers adventure--not an air-ride suspension, “tinted window” excursion. Be aware that any Bolivian travel may be subject to public demonstrations. Guard rail-less highways may transition to gravel and city traffic may be fierce. Following local custom in the countryside, Caleb may stop and offer rides to locals. We encountered an over-80 year old bundle-bearing couple trudging up a dirt road at 14,000 feet, a woman on her way to a university orientation at a highway check point and a young mother and her four year-old daughter and infant. All provided insight into the daily lives of Bolivians. The all-day trip down to the ruins at semi-tropical Yanacachi via the Sud Yungas-Chulumani “highway” offered great variety. We first climbed over a pass and stopped near Estancia Rinconada, a crushed slate 15,000 foot moonscape with fantastic views of Mount Illimani near the mountain bikers’ starting point on the so called “Death Road.” If you have visited Tiwanaku or Machu Picchu and seen “developed” sites, this is an opportunity to see a “raw” archeological site. While there can be dust or mud depending on the season, you will get a sense of the “undiscovered” wonders of Bolivia. The day trip to Palca was really beautiful. For U.S. travelers think of Brice and Zion National Parks with Denali in the background. Caleb’s walks in the narrow canyons offer some physical activity and were really worth it. He encouraged us, but did not push us beyond our capabilities and we appreciated the experience. The full-day Lake Titicaca and Tiwanaku day was a “must do” extension to a La Paz visit. The local Tiwanaku site guide, Angela, is not only remarkably knowledgeable about this civilization, but she positioned our photos to catch the best light. The trip to the Lake was beautiful. As others have remarked, Caleb is extremely generous with his time and offers many options to stop and see more. His passion for Bolivia is more than a business for him. If your goal is to get closer to what Bolivia has to offer, book with Solace and you will not be disappointed. We are glad we did. This remarkable country and its people opened up to us through a memorable adventure.

    via Tripadvisor

    adamduncan24 · May 2019

    THE Best and Ideal tour guide

    Caleb is the man, the best tour guide I have ever had and also a great guy. Very friendly and incredibly knowledgeable on many different topics especially pertaining to Bolivian history, culture, and landscape. My group spent three days with his company and our three days consisted of some off road adventure up mountains with incredible views, a tour of the city of La Paz, a stop at the botanical garden in La Paz, a full day tour of Tiwanaku and Lake Titicaca that ended with a stop at an old Hacienda that was beautiful. Then a trip to the private Palca Canyon that was also a great time with stunning views. Overall, Caleb was great and I can't say enough about him or his business. When our time with him came to an end I felt like great friends and would certainly love to come back to Bolivia and spend some more time with him and do some more tours with him and his company one day. He was very flexible and willing to do whatever we wanted. It was also very clear that he put our needs first and was always checking on us to make sure we were happy and in good health because of how dangerous the elevation can be. I most definitely recommend Caleb as a tour guide and his company if your looking for the ultimate Bolivian experiences that will bring you out of your comfort zone a little bit and not end up regretting it one bit but instead wanting to do it all over again!

    via Tripadvisor

    Meander11881680999 · May 2019

    #1 Tour Guide. Everything You Want.

    Asbolute best tour guide I've ever experienced. I went to Bolivia with a group from my university. We had a set itinerary for all 13 of us. Caleb seemed a little too crazy for us at first. But after a car ride with him, he turned out to be just what some of us wanted. Some of us wanted high adventure exploring and others just wanted laid-back sightseeing like a typical tour. Caleb managed to give the best of both worlds, and even made lunch for us one day. He had his staff give typical tours for those who wanted it, and took the few of us that wanted a little more adventure off the itinerary. He took us, the group that was more adventurous, to many gorgeous Vista points, took us off road 4-wheeling, explored various ruins, and even took us way out of the city to Palca Canyon, not on the itinerary, where we hiked and even found a cave. He managed to give us all this and still have the right balance of activities with the whole group, so the group didn't feel like two separate groups. If you are looking for the experience of a lifetime, and are willing to deviate from an itinerary to experience things you never even thought could exist, Caleb is the tour guide for you. He is very knowledgeable about Bolivia and it's history, and it seems like he knows 50% of the people within a 50 mile radius of La Paz. He will become your friend while giving you the best experience possible and, above all, keeping you comfortable. Caleb plans your experience around your desires and interests rather than a strict itinerary. He and his wife even stayed up most of one night, when a member of our group had a bad reaction to the altitude. He was worried more about getting her help than anything else and did on unpaid time. If I ever return to Bolivia, he will be the first person I will contact. Thanks Caleb for this unforgettable experience.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    6 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $150 to $200
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    7
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 58

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)71
    Review evidence (18% weight)45
    Booking momentum (14% weight)37
    Value for money (12% weight)21
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)50
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for La Paz.

    How much does Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas cost?

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    Prices start at $150 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in La Paz usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas take?

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    Plan for about 6 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in La Paz is not rushed.

    Is Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas worth it?

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    It holds an Outty Ranking of 58 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 19 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in La Paz, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas?

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    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 6-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas?

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    Around 7 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in La Paz can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in La Paz and add a light layer if any part of the 6-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central La Paz within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in La Paz?

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    On Outty we rank every La Paz experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include The World's Most Dangerous Road - Barracuda Biking's Death Road Riding, Death Road Biking Tour, Death Road, Bolivia: Mountain Bike Tour on the World's Most Dangerous Road. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit La Paz?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in La Paz?

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    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas?

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    Included: Large lunch cooked in the canyon (meat free vegetarian option available); Beverage or beer with lunch; English/Spanish speaking driver/guide; Transport by air-conditioned minivan; and Hotel pick-up and drop-off. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas include hotel pickup?

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    Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 72 listed pickup locations in and around La Paz. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas offered in?

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    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in La Paz. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Private Palca Canyon Tour from La Paz with optional stop at Valle de las Animas?

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    Across 19 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

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