Perched high in the Andes, La Paz is a city that defies expectations, blending indigenous traditions with a vibrant, modern urban landscape. As the legislative capital of Bolivia, it offers travelers a unique window into Quechua and Aymara cultures, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the snow-capped Illimani Mountain.
From navigating the bustling markets and colonial streets to experiencing the dizzying heights of the world's highest cable car system, this guide covers everything you need to know to explore this eclectic and high-altitude destination with confidence.
Getting There and Getting Around
El Alto Airport is the international airport just 25 minutes from the centre of La Paz. Take a taxi or minibus into town, or make arrangements with your hotel to send a taxi for you. The airport can be found in El Alto above the city of La Paz, and planes come in fast, due to the thin air found at the 4100 m elevation.
By bus, the main bus terminal for long distance journeys is on Plaza Antofagasta at Avenida Uruguay.
By taxi, the centre of La Paz is very walkable but there are many taxis operating who will take you up and down the many hills in the city. Residents of La Paz, paceños, are used to the altitude and walk fast, but you'll probably enjoy a slower pace.
The trains in Bolivia are slow but are comfortable with allocated seats but are inexpensive.
When to Go
April to October is the recommended time of the year to visit, though La Paz has an average year-round daytime temperature of 18 to 20 °C. No matter when you go, be prepared for wind and cold nights, due to the altitude. Summer is the wet season which runs from December to March. Be prepared to feel the altitude, especially if you fly into the city.
Things to Do and See
Plaza Murillo, originally the Plaza de Armas, was so called after General Murillo, one of the heroes of the Bolivian independence army. The centre of La Paz is bordered by the cathedral whose towers were completed for the papal visit in 1997, and by the Government Palace. Guarding the entrance are the guards in red uniforms in honour of the soldiers of the Pacific War (1879-84) when Bolivia lost its access to the sea, to Chile. Across the plaza is the House of Congress.
Cultural Highlights
- The Iglesia de San Francisco, dating back to 1548, features a unique combination of Christian and indigenous figures.
- Museo de Oro with Golden artefacts from the pre-Columbian era.
- Stroll the narrow, cobbled-stoned Jaen Street to experience colonial history.
- Casa Murillo Museum, featuring ornate furniture and colonial art.
- Museo Nacional de Arqueología, housing items from the Tiahuanaco archaeological site.
Festivals and Views
Attend the annual Carnaval celebrations and witness the famous Devil's Dance, or “diablada”. You can also enjoy a musical folklore show at a peña. Other highlights include the Casa Museo Nuñez del Prado and the Mirador Laikakota, which offers panoramic views of the city and the Illimani peak.
Day trips
- Lake Titicaca and Copacabana
- Valle de la Luna - Moon Valley
- Outdoor activities: Golf, mountain biking, and skiing at Chacaltaya
Shopping Tips
Traditional and authentic items from Bolivia can be found in the Mercado de las Brujas (Witches' Market) for charms, potions, and herbal cures. Other popular items include silver, textiles, hand-knitted Alpaca wool garments, wood carvings, and traditional festival masks.
Food and Drink
Cuisine in La Paz is a fusion of traditional Bolivian and international flavors. Be sure to try local snacks like salteñas or tucumanos. Lunch is the main meal of the day, often served as a set menu, while anticuchos are a popular street food snack.
Beyond coffee and tea, try api (a sweetened corn and cinnamon drink) or local chicha. Singani is the signature distilled grape spirit of the region. For a unique perspective of the city, take the Teleferico cable car system to El Alto.
