Exploring La Paz, Bolivia: A Worthwhile Adventure?

La Paz, Bolivia is the highest capital city in the world, sitting at nearly 12,000 feet (3,600 m) above sea level. The thin air at this altitude can cause dizziness and shortness of breath, so it is recommended to take it slow when sightseeing. Despite lacking famous tourist attractions, La Paz has a unique charm and is worth exploring for its bustling city life, interesting terrain, and surrounding natural attractions. The city is also a transportation hub, offering cable car rides that provide a bird's-eye view and connect the city centre with outlying communities. La Paz is a great starting point for day trips to nearby attractions such as the ruins of Tiwanaku, the Valle de la Luna, and Lake Titicaca.

La Paz is worth visiting for its unique culture, like the Witches' Market

La Paz, Bolivia's high-altitude capital, is worth visiting for its unique culture. While it may not top the lists of must-see destinations, it is a bustling city with a lot of character and quirky charm. One of the most interesting cultural attractions in La Paz is the Witches' Market, officially known as the Mercado de Las Brujas. This market is a popular tourist destination where local witch doctors, known as yatiri, sell a variety of strange and fascinating products.

The Witches' Market is located in a lively tourist area of La Paz, and it is impossible to miss. Dozens of vendors line the streets, offering a range of items such as dried llama fetuses, dried frogs, soapstone figurines, aphrodisiacs, owl feathers, herbs, and folk remedies. The yatiri can be identified by their black hats and coca pouches containing amulets, talismans, and powders that promise luck, beauty, and fertility.

The most famous item sold in the Witches' Market is the dried llama fetus. These fetuses are said to bring prosperity and good luck, and they are buried under the foundations of new buildings as an offering to the goddess Pachamama. While some people may find the idea of dried llama fetuses unusual, it is an important part of Bolivian culture and traditions.

In addition to the Witches' Market, La Paz has a lot to offer visitors. The city is home to beautiful churches, vibrant street life, and colourful markets. There are also nature day trips to places like the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) and Mount Illimani for those who want to explore the surrounding area. La Paz is also a great starting point for visiting other destinations in Bolivia, such as Lake Titicaca, Tiwanaku, and Copacabana.

Overall, La Paz is a fascinating city that is worth including on your South American itinerary. Its unique culture, including the Witches' Market, makes it a memorable and enchanting destination.

The city has beautiful natural sites, like the Valle de la Luna

La Paz, Bolivia's administrative capital, is a city worth visiting for its natural beauty, unique culture, and adventure activities. One of its notable natural attractions is the Valle de la Luna, a complex labyrinth of spires and canyons located just 10 km from the city centre. Here are some reasons why Valle de la Luna is a must-visit destination when in La Paz:

Otherworldly Landscape

Valle de la Luna, or Moon Valley, got its name from astronaut Neil Armstrong, who is said to have remarked that the landscape reminded him of the moon. The valley is characterised by tall spires, canyons, and unique erosion patterns created by strong winds and rainfall over time. The rock formations display various shades of light brown, beige, and red due to the different minerals contained within them. The vast and imposing landscape offers a serene escape from the bustling city of La Paz.

Hiking Trails

Valle de la Luna features two circular hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding area. The longer trail, known as the Devil's Point hike, takes about 45 minutes to complete, while the shorter one can be finished in just 15 minutes. Although the trails are well-signed, it is important to wear proper walking shoes as the paths can be narrow and crumbly. The high altitude of Valle de la Luna also adds to the challenge of the hikes.

Local Folklore and Legends

According to local guides, Valle de la Luna is a place of hauntings and legends. They claim that the site is haunted by spirits who moan at night and lure unsuspecting tourists towards the dangerous cliffs. One of the notable rock formations is 'El Buen Abuelo' (The Nice Grandfather), which resembles the profile of an old man. Other formations with intriguing names include 'The Turtle Shell' and 'The Cholita's Hat'.

Accessibility

Valle de la Luna is easily accessible from La Paz by taxi or public transportation. A taxi ride from the southern zone of La Paz takes around 15-20 minutes and costs approximately 30 bolivianos one way. Alternatively, visitors can take the teleferico (cable car) to the end of the green line in Irpavi and then walk to Plaza Humbolt to catch a minibus to Mallasa, which will drop them off near the entrance of Valle de la Luna.

It is easy to get to La Paz by plane or bus

La Paz is easy to get to by plane or bus. The city is served by El Alto International Airport (LPB), which is a mere 25-minute drive or 3 miles from the city centre. The airport is the highest international airport in the world, sitting at nearly 12,000 feet (3,600 m). The thin air means that runways are almost twice as long as normal airports, giving planes more space to slow down and take off.

There are several airlines that fly to La Paz, including Viva Aerobus, Volaris, LATAM Airlines, Avianca, Boliviana De Aviacion, and Frontier Airlines. Flights from nearby cities such as Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, and Lima can be as short as 45 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes. Flights from further afield, such as the US, can be longer, with flights from Los Angeles to La Paz taking around 1 hour.

For those who prefer to travel by bus, there are several bus connections to and from La Paz, including from Puno, Copacabana, and Uyuni. While the buses are reportedly uncomfortable and can take a long time (e.g. a 14-hour bus ride from Cusco), they are a cheap option for travellers on a budget.

Whether by plane or bus, getting to La Paz is easy and straightforward, making it a convenient destination to include on your South American itinerary.

