Exploring La Paz, Bolivia: A Travel Guide

La Paz, Bolivia, is a city that has a lot to offer. From museums and cathedrals to markets and food, there is something for everyone. Here is a list of things to do when visiting La Paz:

- Visit the many museums, including the National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore, Museo de Textiles Andinos Bolivianos, and Museo de Instrumentos Musicales.

- Shop at Calle Sagarnaga and the Witches Market.

- Take a walk down Calle Jaen, the most well-preserved colonial street in the city.

- Take in the views from Mirador Killi Killi and Parque Mirador Laikakota.

- Ride the Mi Teleferico cable cars for spectacular views of the city.

- Visit the nearby Lake Titicaca and Death Road.

- Try the local specialty, salteñas, at Paceña la Salteña.

- Visit the San Francisco Basilica.

- Watch Cholita wrestling.

Take a cable car ride for stunning city views

La Paz's cable car system, Mi Teleferico, is a must-do when visiting the city. The cable car network provides fast and reliable transport between the city's major attractions, connecting La Paz with neighbouring El Alto. At 4000 m (13,000 ft) above sea level, it is the world's highest cable car ride.

The cable car system operates with 10 lines that connect the entire city and El Alto, with 25 stations in total. The cable cars depart every 12 seconds and run for 17 hours per day (from 5 am to 10 pm). The initial fare is 3 bolivianos ($0.43), with tickets available at the stations, and you have to pay each time you change lines. There are also options for multi-line tickets, such as the circular tour ticket, which costs 11 bolivianos (1 euro and 35 cents) and allows you to use six lines.

The cable cars offer stunning bird's-eye views of the city and are a great way to appreciate La Paz from above. You can see how big and sprawling the city is and take in the dramatic setting, with the city nestled in a valley surrounded by towering mountains. The red line is particularly spectacular, passing over the enormous General Cemetery of La Paz and offering views of El Alto's giant market on Thursdays and Sundays. The yellow line is also interesting, allowing you to see the Sopocachi neighbourhood, where some of the best restaurants in the city are located, as well as offering good views of the mountains.

If you want to see the best views of the surrounding mountains, take the red line to the top. From there, you can see the largest, double-peaked mountain, Illimani, and the triangular-shaped mountain, Huayna Potosi, as well as the rest of the Cordillera Real mountain range.

The cable car system is very easy to use and well-organised, so you can easily do it on your own. Locals use the cable cars as public transport, but tourists can enjoy amazing views and get a feel for the whole city in just three hours. The stations are very safe, with security guards and cameras, and they are also clean.

Visit the Witches Market for unique souvenirs

La Paz, Bolivia, is a bustling city with plenty of attractions for tourists to enjoy. One of the most intriguing places to visit is the Witches Market, or 'Mercado de Las Brujas' in Spanish. Located in the heart of the city, just a block away from the San Francisco Church, this market is a colourful and fascinating display of traditional Bolivian culture.

The Witches Market is the perfect place to find unique souvenirs to remember your trip by. The market is run by local witch doctors, known as 'yatiri', who can be easily identified by their black hats and traditional dress. These yatiri sell a variety of items, including potions, dried frogs, medicinal plants, and armadillos. However, the most famous products sold in the Witches Market are the dried llama fetuses.

These llama fetuses are used as sacred offerings to Pachamama, the goddess revered by the indigenous people of Bolivia. By burying a llama fetus under the foundations of a new building, Bolivians believe that they will be blessed with good luck and prosperity. This tradition is particularly common among poorer Bolivians, while wealthier individuals may sacrifice a live llama.

In addition to the llama fetuses, the Witches Market offers a range of other unique souvenirs. Dried frogs, for example, are used in Aymara rituals, while soapstone figurines, owl feathers, and dried turtles are also available for purchase. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even consult a witch doctor for fortune-telling services.

The Witches Market is a great place to immerse yourself in the mystical and spiritual side of Bolivian culture. By purchasing a few unique souvenirs, you can take a piece of this magic home with you. So, if you're looking for something beyond the typical tourist experience, be sure to add the Witches Market to your itinerary when visiting La Paz, Bolivia!

