Bolivia is definitely South America’s least traveled country. If people have heard of Bolivia, it’s because of the world’s largest salt flats. In this post, we’re going to shine the light on the capital city of La Paz, Bolivia, and why it’s worth visiting.
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Admit it! You’ve probably never heard too much about the South American country of Bolivia. And if you have, it’s usually about the salt flats – Salar de Uyuni.
La Paz is one of the two capitals of Bolivia and one of the coolest and most unique cities to visit. It’s surrounded by snow-capped mountains with cable cars being one of the main forms of transportation.
You’ll likely never experience a city quite like this one. So whether you’re on the fence about spending a few days here or you’ve never heard of this particular capital city, I’ve got you covered. Here are the 10 best things to do in La Paz, Bolivia that will make visiting completely worth it!
About La Paz, Bolivia & Why Visiting is Worth It!
Where is La Paz Located?
La Paz, Bolivia, is situated in the Altiplano (high plain) region on the central western side of the country. This area is nestled within the Andes Mountain range. The Altiplano also stretches into Peru and Argentina.
Additionally, it’s crucial to mention that Bolivia is a completely landlocked country in South America. If this topic comes up in conversation, believe me, any Bolivian will make sure you remember it!
Highest Capital City in The World
La Paz is located at a whopping 11,893 ft (3,625 m) above sea level and houses over 1 million residents.
Because of its location in the Andes Mountains, La Paz is known as the highest capital city in the world. This means there is a chance you may get some minor altitude sickness.
The symptoms include lightheadedness, nausea, and shortness of breath. However, it usually goes away in a few days after your body has acclimated. You can read more about how to combat altitude sickness here.
But how cool would it be to be able to say you’ve visited the highest city in the world?! That’s such an awesome feat and while you should always travel for yourself, it’s still nice when you can brag a little bit about where you’ve been.
Incredible Views & Unique Culture
As I’ve previously stated, most travelers visit Bolivia to experience the large salt flats. So La Paz is often only used as a stopping point to get there. Most travelers just stay a day or the night while they wait for their transportation.
While the salt flats are an incredible activity you should not skip, I’m here to convince you to add a few extra days to your trip to get to know the city.
La Paz, Bolivia is such a unique and beautiful place worth visiting. It’s essentially a city nestled into a bowl surrounded by gorgeous towering mountains. It may even shock you as to why or how anyone settled here in the first place.
Let’s get right into it then. Here are the top 10 reasons you should explore La Paz, Bolivia!
Top 10 Reasons to Visit La Paz
1 Mi Teleferico (Largest Cable Car System)
One of my favorite reasons to visit La Paz is to ride around the impressive and fun cable cars! I know what you’re thinking, I’ve ridden on cable cars before – what’s so special?
La Paz has the largest cable car system in the world with over 10 connecting lines. PLUS, it’s become their most popular mode of public transportation. It’s so easy and the most efficient way to get around the city AND gives you amazing views from high above!
Each line is color-coded and the first 3 lines, started in 2014, represent the colors of Bolivia’s flag – red, yellow, and green. Since then, they have expanded 7 more lines with colors such as brown, silver, and light blue.
Each ride costs about 3 Bolivianos or just 40 US cents. It’s easy to connect to each line and it’s the best way you see and explore the city. You could spend a full day just riding around this incredible system! You don’t want to miss this.
2 The Witches’ Market (Calle de las Brujas)
My next favorite thing to do in La Paz is to visit el Mercado de Las Brujas also known as The Witches’ Market. I believe that strolling around this market is the epitome of experiencing Bolivian culture as a tourist.
It’s the perfect place to find and buy souvenirs with a bit of a twist. You can find quality sweaters made from alpaca fur, beautiful and colorful handwoven fabrics known as aguayo, and even dried-up llama fetuses.
Yep! That’s the twist I was talking about. I know it may seem strange but there are certainly some odd things about Bolivian culture. The llama fetuses are part of a sacred ritual and are seen as offerings to Pachamama.
Pachamama is an Inca goddess who represents Mother Nature. Oftentimes, the llama fetuses are buried under the foundations of new houses for good luck, health, and protection.
The Witches’ Market spans quite a few blocks with colorful and fun souvenirs. There’s only one small street where you will see llama fetuses, herbal medications, and other spiritual talismans. Just so you know, it’s not the whole area that is like that.
3 Eat Salteñas at Paceña La Salteña
To round out my top 3 favorite things about La Paz is the delicious breakfast snack – salteñas! Granted, you can find these anywhere in Bolivia but in La Paz, you can find vegetarian ones which are not as common in other areas.
Salteñas, typically served in the mornings, are savory and thick empanadas. They are juicy and filled with a stew-like combination of either chicken or beef and then potatoes, carrots, and peas.
Think of it as a soup dumpling or a pot pie but even better! Locals in La Paz favor Paceña La Salteña as having the best salteñas, and it has numerous locations around the city. Plus, they have a variety of choices including vegetarian ones and even Hawaiian ones!
Each one costs only 7 Bolivianos or just 1 US dollar so you can enjoy a few of these to start your day off right. Keep in mind, they are normally enjoyed at breakfast so the stores usually close by 2 pm.
