La Paz in Bolivia is located at an altitude of 3650 meters, surrounded by impressive volcanoes. Contrary to what people think, La Paz is not the capital. That is Sucre. However, La Paz is often seen as the capital, because it is the political and commercial center of the country. La Paz is a city of contrasts, where people in traditional costumes alternate with people in suits. There are slums on the mountain slopes, wealthy suburbs in the south and there is a busy commercial center. And everything is connected by the longest cable car system in the world. In La Paz Bolivia you can enjoy yourself for days, discover neighbourhoods, explore cool things to do, go on adventurous day trips and have dinner in fantastic restaurants. In this travel guide you will my tips for discovering La Paz. Hopefully you will enjoy La Paz as much as I do.
- Welcome in La Paz Bolivia
- La Paz Bolivia Travel Guide – tips and things to do
- Plaza San Francisco
- Calle Sagarnaga
- Calle Jaén
- The Witches Market
- The Coca museum
- Plaza Murillo
- Zona Sur
- Use the teleférico
- Stroll around Sopocachi
- Cholita Wrestling
- Visit the markets
- Reserve a table at Gustu
- Museo Nacional de Arqueología – cultural things to do in La Paz Bolivia
- Valle de La Luna
- Meet Mamani Mamani – cultural things to do in La Paz Bolivia
- Visit one of the many viewpoints
- Discover El Alto
- Taste the local specialties
- Things to do around La Paz in Bolivia
- Mini travel guide + tips La Paz Bolivia
- More about Bolivia
Welcome in La Paz Bolivia
La Paz in Bolivia is a city that I have been visiting for the last fifteen years on a regular base. And during every La Paz visit I discover new places, cool things to do and nice restaurants. I am truly fascinated by the daily life and chaos in the city, where all types of people come together. But at the same time, I love hanging out in the fancy neighbourhoods, discovering new places.
Make sure to plan at least a day to explore the city center and visit the witches market. Also the black market and the Sopocachi and Zona Sur districts are worth a visit. You can book a tour through El Alto, the suburb of La Paz. A ride in the longest cable car in the world is a must. And don’t forget to go for an adventurous trip in the surroundings and learn more about Bolivia’s history at the archaeological sites. La Paz is a great place, but it can be overwhelming. I hope this La Paz travel guide with tips and things to do will inspire you to visit this city and get the most out of your stay.
La Paz Bolivia Travel Guide – tips and things to do
Plaza San Francisco
One of the important squares in La Paz is Plaza San Francisco, dominated by the large San Francisco church. And you will probably pass this place many times when visiting the center of La Paz. It is an important meeting point for the locals, who sit on the steps of the church or gather around the surrounding market stalls. It is also the place, where large protests and demonstrations are held regularly, which has given it historical significance over the years.
Do you want to explore the center of La Paz and its things to do with a guide and learn more about Bolivia? You can book a tour here.
Calle Sagarnaga
The street to the left of the San Francisco Cathedral in La Paz Bolivia is called Calle Sagarnaga, with shops, travel agencies and small eateries on the left and right. You will find traditional souvenirs, shops with quality clothing made from alpaca wool, and nameless shops with nice designs. Calle Sagarnaga is a nice starting point for a walk through La Paz city center. Keep an eye on the cool street art.
Calle Jaén
One of the things you want to do in La Paz Bolivia if you want to see something of the old colonial atmosphere is to visit is Calle Jaén. In this narrow street you can take beautiful pictures of the colorful houses, architecture and facades.
There are also four small museums in Calle Jaén. Museo de Metales Preciosos has a collection of pre-Columbian gold and silver. A museum that revolves around the local traditions and customs of Bolivia is Museo Costumbrista Juan de Vargas. In the Museo Casa de Murillo you can dive into history and learn more about the fight for independence of Bolivia. These museums are certainly not among the top things to do in La Paz Bolivia, but it is nnice to take a look. Especially because you only need to buy one ticket that gives access to all museums.
Many people think that La Paz is the capital of Bolivia. But that is Sucre, one of the most beautiful cities in Bolivia. Curious? In the next travel guide you will find all my tips and things to do for Sucre in Bolivia.
