Exploring La Paz, Bolivia: How Long Should You Stay?

La Paz, Bolivia, is a fascinating city that combines culture, history, gastronomy, and breathtaking landscapes. Sitting in a valley in the Andes Mountains, it is the world's highest capital city, with altitudes ranging from 3300 to 4100 meters above sea level. When planning a trip to La Paz, a common question arises: how long should I stay to explore this unique destination?

The answer depends on your interests and the depth of exploration you desire. Most travellers recommend spending at least two days in La Paz to visit the city's major attractions. This includes exploring the historic centre, wandering through markets like the Witches' Market, and taking in the stunning views from the city's cable car system.

If you plan to include a day trip outside of La Paz, such as a visit to the famous Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats or the Tiwanaku Archaeological Site, consider extending your stay to three days. Keep in mind that La Paz is also a gateway to other Bolivian destinations, so you may find yourself passing through the city multiple times during your trip.

When planning your itinerary, don't forget to factor in the effects of altitude sickness. La Paz's high elevation can cause symptoms such as lightheadedness, tiredness, and shortness of breath. It is advisable to give yourself at least an extra day to adjust to the altitude, especially if you are arriving from much lower altitudes.

Two days to see the major sites

La Paz is a city like no other, with its unique landscape, diverse culture, and intriguing social customs. While three days is a great amount of time to spend in La Paz, it is possible to see the major sites in two days. Here is an itinerary to make the most of your time in this fascinating city.

Day 1: Downtown La Paz

Start your day by riding the Mi Teleférico, an amazing network of cable cars that transport passengers all over the city. This is a great way to get a bird's-eye view of the city and understand its size and location in the mountains. The cable cars are easy to use, efficient, clean, quiet, and incredibly affordable at only 3 BOB (0.4 USD) for a one-way ride on each line. Tickets can be purchased at any of the stations, which are well-maintained by proud locals.

After taking in the views from above, head to the heart of the city for a food tour to get a taste of Bolivian cuisine. Try the black potato soup, a staple in Bolivian cuisine, and explore the Mercado Camacho, where every stall serves fruit salad and competes based on customer service.

In the afternoon, take a walking tour of the downtown maze with Red Cap Walking Tours. For just 20 BOB (around 3 USD), you'll get an in-depth look at the city centre. If you're visiting on a Sunday or Thursday, join the extended tour, which includes cholita wrestling, a unique and unforgettable experience featuring indigenous women wrestlers in traditional skirts.

As the day winds down, visit the Witch Market, a small stretch of street where vendors sell an array of strange items, from aphrodisiacs and feathers to dried reptiles and llama foetuses used in Aymara rituals. It may be a bit unsettling, but it's an important part of understanding Bolivian culture.

For dinner, head to Calle Tarija, a safe and vibrant staircase street lined with restaurants and pubs. Sample the local cuisine at Tierra Sana, or opt for tacos, pizza, or a stew at one of the many dining options available.

Day 2: Natural Wonders and Cultural Sites

Get an early start and prepare for snow and multi-coloured lakes at the mountain of Chacaltaya, just outside La Paz. At 5400 meters above sea level, this is an easy climb that will take you to an altitude even higher than the Everest Base Camp. The mountain's name, 'bridge of winds', hints at the strong winds that once made it Bolivia's only ski resort. The retreat of the glacier here is a stark reminder of climate change.

In the afternoon, visit the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), a unique site just 10 kilometres from downtown La Paz. This valley, once a mountain of clay and sandstone, has been eroded by strong winds and rain, creating unusual clay pinnacles that resemble another planet. Rumour has it that astronaut Neil Armstrong once played golf here and compared the landscape to the moon.

As the day comes to a close, head back to the city centre and stroll down Calle Jaén, one of the most picturesque streets in La Paz. This cobblestone street is lined with colourful buildings, quirky shops, and several museums, including the Museo de Metales Preciosos and the Museo del Litoral.

