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La Paz, Bolivia - Things to Do in La Paz

Things to Do in La Paz

La Paz, Bolivia - Complete Travel Guide

La Paz, the world's highest capital city at 3,500 meters above sea level, is a breathtaking blend of indigenous culture, colonial architecture, and modern urban life. Nestled in a dramatic valley surrounded by snow-capped Andean peaks, this Bolivian metropolis captivates visitors with its colorful markets, traditional cholita women in bowler hats and layered skirts, and the stunning backdrop of Mount Illimani. The city's unique geography creates distinct neighborhoods at different elevations, from the affluent Zona Sur in the lower valley to the bustling indigenous areas of El Alto on the altiplano above. La Paz offers an authentic South American experience where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with contemporary life. The city serves as Bolivia's political and cultural heart, featuring world-class museums, vibrant street art, and some of the continent's most fascinating markets. From riding the innovative cable car system that connects different elevations to exploring the mysterious Valley of the Moon, La Paz provides unforgettable experiences that showcase both natural wonders and rich cultural heritage.

Top Things to Do in La Paz

Explore Witches' Market and Traditional Markets

Wander through the famous Mercado de las Brujas (Witches' Market) where vendors sell llama fetuses, medicinal herbs, and mystical potions used in Aymara rituals. The nearby markets offer textiles, handicrafts, and local products in a sensory overload of colors, sounds, and aromas. This is one of South America's most authentic market experiences.

Booking Tip: Markets are free to explore and best visited in the morning (9 AM - 1 PM) when vendors are most active. Bring small bills for purchases and negotiate prices. Consider joining a cultural walking tour ($15-25) for deeper insights into the spiritual significance of items sold.

Ride the Mi Teleférico Cable Car System

Experience the world's largest urban cable car network that connects La Paz with El Alto, offering spectacular aerial views of the city and surrounding mountains. The system features multiple colored lines covering over 30 kilometers and serves as both practical transportation and tourist attraction. The views of the sprawling city below and Andean peaks are absolutely stunning.

Booking Tip: Cable car rides cost only $0.50-1.00 per journey and operate daily 6 AM - 11 PM. Buy a rechargeable card at any station. The Red and Yellow lines offer the best tourist views. Avoid rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) for more comfortable rides.

Visit Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna)

Explore this otherworldly landscape of eroded clay and sandstone formations that create a lunar-like terrain just 10 kilometers from La Paz. The bizarre rock formations, deep crevices, and towering spires were carved by wind and rain over millions of years. Walking trails wind through the formations offering incredible photo opportunities.

Booking Tip: Entry costs $3-5 and the site is open daily 9 AM - 5 PM. Best visited in late afternoon for golden hour lighting. Many tour operators offer half-day trips ($20-30) including transportation, or take public transport (micro) for $1-2 each way.

Experience Traditional Food and Cooking

Discover Bolivian cuisine through street food tours and cooking classes featuring specialties like salteñas (savory pastries), anticuchos (grilled beef heart), and api (purple corn drink). Local restaurants serve hearty dishes adapted to high-altitude living, including llama meat, quinoa preparations, and coca tea. The food scene reflects the city's indigenous heritage and Spanish colonial influences.

Booking Tip: Street food tours cost $25-40 and typically last 3-4 hours including multiple tastings. Cooking classes range $30-60. Book through reputable operators who ensure food safety. Try salteñas before 11 AM when they're freshest, and always drink bottled water.

Explore Historic Center and Museums

Walk through the UNESCO-listed historic center featuring colonial churches, Plaza Murillo with the Presidential Palace, and the impressive San Francisco Church. Visit world-class museums like the National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore or the Coca Museum to understand local culture and history. The narrow cobblestone streets reveal beautiful colonial architecture at every turn.

Booking Tip: Most museums charge $3-8 entry and close on Mondays. Free walking tours operate daily at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM (tip-based). Paid guided tours cost $20-35. Start early to avoid afternoon crowds and potential altitude effects.

Getting There

El Alto International Airport, the world's highest international airport at 4,150 meters, serves La Paz and is located about 13 kilometers from the city center. Most international visitors fly via Lima, Santa Cruz, or other South American capitals, as direct flights from North America or Europe are limited. From the airport, official taxis cost $10-15 to downtown La Paz, while the airport bus costs around $2. Many hotels offer airport pickup services. Overland travelers can reach La Paz by bus from neighboring countries, with comfortable overnight services available from major South American cities.

Getting Around

La Paz's unique topography makes the Mi Teleférico cable car system the most efficient and scenic way to travel between different elevations of the city. Micros (small buses) and minibuses provide extensive coverage for $0.25-0.50 per ride, though routes can be confusing for visitors. Radio taxis are safe and affordable ($3-8 for most city trips), while ride-sharing apps like Uber operate in certain areas. Walking is pleasant in the historic center, but the high altitude means taking frequent breaks. Avoid walking alone at night and in certain neighborhoods like El Alto.

Where to Stay

Rosario (Historic Center)
San Pedro
Sopocachi
Zona Sur
Miraflores
Calacoto

Food & Dining

La Paz's dining scene ranges from street food markets to upscale restaurants showcasing modern Bolivian cuisine. The Rosario neighborhood offers numerous budget-friendly restaurants serving traditional dishes, while Zona Sur features international cuisine and trendy cafes. Don't miss trying salteñas (best before 11 AM), anticuchos from street vendors, and local specialties like fricasé and chairo soup. The city's markets, particularly Mercado Lanza and Mercado Rodriguez, offer authentic local food experiences. Many restaurants cater to vegetarians, and coca tea is served everywhere to help with altitude adjustment.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Bolivia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Restaurante Michelangelo

4.6 /5
(1666 reviews) 3

Fellini

4.5 /5
(1628 reviews) 2

Bravissimo

4.6 /5
(1159 reviews) 2

La Cantonata

4.5 /5
(1117 reviews) 2

Pizzería Bella Ciao

4.9 /5
(556 reviews)

Ristorante Il Borgo Santa Cruz

4.5 /5
(562 reviews) 2
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When to Visit

La Paz enjoys a subtropical highland climate with relatively stable temperatures year-round due to its high altitude. The dry season (May to October) offers the best weather with clear skies, minimal rainfall, and excellent mountain views, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The wet season (November to April) brings afternoon rains but fewer crowds and lush green landscapes. Temperatures rarely exceed 20°C (68°F) or drop below freezing, but the high altitude means significant temperature variations between day and night. June through August can be quite cold, especially at night, while December through February are warmest but wettest.

Insider Tips

Take it easy your first 1-2 days to acclimatize to the 3,500m altitude - drink lots of coca tea, avoid alcohol, and don't overexert yourself
Always carry cash in small bills as many vendors and small businesses don't accept cards or give change for large notes
Learn basic Spanish phrases as English is not widely spoken outside tourist areas, and showing effort to communicate in Spanish is greatly appreciated by locals

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