La Paz, along with Sucre, is one of the two capitals of Bolivia. Located in the west of the country, you will find a variety of unique experiences to live and places to see in La Paz, as well as a fascinating city full of contrasts. Surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Andes, La Paz sits in a deep canyon more than 3,650 meters above sea level, making it the highest capital city in the world. Its spectacular geographic location is only the beginning of its appeal, as this vibrant metropolis combines Bolivia’s rich cultural heritage with the modernity of an ever-growing city.
La Paz is a perfect destination for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, culture and breathtaking scenery. In its bustling streets, local markets and street vendors offer a wide range of traditional and authentic products, from handicrafts to delicious dishes of Bolivian gastronomy. Sights in La Paz include the imposing Plaza Murillo, the Witches’ Market, the fascinating Coca Museum and the Valley of the Moon, which offers unique rock formations.
What are the best places to visit in La Paz?
1. Plaza Metropolitana Murillo
The Plaza Metropolitana Murillo, located in the heart of the historic center of La Paz, is an iconic and lively square named after Pedro Domingo Murillo, revolutionary leader of Bolivian independence. Surrounded by government and emblematic buildings, such as the Government Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral, the square is an important civic and cultural center of the city. Locals and tourists gather here to enjoy events, festivals and social activities. In addition to its historical significance, the Plaza Metropolitana Murillo offers a breathtaking view of the Andes Mountains, making it an essential place to visit in La Paz.
2. Basilica Minore of San Francisco
The Basilica Menor of San Francisco is an impressive church located in the historic center of La Paz, Bolivia. Built during the colonial period and inaugurated in 1784, this majestic building of mestizo baroque style, is characterized by the use of elements such as exotic vegetation, animals, mythological figures … which makes it a jewel of the cultural heritage of Bolivia. Its ornate facade, with splendid details carved in stone and stucco, is capable of leaving everyone who visits it speechless. The interior of the church is equally impressive, with magnificent religious paintings and sculptures adorning its altars.
Admission is free and it is open daily from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.
3. The Witches Market, the most mysterious place to see in La Paz
The Mercado de las Brujas or Witches Market of La Paz is a mystical and colorful place that captivates all who visit it with its unique and traditional atmosphere. Also known as “Mercado de Hechicería” – Sorcery Market, this place offers a wide variety of esoteric and ritual products used in traditional Bolivian medicine and ancestral practices. The stalls are filled with medicinal herbs, amulets, llama fetuses, coca leaves and other items used in Andean ceremonies and rituals. Healers and seers also offer their services for those looking for spiritual advice. The market is a fascinating window into Bolivia’s ancient culture and beliefs, providing a unique experience for travelers who visit it. You can find this street market in the heart of downtown La Paz, on Linares Street, near the Basilica.
4. Killi Killi viewpoint
The Killi Killi viewpoint is the best place from which to see the impressive city of La Paz. This observation point is an impressive and very popular destination that offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. From this strategically located lookout point on a hill, you can enjoy a 360-degree view that encompasses the majestic peaks of the Andes, the colorful rooftops of La Paz and the imposing Illimani, an emblematic mountain of the region. It is a perfect place to appreciate the beauty and unique geography of the city, making it a must-see destination for those seeking an unforgettable perspective of the vibrant Bolivian capital.
The Killi Killi can be reached by minibuses 232, 330, 321, 321, 309 from Yanacocha street corner Comercio and by minibuses of the lines “W”, “P” and 22. It is open 24 hours.
5. Cable car Mi Teleférico
The popular “Mi Teleférico” is a modern cable car system that connects different areas of La Paz. It offers a unique transportation experience along with breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
With several lines in operation, this system allows residents and tourists to move quickly between the city’s neighborhoods and appreciate the beauty of the Andes from above. Prices vary depending on the number of lines used and individual tickets or rechargeable cards can be purchased. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, from early morning until late at night. Mi Teleférico offers an exciting, as well as comfortable, way to explore La Paz while enjoying breathtaking and unrepeatable views.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see around La Paz
1. Valle de la Luna
The Valley of the Moon is a stunning landscape to see about 10 kilometers south of La Paz. With its striking lunar appearance it attracts thousands of visitors each year for its unique beauty. This amazing place owes its name to its striking resemblance to an extraterrestrial landscape, with its rock formations and eroded ridges. The relatively short distance from La Paz makes it a popular half-day excursion for tourists wishing to experience the astonishing nature of the Bolivian Andes.
