La Paz
The world's highest administrative capital sits in a dramatic canyon surrounded by snow-capped Andean peaks. The teleférico cable car system offers stunning aerial views, witches' markets sell llama fetuses for offerings, and the Moon Valley landscape is otherworldly.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in La Paz
📍 Points of Interest
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📋The Rundown
La Paz is the highest administrative capital in the world, sitting at 3,640m (11,942 ft) above sea level in a dramatic Andean valley
The city has the world's longest urban cable car system (Mi Teleferico) with over 30 km of lines connecting neighborhoods across the canyon
The Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) sells llama fetuses, dried frogs, and traditional remedies used in Aymara rituals
La Paz sprawls from 3,200m to 4,100m elevation — wealthier neighborhoods sit lower where oxygen is slightly more abundant
Bolivia has 37 official languages, making it one of the most linguistically diverse countries on Earth
The nearby Yungas Road, known as "Death Road," is now one of the world's most popular mountain biking routes
🏛️Must-See Spots
Mi Teleferico (Cable Car System)
📌A spectacular urban cable car network with multiple color-coded lines soaring over the city. The views of La Paz's canyon setting and snowcapped Illimani are breathtaking.
Mercado de las Brujas (Witches' Market)
🏪A fascinating market selling traditional Aymara medicines, potions, talismans, and dried llama fetuses used as offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Plaza Murillo & Government District
🗼The political heart of Bolivia flanked by the Presidential Palace, the National Congress, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Often buzzing with protests and demonstrations.
Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
🌿A surreal landscape of eroded clay spires and canyons just 10 km from the city center, formed by centuries of wind and rain erosion. Short walking trails wind through the formations.
Calle Jaen
🗼La Paz's best-preserved colonial street, a narrow cobblestone lane lined with colorful buildings housing several small museums covering gold, textiles, and musical instruments.
Mercado Rodriguez
🏪An authentic local market sprawling through several streets, where pacenas shop for fresh produce, juices, and cheap set lunches. Far more local than touristy alternatives.
Museo Nacional de Etnografia y Folklore (MUSEF)
🏛️An excellent museum housed in a baroque palace, showcasing Bolivia's indigenous cultures, textiles, masks, and ceremonial objects from across the Altiplano and Amazon.
El Alto & the Feria 16 de Julio
🏪The sprawling market city above La Paz hosts one of South America's largest open-air markets every Thursday and Sunday — a mind-boggling bazaar of absolutely everything.
✈️Where Next?
Lake Titicaca (Copacabana)
The world's highest navigable lake straddling the Bolivia-Peru border. Visit Isla del Sol, the birthplace of the Inca empire according to legend.
Uyuni Salt Flats
The world's largest salt flat at 10,582 sq km — a surreal white expanse that becomes a giant mirror during the wet season. Bolivia's most iconic landscape.
Coroico & the Yungas
A lush subtropical town at 1,750m with coffee plantations, waterfalls, swimming pools, and cloud forest. The dramatic descent from La Paz is part of the experience.
Tiwanaku
A UNESCO World Heritage pre-Inca archaeological site dating back to 200 BC, with monumental stone temples, the famous Sun Gate, and carved monoliths.
Santiago
Chile's sophisticated capital beneath the Andes with world-class wine regions, innovative cuisine, and a cosmopolitan energy that makes it South America's most livable city.
🌤️Weather
La Paz has a subtropical highland climate with two distinct seasons: wet (November-March) and dry (May-October). Temperatures are relatively consistent year-round due to the altitude, with cool days and cold nights. The sun is intense at this elevation — sunburn happens fast.
Dry Season
May - October28-63°F
-2 to 17°C
Clear blue skies and brilliant sunshine with cold nights that can dip below freezing. The best time to visit — dry, sunny, and spectacular Andean views. June-July are the coldest months.
Wet Season
November - March39-64°F
4-18°C
Afternoon thunderstorms are common, sometimes causing flash flooding on steep streets. Mornings are usually clear. Slightly warmer than the dry season but muddier and cloudier.
Shoulder (April)
April34-64°F
1-18°C
Rains taper off and skies clear. A great transitional month to visit with fewer tourists and pleasant daytime conditions.
Shoulder (October-November)
October - November37-66°F
3-19°C
Warming slightly before the rains begin in earnest. The Gran Poder festival usually falls in late May or June.
🛡️Safety
Exercise Caution
out of 100
La Paz is generally safe for travelers exercising standard precautions, but altitude sickness is the biggest health risk. Petty crime like pickpocketing is common in markets and on crowded minibuses. Political protests can block roads with little warning.