There is plenty of accommodation for all budgets

La Paz, Bolivia's administrative centre, is a bustling city with a lot of character. The city has a lot to offer, from its churches and markets to its cable car system, Mi Teleférico, which offers 360-degree views of the city.

Zona Centro:

• Wild Rover La Paz: A party hostel with a garden, terrace, restaurant and bar. They organise daily activities such as salsa classes, cocktail-making lessons and yoga.
• Lobo Hostel: A laid-back hostel with a terrace offering breathtaking city views. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, coffee shop and café.
• Hotel Las Brisas: A bright hotel adorned with colourful Bolivian artwork. There is a lounge, terrace, bar and free wifi.

San Pedro:

• El Prado Capsule Hostel: A modern hostel with air-conditioned capsules featuring flat-screen TVs and power points.
• Hostal Iskanwaya: A cosy boutique hotel with mountain views. It is located near the iconic Witches Market and the Coca Museum.
• Madero Hotel & Suites: A stylish hotel with a terrace, private parking, an on-site restaurant and a bar.

Sopocachi:

• Selina La Paz: A hostel with stunning city views, free wifi, a 24-hour reception, a communal kitchen and a wellness area.
• Stannum Boutique Hotel & Spa: A 5-star hotel with a gourmet restaurant, a bar and a fitness centre.
• El Museo Hotel Boutique: A quiet B&B located on a peaceful side street near leafy plazas.

San Miguel and Calacoto:

• Atix Hotel: A boutique hotel with mountain views and a rooftop bar serving cocktails inspired by local tales and legends.
• MET Hotel: A chic boutique hotel with an integrated restaurant and bar, an indoor pool, a gym and an art collection.
• Casa Grande Hotel: A luxurious hotel with a heated indoor pool and a cutting-edge fitness centre.

Obrajes:

Qhini Hotel Boutique: A tranquil hotel with lush gardens and mountain panoramas.

The food is great and there are lots of restaurants to choose from

La Paz, Bolivia's high-altitude capital, is a bustling city with a lot of character. The food scene in La Paz is diverse and exciting, with a variety of restaurants serving dishes from different cuisines. The city has something for everyone, from traditional Bolivian fare to international options.

For those seeking an upscale dining experience, Claus Meyer's restaurant offers a unique take on Bolivian cuisine by incorporating local ingredients and exotic meats into its menu. The tasting menu is highly recommended, with options like silky palm marrow and llama fillet.

El Vagon del Sur, a local favourite, serves traditional and hearty Bolivian food with a spicy twist. Their beef, chicken, and fish dishes are cooked with fresh local vegetables and flavoured with spicy notes.

Ahijada Ajiceria Boliviana offers a fine-dining experience with a magical atmosphere in Sopocachi. Their house speciality, trout with chilli, is a must-try, and their natural wines are exceptional.

Manq'a Restaurante puts a creative spin on Bolivian classics and supports a social project helping young people in the area with employment. Their fixed-price menu offers an affordable feast, allowing diners to indulge in multiple dishes without breaking the bank.

Ludo Cocina a la vista, a French restaurant owned by Ludo, is a popular spot among chefs looking for a meal. It brings a slice of France to La Paz with its laid-back decor, authentic cuisine, and cosy atmosphere.

Chalet Flor de Leche is a dairy lover's paradise located just outside the city centre. Visitors can indulge in raclette, fondue, and four-cheese pizza, paired with a glass of wine, before touring the dairy where the cheese is produced.

Parrilla Casa Argentina is the place to go for a traditional Argentinian BBQ. They slowly cook prime cuts of meat over wood or coal fires, resulting in delicious, flavourful dishes. The restaurant is spacious, making it ideal for gatherings with family or friends.

El Rincón Español takes diners on a trip to Spain with its dark wooden beams, Spanish flags, and traditional dishes. Their paella valenciana, cooked with rabbit, chicken, and butter beans, is highly recommended for its authentic flavours.

Ali Pacha, a plant-based restaurant, serves a fixed tasting menu for lunch and dinner, crafted from Bolivian ingredients sourced from small and medium local producers. It offers a unique gastronomic experience, with each plate worthy of praise.

Doña Remedios is the place to go for traditional Bolivian dishes like chicharrón and fricassé. Chicharrón is a La Paz specialty, made by cubing pork spiced with pepper, cumin, salt, and garlic, braising it in beer, and then crisping it up in a hot pan.

Paladar Cozinha Brasileira specialises in Brazilian fare, with dishes designed to be shared. Their feijoada is reportedly the best in the city, and their caipirinhas are popular on weekends, so booking ahead is advised.

Vinapho is a rare find in the Sopocachi neighbourhood, offering fresh Vietnamese and Thai flavours. Their menu includes fragrant noodle soups, rich Thai green curries, colourful salads, and the famous Vietnamese coffee made with condensed milk.

In addition to these restaurants, La Paz also boasts an array of coffee shops, including Cafe Typica, Cafeína, HB Bronze Coffee, Cafe del Mundo, and Experiment Coffee. Gustu, the first fine dining restaurant in La Paz, also has a school to teach youngsters and get them off the streets.

Whether you're looking for traditional Bolivian cuisine or international flavours, La Paz has a plethora of restaurants to choose from, ensuring that your dining experience in the city is nothing short of exceptional.

Frequently asked questions