Greetings from La Paz, the city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern life, and majestic landscapes converge with the urban landscape. Perched at a dizzying altitude, La Paz isn’t just the administrative heart of Bolivia but a vibrant hub of cultural fusion. Whether you are captivated by its colonial architecture or the surreal landscapes that surround it, La Paz offers an experience that stays with you forever. Here is everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this extraordinary city.
About La Paz
At approximately 3,650 metres above sea level, La Paz stands as one of the highest capitals in the world, nestled within the expansive Altiplano and shadowed by the imposing Illimani Mountain. Its dramatic location results in a diverse climate that varies sharply, from cool days to chilly nights.
As Bolivia’s legislative capital, La Paz buzzes with activity, juxtaposing the old with the new. Its geography sprawls from the high plains down to the lush, lower regions, creating a varied climate throughout. The city pulses with indigenous traditions, evident in its vibrant markets and the everyday presence of cholitas in colourful attire. Spanish and Aymara fill the air, showcasing the city’s rich blend of indigenous and colonial influences.
Where to Stay in La Paz
The area of Sopocachi is your best bet for a great place to stay in La Paz. The area is safe and full of cafes and restaurants while still being very accessible to all the main sites of the city.
Things to Do in La Paz
Ride the Mi Teleférico
Experience La Paz from above on Mi Teleférico, the world’s highest and longest urban cable car network. It provides not only spectacular views but also an efficient way to travel across various parts of the city, including the breathtaking heights of El Alto.
How to Get Around by Cable Car
Mi Teleférico operates multiple lines, each identified by a different colour. These lines connect various parts of La Paz and El Alto, making it convenient to travel between high-altitude areas. The lines can be seen in the map below:
Each line has several stations where passengers can board and disembark. The system is designed to be user-friendly with easy connections between lines at certain stations.
Cost of Riding
The cost of riding the cable cars is quite economical. A single ride on any line costs 3 Bolivianos, which is roughly around $0.43 USD. There are also daily, weekly, and monthly passes available for frequent users, which provide unlimited rides and can offer more savings.
How to Get a Ticket
Tickets can be purchased at any of the stations. Here are the usual steps:
- Go to the ticket booth at any cable car station.
- Purchase a single ride ticket or a pass for multiple rides (you can buy a full circuit loop which is what we did!).
- You can pay in cash or, in some stations, with a debit or credit card.
- Once purchased, enter through the turnstiles by scanning your ticket or pass.
For tourists and visitors, riding the cable cars is not only a means of transport but also a way to enjoy spectacular views of the cities from above. It’s an efficient, affordable, and pleasant way to explore the area.
Explore Calle Jaén
Step back in time on Calle Jaén, one of La Paz’s most picturesque streets. Here, brightly coloured colonial buildings house museums and artisan shops, perfect for a leisurely stroll through history.
Visit the Witches’ Market
For a peek into the mystical, the Witches’ Market in the Cerro Cumbre area is a must-visit. It offers everything from medicinal herbs to spiritual amulets, and even llama fetuses used in traditional rituals.
There’s a few well rated walking tour options that include a visit to the witches market, a great way to learn more about the fascinating history of the area. This one includes a visit to Plaza Murillo to admire the Presidential Palace, National Congress of Bolivia, Cathedral of La Paz and other historic monuments.
Experience Cholita Wrestling
Witness the unique spectacle of Cholita wrestling, where indigenous women in traditional attire engage in pro-wrestling bouts, a thrilling blend of culture and sport.
Cholita wrestling originated in the early 2000s in El Alto, a city that neighbours La Paz. It was initially conceived as a novelty act within the male-dominated sport of wrestling, which is very popular in Bolivia. The idea was to draw attention and add a unique twist by including indigenous women, who were traditionally marginalized in Bolivian society.
The rise of cholita wrestling has been significant in terms of its social implications. Traditionally, cholitas faced discrimination and were often relegated to lower social statuses. Through wrestling, these women have found a platform to showcase their strength and resilience, challenging stereotypes and gaining respect in their communities. Wrestling allows them to express their struggles and victories, both in the ring and in their personal lives.