The Witches Market
One of the bizarre things you can do in La Paz Bolivia is to visit El Mercado de las Brujas, the Witches Market. Even though the Witches Market in the center of La Paz has become more touristy over the years, it is still something not to miss. It is the place where people come to buy offerings such as llama fetuses, dried frogs, incense, herbs and amulets. In Bolivia there is a different offering for every phase of your life: a new house, a marriage or a baby, but there are also offering plates for a better health and more prosperity.
There are also shamans and yatiris – traditional doctors – to be found at the Witches Market. They are known for their medicinal knowledge and are connected to the gods. Through rituals and offerings, you can have your mind cleansed or have the future predicted. The Witches Market around Calle Linares and Santa Cruz is accessible and easy to visit on your own. The witches market in El Alto is the place for the locals. However, it is recommended to visit this market with a guide, since your visit as a tourist is not always appreciated.
The Coca museum
If you are in La Paz, it is a must to visit the coca museum. In a few rooms you will learn more about the history of the coca leaf and the role that this sacred leaf plays in indigenous communities. But you will also learn how coca is used in soft drinks and in the pharmaceutical industry. Of course the cocaine production and industry is discussed as well. One thing is for sure, you will look at the coca leaf a completely different way.
Plaza Murillo
Another important place in the center of La Paz Bolivia is Plaza Murillo. This beautiful square is named after Bolivian independence hero Pedro Domingo Murillo and is surrounded by a number of important sights such as the presidential palace, the congress building and the cathedral. Given the political struggles in Bolivia, it may not surprise you that demonstrations take place here regularly. However, most of the time it is very peaceful with locals hanging around and enjoying their day. Make sure to walk around and sit on one of the benches to take in the local life.
Do you want to explore the center of La Paz and its things to do with a guide and learn more about Bolivia? You can book a tour here.
Zona Sur
Zona Sur is one of the nicest neighborhoods, located in the south of La Paz, and shows a completely different side of the city. The district consists of sub-districts, such as Calacoto, San Miguel and La Florida and is more prosperous than the rest of the city. There are beautiful houses, lots of greenery and a large number of good restaurants such as Gustu and Ancestral, bars and coffee shops. From the cable car station of the yellow line Irpawi, you walk straight into Zona Sur.
Use the teleférico
One of the best ways to experience La Paz is by teleférico, the cable car. La Paz has the longest cable car system in the world. Not only is it a perfect way to quickly move around the city, it also offers amazing views. You’ll fly above the different valleys of La Paz in Bolivia and look out over the neighborhoods, its things to do and surrounding volcanoes. In no time you will understand how this city works. Curious? In the next travel guide I will tell you how to best travel by cable car in La Paz.
Stroll around Sopocachi
A district that also shows a different side of La Paz is Sopocachi. Here it is more pieceful than the center and there are a nice restaurants, coffee shops and small art galleries. Sopocachi is located between Zona Sur and the center and is easy to reach from the yellow cable car, stop Sopocachi.
Cholita Wrestling
Have you heard of Cholita Wrestling? The Fighting Cholitas are a group of female wrestlers who perform weekly in El Alto, a suburb of La Paz, Bolivia. When you are in La Paz, make sure to visit an event. It is a hilarious show, with Bolivian women entering the ring in traditional costumes.
Do you want to see the Fighting Cholitas in action? You can book your ticket here.
Visit the markets
In La Paz you will come across numerous markets and they are an experience in themselves. The vendors, the people, the wheelbarrows full of bags, the smells and the products: there is nothing better than getting lost in the chaos of these markets. Just north of Plaza San Francisco there is the Mercado Lanza, a local food and flower market, which is always busy. Another intriguing place is the Mercado Negro, the black market. You will find tools, clothing, household items, food, electronics and much more here. This market is located around Calle Max Peredes, Graneros, Tumusla, Isaac Tamayo and Eloy Salmon. Bring as little stuff as possible so that you can get lost in the maze of alleys and streets without worrying. In the next travel guide you will find more tips for shopping in La Paz Bolivia.