Explore the Valley of the Moon

The Valle de la Luna, or Valley of the Moon, is a geological formation located about 10 kilometres from downtown La Paz, Bolivia. It is a protected area that belongs to the district of Mallasa. The valley is said to have been named by Neil Armstrong, the astronaut, who thought the valley resembled the craters on the moon.

The Valley of the Moon is a result of erosion consuming the upper part of a mountain made of clay soil. The erosion by wind and rain has resulted in the formation of white chimneys and unusual landscapes. The valley is mostly made of clay and sandstone, with no rocks. The place is like a museum of stalagmites, with a formation similar to the one in the Valle de Animas. The Valley of the Moon stands out for its colours, which vary depending on the type of mineral content found in each mountain. The colours range from brown/beige to dark reddish.

There are two ways to get to the Valley of the Moon: booking a tour with a La Paz-based tour agency, or taking a taxi or a bus on your own. The bus can be boarded near San Francisco Church and Sagarnaga Street. There is an entry fee to the valley, which can be paid at the tourist information centre at the entrance. There are toilets available at the centre as well.

There are two circular trails in the valley, each leading to different viewpoints. The longer trail takes around 45 minutes to complete and ends at Devil's Point, the most spectacular viewpoint. The other trail is much shorter and can be completed in 15 minutes.

Check out Calle Jaen's museums and cafes

Calle Jaen is a charming, cobblestoned street in La Paz, dating back to the 1700s and 1800s. It is known for its colourful houses, restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as its bohemian feel. It is also home to several museums, including:

Museo Costumbrista Juan de Vargas

This museum features art, photos, and ceramic figurine dioramas of old La Paz. There is also a pleasant cafe on the premises.

Museo de Metales Preciosos

Also known as the Gold Museum, this museum houses pre-Columbian silver, gold, and copper pieces from Tiwanaku.

Museo del Litoral

This museum consists mainly of historical maps that defend Bolivia's claims to Antofagasta and Chile's Segunda Región.

Museo de Instrumentos Musicales

The only privately-owned museum on Calle Jaen, this museum features a range of musical instruments, including volcanic rock flutes in the shape of erotic figures, flutes made of bone, and guitars made of armadillos.

Casa de Murillo

Once the home of Pedro Domingo Murillo, a leader in the La Paz Revolution of 1809, this museum displays colonial art, furniture, and household items that once belonged to Bolivian aristocracy.

Calle Jaen is a great place to spend the day, soaking in the history and culture of La Paz while enjoying the many cafes, restaurants, and bars the street has to offer.

Visit El Alto for incredible views

El Alto, meaning 'The Heights' in Spanish, is a city adjacent to La Paz, in Bolivia. It is the second-largest city in the country and one of the fastest-growing urban centres in Latin America. At 4,000 metres above sea level, it is also the highest major metropolis in the world.

El Alto is no longer just a suburb of La Paz but an economic centre in its own right. The city has a dense population and rapidly growing industry. It is known for its high altitude, cold climate, bustling streets, heavy traffic and frequent protests.

Views Over La Paz

El Alto sits 4,000 metres above sea level, overlooking La Paz. This offers a unique perspective on the city below, which is nestled in a valley surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Andes.

Mi Teleferico Cable Car Views

The Mi Teleferico cable car system connects El Alto with La Paz and offers incredible views of both cities and the surrounding mountains. The cable car is a great way to get between the two cities, with 25 stations and fares of around $0.50 USD per transit.

Snow-Capped Mountains

El Alto provides breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains, Huayna Potosi and Illimani. These mountains can be seen from various viewpoints in El Alto, including the cable car and Parque Mirador Laikakota.

Cholita Wrestling at Polifunctional de la Ceja

For a unique cultural experience, watch the famous Cholita wrestling matches at the Polifunctional de la Ceja stadium in El Alto. This event started as a women's empowerment movement and a stand against domestic abuse.

El Alto Market

El Alto is home to the biggest market in Bolivia, which stretches over five square kilometres. The market sells a wide range of products, from car parts and sports equipment to second-hand clothing and used medical equipment. It is a great place to immerse yourself in local Bolivian life and offers a unique shopping experience.

El Alto offers incredible views of La Paz, the surrounding mountains, and its own bustling cityscape. It is a must-visit destination when exploring the La Paz area.

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