Visit the Valle de la Luna
Visit Valle de la Luna, where erosion has sculpted astonishing towers and canyons into the landscape, creating an otherworldly feel just a short distance from the city centre.
The name “Valle de la Luna” is derived from the terrain’s resemblance to a moonscape, created by the erosion of mountains composed of clay and sandstone over millions of years. It’s a popular tourist destination not far from the city centre of La Paz, offering visitors a chance to walk among its towering spires and unique geological features.
How to Get There
Getting to Valle de la Luna is relatively straightforward from the city of La Paz:
- Public Transportation: You can take a minibus from central La Paz. Buses that go towards Mallasa or the Zoológico on Avenida Saavedra in Miraflores will pass near the entrance of Valle de la Luna. You should ask the driver to let you off at the correct spot.
- Taxi or Ride-Share: A taxi or a ride-sharing service can be a more comfortable and direct option and this is what we did (via good old uber). The drive from downtown La Paz to Valle de la Luna typically takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Tour Groups: Many travel agencies in La Paz offer half-day tours to Valle de la Luna, often combined with other nearby attractions. This can be a convenient option as it includes transportation and a guide.
Admission Cost
The entrance fee to Valle de la Luna is quite modest. As of the last update, it was around 15 Bolivianos (about $2 USD). This fee contributes to the maintenance of the paths and facilities at the site.
Dine at Popular Cocina Boliviana
Indulge in the flavours of Bolivia at Popular Cocina Boliviana, a beloved spot in the heart of La Paz. The restaurant offers a contemporary take on traditional dishes, featuring local ingredients like salteñas, llama steak, and quinoa risotto.
Popular Cocina Boliviana in La Paz offers a three-course meal for 75 Bolivianos (about $11 USD). The restaurant is well-regarded for its unique dishes that resemble high-quality, gourmet presentations and this was absolutely the best place we ate in Bolivia. I’d recommend you to arrive around 11:45 AM to secure a spot in line as it’s only open a couple hours and gets busy!
How to Get Around La Paz
Taxis are very affordable and I’d really recommend them as a way to get around the city. Uber can often be difficult to book (you may find your booking being cancelled etc), however there’s plenty of taxis you can flag from the street or book using whatsapp.
Your best options for getting taxis in La Paz are:
InDrive
When you request a ride, you input your destination and the fare you are willing to pay. Nearby drivers receive your offer and can either accept it or counter with a different price. You then choose from the drivers who respond, based on their fare, ratings, and estimated time of arrival.
Radio Taxis
A radio taxi is a type of taxi that is part of a reputable company and can be dispatched via radio signals, making them safer and more reliable than independent taxis. In La Paz and other cities, you can identify a radio taxi by:
- Company Logo: Look for a clear, professional logo on the side or top of the car.
- Phone Number: A phone number for the taxi company is usually displayed on the vehicle.
- Taxi Meter: Most radio taxis have a meter inside the car.
Always make sure the taxi has these identification markers before entering, to ensure it’s a legitimate service.
Is La Paz Safe?
La Paz is generally safe for tourists, but like any large city, it has areas where extra caution is advisable, especially at night. Common safety tips include:
- Avoid Flashy Displays: Keep valuables like expensive jewellery and electronics out of sight to avoid attracting attention.
- Watch Out for Pickpockets: Busy markets, tourist areas, and public transport are common spots for pickpockets.
- Use Reputable Transportation: Opt for well-known taxi companies or ride-sharing services, especially at night. If flagging down a taxi make sure it’s a “radio taxi” as I spoke about in the “how to get around” section.
- Stay in Well-traveled Areas: Stick to main streets and well-lit areas after dark. Areas on the outskirts of the city or less touristy neighbourhoods might require additional caution.
Adding these activities to your travel plan ensures a comprehensive exploration of La Paz, from its rich history and unique culture to its stunning natural beauty and delightful cuisine. Whether you seek adventure, historical insights, or culinary delights, La Paz provides an array of experiences that make every visit memorable. Pack your bags and prepare for an adventure high above the ordinary in the incredible city of La Paz.