If you have extra time in La Paz, consider taking a day trip to the former Inca city of Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or embark on a mountain biking adventure on the infamous Death Road.

Stay in the city centre to explore on foot

La Paz, Bolivia, is a sprawling city nestled in a valley surrounded by towering mountains. While the city may not be the most walkable due to its steep hillsides and high altitude, staying in the city centre allows for convenient exploration on foot. Here are some tips for staying in and navigating La Paz's city centre:

Choosing a Neighbourhood

When selecting accommodation in the city centre, consider neighbourhoods like Sopocachi or El Centro. Sopocachi, located in the heart of La Paz, offers a mix of beautiful and affordable private rooms, as well as comfortable dorms. It is also home to contemporary Bolivian cuisine, with restaurants like Mi Chola offering tasty meals at affordable prices. El Centro, on the other hand, is ideal for backpackers, with numerous hostels and affordable hotels. This neighbourhood also boasts great food options and plenty of attractions within walking distance.

Getting Around on Foot

While La Paz has a reputation for being challenging to navigate on foot due to its hilly terrain and high altitude of 3,650 meters, the city centre is relatively walkable. The historic centre, in particular, can be easily explored in a few hours. Start your walk on Calle Jaen, the only remaining colonial-era street in La Paz. This cobblestone street is lined with colourful buildings and museums, such as the Museum of Precious Metals (Gold Museum) and the Museum of Musical Instruments. From there, make your way to Plaza Murillo, a lively square of political significance. Here, you'll find the National Congress of Bolivia and the Presidential Palace. While tourists are not allowed inside the palace, you can admire the guards in their 19th-century uniforms.

Not far from Plaza Murillo is the Witches' Market (Mercado de Hechiceria), one of the most unique destinations in La Paz. In this market, you'll find a variety of herbal and folk remedies, charms, potions, and even dehydrated llama fetuses, which are believed to bring good luck when buried under a new building. Remember to be respectful when visiting this sacred site of the Aymara people and ask permission before taking any photographs.

Another notable site within walking distance is the Plaza de San Francisco, a popular meeting place for locals. Here, you'll find the stone basilica of San Francisco, making it a great spot for people-watching.

Dealing with Altitude

La Paz's high altitude can affect visitors, causing symptoms like lightheadedness, tiredness, and shortness of breath. To minimise the impact, take it slow during your first few days in the city. Drink plenty of water, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and get plenty of rest. Drinking coca leaf tea or taking altitude acclimatization supplements can also help.

Take a cable car for views of the city

La Paz, Bolivia, is a delightful mix of cultures, history, gastronomy, and landscapes. It is also the world's highest capital city, perched high in the Andes Mountains at 11,975 feet (3,650 meters).

One of the best ways to experience the unique geography of La Paz is by riding the city's cable car system, known as 'Mi Teleferico'. The cable cars offer breathtaking views of the city and are a great way to get a feel for the layout of La Paz.

The cable car system is easy to navigate and can be used as a form of public transportation. There are currently 10 color-coded lines in service, with another under construction. The lines cover a tremendous vertical area, from the Irpawi Station in the southern end of La Paz at 10,720 feet (3,267 meters) to the Estacion 16 de Julio in El Alto at 13,435 feet (4,095 meters).

