I recently hiked La Muela del Diablo (the Devil’s Molar) here in La Paz, Bolivia. It was on my list of ‘things to do’ although I knew it was going to be a bit of a challenge – a long hike and a large elevation gain at an already high altitude (12,550 feet). But, the views we enjoyed along the way and at the top were so incredible, it made it all worth it! There’s also an option to just take a car or taxi up to the end of the road, and then you have only a small climb… I think I’ll do that next time! We covered about 10 miles on our hike.
We started off the morning with a good breakfast… salteñas and coca cola of course!
My new best friend!
We took the minibus from Plaza Estudiante to Los Pinos… it cost us about 3bs (less than 50 cents)
The cemetery and the beautiful terrain in the background.
Most of the hike was on a steep incline and there wasn’t exactly a ‘marked path’… thank goodness someone knew where we were going. The sun is also really strong in La Paz because of the altitude so lots of people used their jackets as ‘visors’ from the sun.
Marcelo (aka our sherpa) ended up carrying a lot of our stuff – we were all super grateful!
This was just the beginning of the hike… but wow… what a view!
Every day I fall in love with Bolivia a little bit more. Every day the sky is different, the clouds are different, the light is different – and as I look out at the mountains and valleys I’m simply amazed at God’s creation.
Getting closer! Passing through the village of Chiaraque on our way to la Muela (in the background)
Another view of la Muela…
At the base of la Muela… I was ready to stop here. But, we rallied and climbed up the steep rock formations… it was scary!!
Made it to the top! What a view!!
A few brave souls climbed even higher… crazies!
With the whole group at the top of la Muela del Diablo
No guard rails… it’s a long way down from here!
Another view of la muela…
Hiking back down was almost harder than hiking up – everyone’s legs and knees hurt by the end! But it was worth it!
John Willis - It looks amazing. I wish I could join you all. I admire your spirit. Your gratitude is plain to see and admirable. God is wonderful. I wish you well on your life’s journey Vanessa. 🙂