Reserve a table at Gustu
When you are in La Paz Bolivia, you definitely want to book a table at Gustu, a restaurant from the list of South America’s best restaurants. Here you will be taken on a journey through Bolivia by a 10-course tasting menu. The flavors and textures are surprising during each dish. At the end it is even possible to take a look in the kitchen and meet the hardworking staff.
Museo Nacional de Arqueología – cultural things to do in La Paz Bolivia
A museum that I can recommend, whether or not you are planning to visit the archaeological site of Tiwanaku, is the Museo Nacional de Arqueología Tiwanaku. You are taken back in time to the Tiwanaku empire, through an exposition with ceramics, sculptures, textiles and religious symbols. Where the Incas were in power for a few hundred years, the Tiwanaku empire existed for almost 3000 years, wich makes it the longest lasting culture, after the Egyptians.
Valle de La Luna
One of the things that you can do in La Paz Bolivia, if you are looking for a bit of nature, is to visit Valle de La Luna. No, it is not that much when you compare it to the moon valley in San Pedro de Atacama Chile, but don’t compare. It is a special area in La Paz because of the surreal, moon-like rock formations that were formed by erosion. Something you can see well during a short walk. Valle de La Luna can be visited on your own or by a tour, where transportation and guide services are included. You can book a tour here.
Valle de la Luna is often offered as a day tour together with a visit to Chacaltaya, so that you visit two completely different areas in one day. Curious? You can book a tour here.
Meet Mamani Mamani – cultural things to do in La Paz Bolivia
When you travel through Bolivia, there is a good chance that you will come across his works. In the streets, in museums or in shops. One of the things to do in La Paz Bolivia if you like modern art is to visit the gallery of artist Mamani Mamani. This artist was born in the Oruro region, and is of Quechua descent. Indigenous cultures and traditions play an important role in his work. Something that can be seen especially in the use of patterns and symbols from Andean mythology and spirituality such as the sun, the moon, the condor and volcanoes. The shapes are abstract and the colors bright.
I am a big fan of his work myself. It is cheerful and interesting because of the stories that go with it. His gallery is small but nice and gives a great impression of his works.
Visit one of the many viewpoints
Because of its unique location between the volcanoes, La Paz has fantastic viewpoints that you can visit. And these are also very easy to reach. For example, from the end station of the yellow line, calles Qhana Pata and the Tiquira lighthouse (the gray line) you can look out over the city. But also – Plaza de los Españoles and Mirador de Killi Killi offer panoramic views of La Paz and the surrounding mountains.
Discover El Alto
El Alto is a suburb of La Paz and is located at an altitude of 4000 meters. It is one of the youngest cities in Bolivia, but has grown into one of the largest and most densely populated cities in the country. It is nice to spend a day in El Alto and admire the cholets, mansions designed by the indigenous architect Freddy Mamani. These kitschy designs are a mix of colors and traditional symbols from the Andean culture and are inhabited by wealthy families. During a tour you will learn more about the El Alto district and traditions of its indigenous population.
You can book a tour here. It is also possible to combine your visit to the cholets of El Alto with a stop at the witches market and the 16 de julio, the largest market in South America. This tour gives an even more extensive picture of life in this special city. You can book this tour here.
Taste the local specialties
Are you a foodie? Bolivia knows many tasty snacks and specialties. Definitely try a salteña, a filled roll with chicken, meat or vegetables. Another local specialty is cuñape, small cheese rolls made from yucca dough. There are many markets, restaurants and eateries where you can try these local snacks. My tips for restaurants in La Paz can be found at the bottom of this travel guide.
Do you want to taste more of the Bolivian cuisine? Then it is nice to go on a food tour in La Paz, where you will get to know different local snacks and spices. You can book a food tour here.
Things to do around La Paz in Bolivia
Death road per mountain bike
Do you like adventure? Then a trip on the Dead Road, or most dangerous road in the world, is a must. In Bolivia you can cycle on one of the most dangerous roads in the world. And this road owes its name to the crazy steep cliffs you find here. In the past, this road was an important freight route and trucks regularly fell into the ravines. But nowadays the route is only available for cyclists, making it less scary. In my opinion, it is the amazing landscape and view that make it one of the best things to do around La Paz in Bolivia.