4 Visit The Large Market in El Alto (Feria 16 de Julio)
As previously mentioned, La Paz nestles at the valley’s bottom, surrounded by mountains. Due to its rapid growth, El Alto is now regarded as a distinct city separate from La Paz. Although it is located right next to it.
El Alto is above La Paz at an even higher altitude if you can believe it. This is where the airport is so if you fly into La Paz, you will drive down into the city.
Every Thursday and Sunday El Alto has the largest market where you can find anything your heart desires. They sell everything from clothes to food, to car parts and kitchen appliances. It’s definitely an experience to visit.
Just be wary of your surroundings. El Alto can be somewhat dangerous in the sense that people will try to pickpocket and rob you. Make sure your belongings are securely on you at all times and don’t be caught too off guard and you should be just fine.
5 Explore the Backpacker’s Hub (Tarija Street)
If you’re backpacking, this is likely the area you will be staying in as there are hostels around here. It’s conveniently located a few streets over from the Witches’ Market.
This small street is filled with a variety of restaurants and pubs. It’s a great place to try local cuisine but also Indian or English food if you crave something different.
One of my favorite spots is DT Brew House located on the rooftop of the hostel. It has a great view of the surrounding area plus some great craft beers to offer. You can check out my reel here to get a better idea of the spot!
6 Tour the Basilica of San Francisco (Rooftop Views)
Also located in the heart of downtown La Paz and also right next to the Witches’ Market is the Church of San Francisco. This beautiful baroque-style church was built during the 1500s with a large plaza as well.
You can tour the inside of the church and even walk up to the rooftop. This gives you excellent views of the city but also a unique view of the architecture. If you’re into cultural and historical sites, I would definitely recommend a visit.
7 Feed Pigeons At Plaza Murillo
La Paz is filled with various beautiful plazas but what makes Plaza Murillo special is that there are a ton of pigeons that you can feed here. Locals nearby will sell corn kernels that you can buy to feed them.
These pigeons are not shy and will land on your shoulders, hands, and even on your head! One of my favorite memories of visiting La Paz was always coming to this plaza to experience all the fun with the birds.
8 Visit The Coca Museum
Located along one of the streets in the Witches’ Market is the Coca Museum. Yep, an entire, rather small, museum dedicated to the coca leaf.
In the West, the coca leaf is strictly connected to cocaine and thought of as a harmful drug. This museum tries to break the stigma because the coca leaf has various other uses.
Not to mention that indigenous people living in the Andes have been using the coca leaf for religious ceremonies and as a medicinal remedy since the very beginning. The coca leaf itself is nowhere near as potent as the drug and in fact, is used to make coca tea.
Although it’s a small and not super-kept museum, it’s an interesting one to visit to learn about the history of the leaf. I’m also a big fan of visiting odd and interesting museums from all over the world.
9 Mirador Killi Killi (Popular Lookout/Overlook)
This overlook is a perfect and tranquil place to take in the beauty of the city with an incredible panoramic view. It’s a short but steep walk up here so be sure to go slowly so the altitude doesn’t leave you feeling lightheaded.
Once up here you can spend time admiring the layout of the city. It’s truly impressive to me how such a large city has grown in the most unusual place. The surrounding mountains make it even more picturesque.
Be sure to keep an eye out for Illimani – the highest peak in the nearby area. You can’t miss it!
10 Stroll around El Paseo Del Prado
16 de Julio (16th of July) is one of the main roads in La Paz. A part of this area is known as El Prado. Here you will find various clothing stores, restaurants, and other administrative buildings.
It’s a bustling area to take a stroll down to get a better feel for how the city operates. There are also a few ice cream stores where you can sit and people-watch if you’d like. As well as street performers here and plenty of street vendors.
There is a walking strip medium, if you will, where you can stroll and in recent years the landscape has been nicely decorated.
I certainly hope this has convinced you to plan a few extra days into your Bolivia trip to spend in La Paz. It’s such a unique and quirky city that will leave a lasting impression in your heart. So don’t hesitate to book that trip because La Paz, Bolivia is 100% worth visiting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth going to La Paz Bolivia?
La Paz, Bolivia is absolutely worth visiting if you are in the area. The highest capital city in the world has a lot to offer in terms of street food, gorgeous mountainous view, and all while riding the largest cable car system in the world.
How many days do you need in La Paz Bolivia?
3 full days are enough to take in this unique city and see the best things La Paz has to offer. Spend 1 full day riding around in the cable cars, 2 days exploring downtown, and eating incredible street food.
Why should I go to La Paz Bolivia?
La Paz, Bolivia is one of the most unique cities you could ever visit. It is the highest capital city in the world with cable cars being an integral part of the city’s transportation system. It’s surrounded by snow-capped mountains and its quirky culture is a special one to experience.
For more Bolivia information, you may also like:
- Salar de Uyuni: Best Time To Visit Wonderful Bolivia Salt Flats
- 25 Surprising, Unique, & Intriguing Things BOLIVIA is Known For
- La Paz: How to Best Deal With Altitude Sickness