On arrival at the Valley of the Moon, visitors can hike along well-marked trails that wind through the rock formations, providing the opportunity to take some of the most breathtaking photographs of their trip and enjoy the science fiction-like scenes. The area is famous for its variety of colors, especially when sunlight reflects off the eroded rocks, creating shades of red, brown and gray. In addition, small caves and passageways can be found to explore, adding a touch of adventure to the visit. It can be easily reached by public transport, on buses heading towards “Mallasa”, and also by cab or with a tour.
2. Tiwanaku, an archaeological site to see near La Paz
Tiwanaku is a fascinating archaeological site located about 72 kilometers west of La Paz, Bolivia. Considered to be one of the oldest and most mysterious pre-Inca civilizations in South America, Tiwanaku is a site of great historical and cultural importance.
The archaeological remains, including impressive carved stone gates and step pyramids, bear witness to the ancient civilization that flourished in this region thousands of years ago. If you visit it, you can explore the Tiwanaku Archaeological Complex and visit the Site Museum. Historical artifacts and pottery pieces are on display there, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the history and culture of this ancient civilization.
The entrance fee to the archaeological site is 80 Bolivianos and it is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00.
Where to stay in La Paz
- Mitru Express Hotel: A fantastic 4-star hotel in downtown of La Paz, with 24-hour reception and private parking. With city or mountain views, the rooms at the Mitro Express have all the facilities for a luxurious stay in La Paz. Price per night: from 70€.
- Patio de Piedra Hotel Boutique: Also located in the center of La Paz, this is a different kind of accommodation. The Patio de Piedra Hotel Boutique is nestled in a charming colonial house with exquisite carved wooden walls and offers a captivating atmosphere. The cozy rooms are equipped with all the comforts and some of them offer enchanting views. The hotel’s restaurant, Mesón del Fraile, serves delicious regional and international dishes and American breakfast is included in the price. Price per night: 67€.
Where to eat in La Paz
- Popular Bolivian Cuisine: One of the best restaurants to try authentic Bolivian cuisine in La Paz. With excellent service and a very pleasant atmosphere, this restaurant offers exquisite traditional Bolivian dishes but with a contemporary and innovative proposal. Price range 1-3€
- Mi Chola: A spectacular restaurant-wine bar specializing in local products that offers delicious dishes of signature cuisine with an upscale pairing. From the explanation of the dishes, to their presentation through the taste of each of them, you will see reflected the care that puts this restaurant in creating their menu. Price range 1-2€
What should I know before a trip to La Paz
- Generally, a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months is required to enter Bolivia.
- The official language in Bolivia is Spanish.
- The official currency in Bolivia is the Boliviano.
- It is best to change money before you start your trip. There are stores and restaurants that do not accept credit cards.
- The country is not the safest, so it is recommended to avoid going out at night, do not expose valuables and be aware of your belongings.
- The climate of La Paz is typically cold due to its high altitude. Whether traveling in the dry or wet season, be sure to pack warm clothing.
- Tap water is safe to drink in most parts of the country.
- Hedge yourself against possible medical emergencies: travel insured.
How to organize what to see in La Paz
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all of its possibilities.
- Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
- Organize your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
- Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information of the trip.
- Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
- Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
- Book your flights, accommodations, transfers and activities through a single app.
- Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
- Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip
- Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travelers with your experience. In addition, you can share the best places to see in La Paz.
If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to La Paz
The climate of La Paz, Bolivia, is typically cold due to its high altitude. The city is located at approximately 3,650 meters above sea level, resulting in cooler temperatures throughout the year. The dry season generally extends from May to October, characterized by sunny days and cool nights. Average maximum temperatures range from 10-20 °C, while minimum temperatures can reach -5-5 °C. The wet season runs from November to April, during which more precipitation and warmer conditions can be expected, but temperatures remain relatively cool compared to the lower areas of the country.
The best time to travel to La Paz is during the dry season, which runs from May to October, when the weather is more stable and there is less rainfall. During this season, days are sunny and temperatures are milder, although nights can be cold due to the high altitude. It is an ideal time to explore the city and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Bolivian Andes.
To get to La Paz, Bolivia, the most common way is to fly into El Alto International Airport. Several international airlines such as BoA, LATAM, and Avianca offer direct flights from different countries. It is also possible to arrive by land from neighboring countries through international buses, such as from Peru, Chile, Argentina or Brazil, or even in private vehicles or tourist tours.
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