You start the tour early in the morning in the snow, and gradually descend to a tropical environment. At the end of the day there are two options. You can choose to go back to La Paz by bus or stay overnight in the small village of Coroico.
Please note that it is extremely important to go on this tour with a reliable organization. This way you are assured of the right bikes and guidance. You don’t want to skimp on safety here. You can book a professional tour here.
Tiwanaku – cultural things to do in La Paz Bolivia
One of the sights and things to do in the area of La Paz Bolivia if you are interested in history is to visit the archaeological site of Tiwanaku. Tiwanaku, also known as Tiahuanaco, was the capital of the Tiwanaku empire, and stretched over Peru, Bolivia, northern Argentina and part of Chile. Today you can visit the archaeological remains of the former city. And even though there is little left of it, a visit is worth it to learn more about the culture of this once so powerful empire. You can observe the old sun gate, the impressive monoliths and the temple with the 175 carved heads.
Do you want to visit Tiwanaku from La Paz? You can book a day tour here.
Tiwanaku is located in the southern area of Lake Titicaca about a two-hour drive from La Paz Bolivia and is one of the top archaeological sights in the country. Curious? In the next travel guide you can read more about the Tiwanaku culture and a visit to this archaeological site outside La Paz.
Hike to the summit of the Huayna Potosí
Are you a real adventurer and are you in good shape? Then I promise you that a hike to the 6080m summit of the Huayna Potosi will be the trip of your life. From the top of this mountain, you have an indescribably beautiful view of the Andes mountain range, which extends to the Amazon basin and Lake Titicaca. Something that you can normally only see from the air. But it is not easy to get here.
The hike
This hike is best done from La Paz. The most accessible route is via the Zongo pass and consists of two parts. On the first day you walk from 4764 meters altitude to 5200 meters (the Campo Argentino) in a few hours. This is where you spend the night. Although, not a relaxed night because you leave for the top between 00.00 and 03.00 AM. This is the hardest part because it is dark and the trail consists only of ice and snow. With crampons and an ice axe you slowly pull yourself forward and climb a 45-degree steep ice wall. It is a difficult hike of between four and six hours. Once at the top, you know why you did it, because the views are unbelievable.
Tour options
You can choose from a two or three day hike. A three day hike is recommended, if you have no climbing experience. There will be a training afternoon included, wich is important to get the most out of your trip and actually reach the top. The best time to make this trip is between May and September, when the days are generally sunny. However, it can snow at any time of the year. Keep in mind: This tour is definitely not for everyone. Many hikers do not even make it halfway. It is also important to get used to the altitude in La Paz for a few days, before even thinking about this tour.
Make sure you make this tour with a professional tour operator, offering you the right equipment and guides. You can book a tour here.
Chalcantaya
Chacaltaya was once the highest ski slope in the world at 5300 meters, but has not been in use for a long time due to the melting of the glacier. Nowadays, you can visit Chacaltaya as a day tour from La Paz for breathtaking views of the area. Early in the morning you leave for the refugio located at 5100 meters altitude, a drive of about 2 hours. On a clear day, you will look out over the mountains Huayna Potosi and Illimani, Lake Titicaca and parts of El Alto. You can also walk two hundred meters further up the mountain from here. That sounds like nothing, but it takes about an hour and a half because of the altitude. Make sure you acclimatize for a few days in La Paz before you start this hike.
Chacaltaya is often offered as a day tour together with a visit to Valle de la Luna, so that you visit two completely different areas in one day. Curious? You can book a tour here .
Mini travel guide + tips La Paz Bolivia
Tours and things to do in La Paz Bolivia
Are you looking for more tours and thigs to do in La Paz Bolivia? This is an overview.
