La Paz Travel Guide, Bolivia

If you are planning things to do in La Paz, Bolivia, start with the setting. The city is the seat of government of Bolivia, with around 756,000 residents, and sits in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River, in a bowl-like depression surrounded by the high mountains of the Altiplano. The triple-peaked Illimani, always snow-covered, rises over the city.

At roughly 3,650 metres above sea level, La Paz is the highest administrative capital in the world. Sucre is the constitutional capital. The city was established in 1548, and the altitude shapes daily life, from the climate to how you walk. Neighbourhoods near the bottom of the canyon tend to be more affluent, while El Alto sits above on the Altiplano. The view on arrival is dramatic, and the city is a hub for Lake Titicaca and the salt flats.

Cable cars

The city’s cable car network links La Paz with El Alto and offers some of the best views over the canyon. Allow one to two hours for a ride or two. Check which lines are running and avoid peak commuting hours for a quieter trip.

Plaza Murillo

Plaza Murillo is the main square near the government buildings and the cathedral, a central spot for people-watching and an easy base for the old centre. Allow an hour. Stay aware of your belongings in crowds, and check access if protests or events are taking place.

Witches’ Market

The Mercado de las Brujas sells herbs, charms and traditional goods, and gives a glimpse of Andean customs. Allow 30 to 60 minutes. Ask before photographing people or stalls, and bargain politely when you buy souvenirs.

Valle de la Luna

The Valle de la Luna is a landscape of eroded rock formations on the southern edge of the city, reached by taxi or minibus. Allow around two hours. The paths are short but at altitude, so walk slowly and bring water and sun protection.

Calle Jaen and museums

Calle Jaen is a preserved colonial street in the old town with several small museums. Allow two hours. Opening hours vary and some close on certain days, so check ahead and carry small change for the entrance fees.

Mirador Killi Killi

Killi Killi is a hillside viewpoint with wide views of the city and Illimani, especially good in the late afternoon. Allow an hour. Go by taxi and avoid walking alone at dusk, and bring a warm layer as it gets cold when the sun sets.

La Paz has an unusual subtropical highland climate, with rainy summers and dry winters. The dry season, roughly May to October, brings clear skies and sunny days, though nights can be cold, often near freezing. This is the best period for views of Illimani and for day trips. The rainy season, roughly November to March, brings afternoon showers, mud on some roads and occasional hail, and cloudier skies. Temperatures are cool all year because of the altitude, so pack layers, sun protection and warm clothing for the evenings. Prices are generally highest in the dry season.

La Paz is served by El Alto International Airport, located in the city of El Alto at roughly 4,000 metres above sea level, above the canyon. Flights connect La Paz with Santa Cruz, Lima, Bogota and other cities. Taxis and shuttles run into the centre, usually in 30 to 45 minutes. Check current options.

Buses connect La Paz with Copacabana, Oruro, Sucre and other cities, and routes to Peru cross at Lake Titicaca. Inside the city, minibuses, taxis and the cable cars are the main ways to move around, and streets are steep. At altitude, take things slowly, drink water, avoid heavy meals on the first day and talk to a doctor before travelling if you have heart or lung conditions.

The old centre, near Plaza Murillo and Calle Jaen, is convenient for sights and markets, with a mix of budget and mid-range hotels. It can be busy and noisy. The Sopocachi neighbourhood is known for restaurants, cafes and a more relaxed feel, and suits travellers who want a quieter evening.

The lower southern neighbourhoods, where the altitude is slightly lower and the climate milder, have more upscale hotels and suit visitors who struggle with altitude. Ask about heating, as many buildings do not have central heating, and look for oxygen or coca tea at your hotel.

Two days covers the main sights, and three days allows for slower acclimatisation and a day trip. If you plan to hike or visit Lake Titicaca, add more days.

1. Day 1: Take it slowly. Ride a cable car, visit Plaza Murillo and walk the Witches’ Market.
2. Day 2: Visit Calle Jaen, then go to Valle de la Luna in the afternoon.
3. Day 3: Take a day trip to Lake Titicaca or Tiwanaku, or watch sunset at Killi Killi.

Lake Titicaca and Copacabana

Lake Titicaca lies about 68 kilometres northwest of La Paz, and Copacabana is its main town on the Bolivian shore. Allow a long day, or stay overnight. Check bus times, and bring warm layers for the lake.

Isla del Sol

Isla del Sol is an island in the lake known for Inca history and walking paths. It is reached by boat from Copacabana, so it suits an overnight stay. Altitude and steep paths make hiking tiring, so go slowly.

Salar de Uyuni

The salt flats of Uyuni are a major draw for visitors to Bolivia, but they lie far from La Paz. Allow at least three days for a round trip including the tour, and travel by overnight bus or flight. Check seasonal conditions.

Sucre

Sucre is the constitutional capital, with a colonial centre and a milder climate at lower altitude. It is a short flight from La Paz and works as a separate stay of two or three days. Check flight schedules.