Muela del Diablo: Hiking Bolivia’s Striking Rock Formation Near La Paz

Why Visit Muela del Diablo

Rising abruptly from the Altiplano, Muela del Diablo is a 3,700-metre volcanic plug whose sheer rock face gives the mountain its name, “Devil’s Tooth.” The short but steep hike to its base and surrounding ridges delivers unobstructed panoramas of La Paz, the snow-capped Illimani massif, and the sprawling valley below. Because the trail starts at the city’s southern edge, visitors can reach the summit area in half a day and still return before afternoon winds pick up.

Getting There

From central La Paz, take a micro or minibus marked “Mallasa” or “Ovejuyo” from the Prado or Plaza Belzu and ride to the southern suburb of Mallasa. At the main plaza, shared taxis or moto-taxis continue a few kilometres along the unpaved road that skirts the mountain’s western flank. Ask to be dropped at the obvious trailhead near the small village of Mallasilla. The final approach is on foot; the path is well-trodden and requires no technical equipment for the standard route.

What to See and Do

The classic outing is the 90-minute ascent to the saddle below the main tooth, where the city skyline and distant cordillera appear in one frame. Photographers often continue along the ridge for another 30 minutes to reach a secondary viewpoint overlooking the dried riverbed of the Río Choqueyapu. Rock climbers tackle the east face via bolted routes, while casual visitors simply picnic on the grassy slopes. At dawn the rock glows deep red; at sunset the lights of La Paz twinkle below.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season from May to October brings clear skies and stable trails. July and August are busiest; shoulder months of May and September offer fewer people and milder midday temperatures. Rainy-season visits (November–March) are possible but require waterproof layers and awareness of slippery clay sections.

Nearby Attractions

• Valle de la Luna’s eroded badlands lie only 15 minutes by taxi from Mallasa.
• The botanical gardens and colonial church of San Pedro de Mallasa make a pleasant stop on the return.
• Further south, the pre-Inca ruins of Tiwanaku can be combined into a full-day outing.