Hotel tips La Paz
In La Paz you will find numerous hotels in different price ranges. It is important to think about what things you want to do and visit, because La Paz in Bolivia is a big city. I used to always stay in the center but nowadays I look for Zona Sur because of its great restaurants. That way you don’t have to travel a lot in the evening. During the day traveling is fun as you get to travel around by cable car. These are my tips for hotels in La Paz Bolivia, where I stayed once or more.
Hotel Mitru Sur
Are you looking for a nice hotel in busy La Paz in Bolivia? Then you want to stay at Hotel Mitru Sur, located in the Zona Sur district in La Paz Bolivia. Not only will you spend the night here in comfortable way, you will also have the best restaurants within reach and you can travel anywhere in the city with the cable car in no time. Do you want to read more? In the next travel guide I will tell you more about Hotel Mitru Sur in La Paz.
Do you also want to stay at Hotel Mitru Sur in La Paz Bolivia? Here you will find the latest prices and availability
Illampu Art Boutique Hotel
Do you prefer staying in the center of La Paz? Then Illampu Art Boutique Hotel is a great option. This hotel is located on the corner of Calle Linares and Calle Sagarnaga, in the heart of La Paz Bolivia with important sights and things to do around the corner. Each room has its own theme and some rooms even have a balcony. Keep in mind that it is very busy here during the day and you have to be careful on the streets in the evening. Do you also want to stay at Illampu Art Boutique Hotel in La Paz Bolivia? Here you will find the latest prices and availability.
Looking for more hotels in La Paz Bolivia? This is an overview.
How to get around in La Paz
The best way to get around La Paz is by cable car. Everywhere in the city, you can see the carriages hanging above the streets. Not only do you avoid traffic jams, you can also enjoy beautiful views of the city.
Moreover, this form of public transport is so cheap. A single ride costs a few Bolivianos, a few cents. But it is even easier to buy a public transportation card, which you charge at the stations. A small amount is debited with each ride. There are different routes that are indicated by colors and letters. It works exactly the same as with a metro system, only this is so much nicer. Are you traveling in the evening or to the airport? Then you can travel easily for little money with the uber or taxi. Make sure you book a Radio Taxi, these are the official taxis. Curious? In the next travel guide I will tell you how to best travel by cable car in La Paz.
Restaurant tips La Paz
In La Paz you will find countless restaurants, coffeeshops, bakeries and cafés. And I keep discovering new places. Here are some of my tips for restaurants in La Paz Bolivia.
- For multi-course tasting menus you want to reserve a table at Gustu or Ancestral.
- Olivia is located on the first floor in Calle Illampu. From the balcony you can look out over the lively street, while enjoying delicious pastas.
- Cafe Mundo has been a classic for breakfast, lunch and cakes for years.
- Alexander Coffee is a coffee chain in Bolivia and can be found in several places in La Paz. Nice for a simple tasty lunch, coffee, tea and cake.
- For the tastiest cuñapes you want to go to Café Epico in Zona Sur and Los Qñapes in San Miguel.
- For coffee and tea, Café Typica is a great place to sit down.
- Paceña la Salteña, serves delicious salteñas in throughout the city.
Altitude sickness in La Paz Bolivia
La Paz in Bolivia is located at 3650 meters above sea level. It is important to take it easy the first few days, so that your body can get used to the altitude. Especially if you are planning to go on adventurous trips or hikes. Do you want to read more about altitude sickness and what you can do to prevent it as much as possible? Then read on in my next Boliva travel guide.
More about Bolivia
Did you enjoy reading this article with tips and things to do in La Paz Bolivia? Let me take you on a journey along the most beautiful destinations and places to visit in Bolivia. In the next articles you will find my Bolivia travel guides with lots of inspiration and tips.
- Things to do in Bolivia – 25 destinations and tips
- Salar de Uyuni Bolivia – the biggest salt flats in the world
- Things to do in Sucre Bolivia
- Discover Tiwanaku, a pre-inca site in Bolivia
- A visit to the mines of Potosí
- The best things to do in Copacabana Bolivia
- The Bolivian Inca trail – everything you want to know
- Potosí Bolivia – the highest city in the world
- Best time to visit Bolivia
- How safe is Bolivia – tips for your visit
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