Overview:

Valle de las Ánimas is a region located in the southern part of the Department of Santa Cruz in Bolivia. It roughly includes the entire area between the town of El Puente and the city of Vallegrande, covering an approximate area of 2,038 km2. It is a fairly remote region, situated several hours drive away from the capital city of Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Valle de las Ánimas is known for its unique geography, featuring a high-altitude valley surrounded by mountains, with a plethora of wildlife, spectacular lakes and mineral streams, as well as picturesque views of the Andean foothills. The majority of the population of the Valle de las Ánimas are rural subsistence farmers. Tourism is the most important economic activity in the region, although forestry, fishing and small-scale mining also take place. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bolivia
Prominent Features:

1. Scenic Views: Valle de las Ánimas is a stunning valley with dramatic red-rock formations and sweeping panoramic views. 2. Luxury Hotels: Valle de las Ánimas is home to several luxurious and contemporary hotels that offer guests a privileged escape from the busy city below. 3. Camping: The valley provides a tranquil setting for camping under the night’s sky surrounded by nature. 4. Hiking: Explorers can discover ancient Incan ruins and explore the dramatic red rocks while hiking around the valley. 5. Wildlife Watching: Valle de las Ánimas is the perfect spot for bird watching and other wildlife sightings. This national monument of Bolivia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

Valle de las Ánimas is an archaeological site located in the Department of Santa Cruz, Bolivia. The site dates back to the Late Formative or Tentative Period, around 2100 - 1300 BC, and is considered one of Bolivia’s oldest inhabited sites. Valle de las Ánimas is believed to have been an agricultural and ceremonial site, with evidence of domesticated plants at the location. Excavations have uncovered evidence of semi-subterranean houses from this period, along with various artifacts such as ceramics, tools, and weapons, that allude to the existence of a complex and highly organized society. While it is not known who the inhabitants of Valle de las Ánimas were, it is believed that they were an agricultural society whose settlement pattern was dispersed with circular structures. The site was first discovered in the 1950s, and the archaeological investigation of Valle de las Ánimas was conducted in the 1980s and early 1990s. During this time, the site was the subject of several studies at the University of San Simón in Cochabamba. Eventually, the research revealed a great deal of evidence of a complex agricultural landscape, suggesting that the people of Valle de las Ánimas had achieved a high level of food production and social organization. In recent years, the site has become increasingly popular with tourists who come to experience its archaeological and cultural history. Valle de las Ánimas is now protected by the Bolivian government and has been proclaimed a National Park, making it a popular destination for educational and scientific research. The park is now frequented by locals and international visitors alike, offering a rare glimpse into the life of Bolivia's prehistoric inhabitants. You must visit one of these historical places in Bolivia on your Bolivia tour

Interesting facts:

1. The Valle de las Ánimas (Valley of the Souls), also known as the Valley of Death, is located in the central Bolivian Andes. 2. The Valle de las Ánimas is named after the Andean legend about the souls of the dead who, according to beliefs, inhabit the valley. 3. There is an old cemetery located in the valley that is believed to be the resting place of the souls of those who died in a great battle which was fought in the valley more than 200 years ago. 4. The valley is surrounded by four massive mountains, referred to as the Salkantay, Apolobamba, Sorata and Estrangulate Mountains. 5. The Valle de las Ánimas has an extremely cold climate. Temperatures in the valley average just 0.4°C during the winter. 6. The valley is home to numerous rare and endangered species of animals, including the Andean Mountain Cat, Andean Condor, Andean Deer and the critically endangered White-cheeked Muscovy duck. 7. The Valle de las Ánimas is only accessible by car, by mule, or on foot. Some of the trails are so narrow that only one mule can pass at a time. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bolivia with your friends and family.