Things to Know
- •Take altitude seriously — rest for 24-48 hours upon arrival, drink coca tea, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol on your first day
- •Be extremely cautious with belongings on minibuses and in crowded markets like the Witches' Market
- •Beware of fake police scams — real police will never ask to see your wallet or take you to an unmarked car
- •Avoid walking alone in the cemetery district and around the bus terminal area after dark
- •Political protests (bloqueos) can shut down roads suddenly — have a flexible itinerary and check local news
- •Use radio taxis or ride apps rather than hailing unmarked vehicles on the street
Emergency Numbers
Police
110
Ambulance
118
Fire Department
119
Tourist Police
(2) 222-5016
🚇Getting Around
La Paz has no metro, but the Mi Teleferico cable car system is the star of urban transit. Minibuses and trufis (shared taxis) cover the rest. The steep, canyon-like geography makes walking between neighborhoods a serious workout at altitude.
Mi Teleferico
BOB 3 (~$0.43 USD) per lineThe world's longest urban cable car system with 11 color-coded lines. Clean, safe, and offering unbeatable views. Connects La Paz to El Alto and between major neighborhoods.
Best for: Getting between neighborhoods at different elevations without breathless walking, and for the stunning aerial views
Minibuses & Micros
BOB 1.50-2.50 (~$0.20-0.36 USD)Small privately operated buses running fixed routes called out by a voceador (route caller). Cheap and ubiquitous but chaotic for newcomers. Watch for pickpockets.
Best for: Short hops when you know the route, reaching areas not served by the teleferico
Radio Taxis
BOB 10-30 (~$1.45-4.35 USD) for most tripsIdentifiable by illuminated dome signs with the company phone number. Always agree on a price or ensure the meter runs. Much safer than unmarked taxis.
Best for: Evening travel, reaching Valle de la Luna, and when you're too breathless to walk uphill
InDriver / Uber (limited)
BOB 8-25 (~$1.16-3.60 USD) for most tripsInDriver is the dominant ride-hailing app. Uber has limited presence. InDriver uses a bidding system where you propose a fare.
Best for: Airport transfers and when you want pre-agreed pricing without haggling
🚶 Walkability
Central La Paz is walkable but physically demanding due to the extreme altitude and steep terrain. Walking downhill from El Alto to the center is far easier than going up. Take it slow, rest often, and use the teleferico for uphill segments. The historic center around Plaza Murillo is flat enough for comfortable exploration.
🛫Getting In & Out
✈️ Airports
El Alto International Airport(LPB)
13 km west (in El Alto, at 4,061m elevation)Radio taxi to city center BOB 60-80 (~$8.70-11.60 USD, 30-45 min depending on traffic). Mi Teleferico Red Line connects El Alto to the center. No official airport shuttle bus.
🚌 Bus Terminals
Terminal de Buses La Paz
The main bus terminal near the cemetery district with services to Oruro (4h, BOB 25-40), Cochabamba (7h, BOB 40-70), Sucre (12h, BOB 70-120), Uyuni (10-12h, BOB 80-150), and Copacabana (3.5h, BOB 30-50).
💰Budget Breakdown
budget
$20-35
Hostel dorm, minibuses and teleferico, set lunch menus (almuerzo), free plazas and markets
mid-range
$50-90
Mid-range hotel, mix of restaurants, radio taxis, guided tours to Valle de la Luna
luxury
$150+
Boutique hotel, fine dining, private tours, Death Road biking, spa treatments
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationHostel dorm bed | BOB 40-80 | $5.80-11.60 |
| AccommodationMid-range hotel (double) | BOB 200-400 | $29-58 |
| FoodAlmuerzo (set lunch) | BOB 12-20 | $1.75-2.90 |
| FoodSaltena (morning pastry) | BOB 5-8 | $0.72-1.16 |
| FoodDinner at a restaurant | BOB 40-80 | $5.80-11.60 |
| FoodFresh juice at market | BOB 5-10 | $0.72-1.45 |
| TransportMi Teleferico ride (per line) | BOB 3 | $0.43 |
| TransportMinibus ride | BOB 1.50-2.50 | $0.20-0.36 |
| TransportRadio taxi across town | BOB 10-30 | $1.45-4.35 |
| AttractionsValle de la Luna entry | BOB 15 | $2.17 |
| AttractionsDeath Road bike tour | BOB 350-550 | $50-80 |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries in South America — your budget stretches far here
- •Eat the almuerzo (set lunch) at local restaurants for BOB 12-20 — soup, main course, and drink included
- •Start mornings with a saltena from a street vendor — the best breakfast deal in town
- •Ride the teleferico across all lines for incredible views at just BOB 3 per ride
- •Fresh fruit juices at Mercado Rodriguez cost under $1 and are freshly blended to order
- •Walk downhill through neighborhoods and take the teleferico back up — saves energy and money
- •Book Death Road and Uyuni tours from agencies on Calle Sagarnaga — competition keeps prices low