• Yellow Line: If you're staying in the Sopocachi area, start your journey at the Sopocachi station, which is part of the yellow line. This line will give you a chance to explore the Sopocachi neighborhood, known for its delicious dining options and beautiful mountain views.
• Light Blue Line: From the yellow line, you can transfer to the light blue line, which will take you to the Prado station in the downtown area. This line also provides access to The Witches Market, a unique destination where you can find herbal remedies, folk charms, and llama fetuses that are traditionally offered to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
• Silver Line: From downtown, take the silver line to El Alto, a dynamic area known for its bustling open-air market. Be cautious when visiting El Alto, as the area has a reputation for being slightly dangerous. Keep an eye on your belongings and try to avoid wandering around after dark.
• Red Line: The red line is one of the most spectacular routes, offering views of the enormous General Cemetery of La Paz and the colorful neighborhood of Chualluma. On Thursdays and Sundays, you can also take in the sights of El Alto's giant market.
• Green Line: The green line takes you over Alto Obrajes, in the southern part of the city. Along this route, you'll see the Esperanza Bridge, a bridge painted a vibrant shade of green.
• Orange Line: Sharing stations with the red and white lines, the orange line offers a chance to visit the Calama market.
• White Line: This intense line takes you on a complete tour of the city, including stops at the Villaroel and Triangular Square and the Busch Monument.
• Purple Line: The purple line connects La Paz and El Alto perpendicularly and also brings you closer to the Witches Market.
• Blue Line: This line is not included in the full ticket and requires a separate ticket for 3 bolivianos. It takes you through El Alto, where you can admire the Cholets, the city's famous and photogenic buildings.

The cable car system is very safe, with security guards and cameras at all stations. It's also very affordable, with tickets costing just 3-5 bolivianos (around 40-60 euro cents) for a single ride, or 11 bolivianos (1 euro and 35 cents) for a circular tour ticket that allows you to use 6 of the lines.

The cable cars operate from Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

So, whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, don't miss the chance to take in the stunning views of La Paz from the comfort of the city's cable cars.

Visit the Witches' Market

La Paz, Bolivia, is a delightful mix of cultures, history, gastronomy, and landscapes. It is also known for its unique destinations, one of which is the Witches Market.

The Witches Market, or El Mercado de las Brujas, is a popular tourist destination located in the heart of La Paz. The market is run by local witch doctors or healers, known as yatiri, who sell a variety of strange and fascinating products. These include everything from statues and medicinal herbs to desiccated frogs and llama foetuses.

The most prominent product available at the Witches Market is the dried llama foetus. Llama foetuses are said to bring good luck and prosperity and are often buried in the foundations of new buildings as an offering to Pachamama, or Mother Earth. Wealthier Bolivians may sacrifice a living llama for this purpose. The Witches Market is also a place to find colourful sugar tablets, cigarettes, dried starfish, lacquered frogs, coca leaves, and even armadillos, which are used in Bolivian rituals.

The Witches Market is best visited with a local guide to help you understand the significance of what you are seeing. Local guides can also provide context for the spiritual and cultural practices of the Aymara people, for whom these rituals and offerings are sacred. It is important to be respectful and mindful of this when visiting the market and to ask politely before taking any photographs.

Explore the historic centre

The historic centre of La Paz is a must-see for visitors. The city, founded in 1548, has a rich history and boasts several landmarks from the colonial era. The heart of La Paz's colonial district is Plaza Murillo, which is surrounded by government buildings, including the National Congress of Bolivia and the Presidential Palace. The plaza is also home to the Cathedral of La Paz, which has gorgeous stained glass windows.

A short walk from Plaza Murillo is Calle Jaen, the only remaining colonial-era street in La Paz. This cobblestone street is lined with colourful buildings and museums. The Museum of Precious Metals (or Gold Museum) and the Museum of Musical Instruments are particularly interesting.

Another important site in the historic centre is the San Francisco Church, founded in 1548 and rebuilt in 1784. The church is known for its mestizo-baroque style, blending Catholic and native influences. Be sure to visit the rooftop for stunning views of the city.

The Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas y La Hechiceria) is also located in the historic centre. This unique market sells a variety of items, including herbal remedies, llama fetuses, and other goods used in Aymara traditions. It offers a fascinating insight into the indigenous culture of the region.

The historic centre of La Paz is relatively compact and can be easily explored on foot in a few hours. However, the city's high altitude may make walking more challenging for some visitors, so take your time and adjust to the altitude before attempting any strenuous activities.

In addition to the sites mentioned above, the historic centre is also home to several other interesting buildings and museums, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Plaza de San Francisco, and the Palacio Quemado (Burnt Palace), which has been the site of several popular uprisings throughout La Paz's tumultuous history.

Frequently asked questions