Welcome to La Paz, a city where ancient traditions sit alongside modern life and dramatic mountain scenery forms the backdrop to everyday life. Perched high in the Andes at over 3,600 metres above sea level, Bolivia’s administrative capital is unlike anywhere else I’ve visited.
From colourful markets and colonial architecture to breathtaking viewpoints and one of the world’s most unique public transport systems, La Paz is a city full of surprises. It can feel chaotic at first, but beneath the busy streets is a fascinating destination rich in culture, history, and character.
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in La Paz, along with practical tips and everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this unforgettable Bolivian city.
About La Paz
Sitting at around 3,650 metres above sea level, La Paz is one of the highest capital cities in the world. Built within a dramatic canyon and overlooked by the snow-capped peak of Mount Illimani, the city’s setting is nothing short of spectacular. The altitude is impossible to ignore, and visitors should expect cool temperatures, strong sunshine, and chilly evenings throughout much of the year.
As Bolivia‘s legislative capital, La Paz is a lively and fascinating place where tradition and modern life exist side by side. Bustling markets sit alongside contemporary cable cars, while indigenous culture remains deeply woven into daily life. You’ll see cholitas dressed in their distinctive bowler hats and colourful skirts, hear both Spanish and Aymara spoken on the streets, and experience a city that proudly celebrates its heritage while continuing to evolve.
Where to Stay in La Paz
I highly recommend staying in the area of Sopocachi. This area of La Paz is safe and full of cafes and restaurants, while still being very accessible to all the city’s main sites.
Things to Do in La Paz
There are plenty of things to do in La Paz. We were here for a couple of weeks after visiting Cusco and the Pisac Ruins. Here is just a handful of the things we got up to:
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 offer more savings. So if you’re here for a few weeks, like we were, it’s well worth getting.
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
Wander down Calle Jaén, one of the most charming streets in La Paz. Just a short walk from Plaza Murillo, this beautifully preserved colonial street is lined with colourful buildings, small museums, and artisan shops, making it the perfect place to slow down and soak up the city’s history.
Visit the Witches’ Market
Looking for something a little different and out of the ordinary? Take a walk through the mystical Witches’ Market in the Cerro Cumbre area. This market offers everything from medicinal herbs to spiritual amulets, and even llama fetuses used in traditional rituals. It was definitely one of the more interesting aspects of our visit.
Don’t want to go alone? There are a few well-rated walking tours that include a visit to the witches’ market. They are a great way to learn more about the fascinating history of the area, and 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 dressed in traditional pollera skirts and bowler hats step into the ring for an evening of high-energy entertainment. Combining athleticism, storytelling, and cultural pride, it’s one of the most unusual experiences you can have in La Paz.
Originating in neighbouring El Alto in the early 2000s, cholita wrestling began as a way to bring a fresh twist to Bolivia’s popular wrestling scene. Over time, it evolved into something far more meaningful. For many of the women involved, the ring became a platform to challenge stereotypes, celebrate indigenous identity, and demonstrate strength in a society where cholitas have historically faced discrimination.
Today, cholita wrestling is both a popular tourist attraction and a powerful symbol of empowerment. While the matches are theatrical and often humorous, they also represent resilience, confidence, and the growing visibility of indigenous women in modern Bolivia.
Visit the Valle de la Luna
Just outside the city, Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) feels like stepping onto another planet. Millions of years of erosion have carved the soft clay and sandstone into a maze of jagged spires, narrow canyons, and unusual rock formations, creating one of the most distinctive landscapes in Bolivia.
Named for its resemblance to a lunar landscape, Valle de la Luna is a world away from the busy streets of La Paz, despite being only a short drive from the city centre. Walking along the well-marked trails, you’ll weave between towering rock formations and enjoy sweeping views of this surreal landscape. It’s an easy excursion from the city and one of the most memorable places I visited during my time in La Paz.
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 20 Bolivianos (about $3 USD). This fee contributes to the maintenance of the paths and facilities at the site.
Dine at Popular Cocina Boliviana
No visit to La Paz would be complete without sampling some of Bolivia’s incredible food, and my favourite meal in the city came from Popular Cocina Boliviana. Located in the heart of La Paz, this popular restaurant puts a modern twist on traditional Bolivian cuisine, showcasing local ingredients and flavours in beautifully presented dishes.
The set lunch menu changes regularly but often features Bolivian favourites alongside creative dishes made with ingredients such as quinoa, llama, and seasonal produce. Despite the restaurant’s fine-dining feel, the three-course menu is incredibly affordable and offers fantastic value for money.
It was easily one of the best meals I had during my time in Bolivia, so I’d highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. Just be sure to arrive early (around 11:45 am is ideal) as the restaurant is only open for lunch, and queues can form quickly.
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 are 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” like the ones 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. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and prepare for an adventure high above the ordinary in the incredible city of La Paz.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is La Paz Worth Visiting in Bolivia?
Absolutely. La Paz was one of the most surprising cities we visited in South America. At first glance, it can feel chaotic, busy, and a little overwhelming, but that’s exactly what makes it so fascinating. Between the colourful markets, incredible mountain scenery, unique cable car system, and rich Bolivian culture, there’s nowhere quite like it. I loved simply wandering the streets, people-watching, and taking in the views from above. If you’re travelling through Bolivia or looking for somewhere to stop after Cusco, then La Paz should be the first place on your list.
What Drink Is Bolivia Known For?
Bolivia is probably best known for Singani, a grape-based spirit that has been produced in the country for centuries. It’s often mixed with ginger ale and lime to create a refreshing cocktail called a Chuflay, which I saw on menus throughout my trip. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option, I’d also recommend trying a freshly made fruit juice from one of the local markets. The variety of tropical fruits available in Bolivia is incredible.
What Are the Best Things to Do in La Paz, Bolivia?
There’s no shortage of things to do in La Paz. Some of my personal highlights included riding the famous cable cars for panoramic views across the city, exploring the colourful markets, wandering the umbrella-covered streets in the historic centre, and visiting the otherworldly landscapes of Valle de la Luna.
How Many Days Are Enough for La Paz?
I’d recommend spending at least three days in La Paz. That gives you enough time to explore the city itself, adjust to the high altitude if coming from anywhere other than Cusco, and visit some of the main attractions without feeling rushed. If you plan on taking day trips to places like Valle de la Luna, Death Road, or the nearby mountains, four or five days would be even better. We spent a couple of weeks here before heading off to Uyuni for a 3-day Salt Flat Tour.
