Table of Contents
In La Paz
Viewpoints or “Miradores”
La Paz is breathtaking because of its landscape and how it’s built. The city has two main sections: El Alto (the upper part) and the lower center, nestled inside a giant natural bowl. You’ll spend most of your time in the center, but thanks to the city’s unique topography, there are many incredible viewpoints all around. These spots are perfect for taking photos of the nearly 800,000 inhabitants and admiring the city’s dramatic skyline.
Best viewpoints in La Paz:
- Kili Kili (near the center)
- Montículo (near Plaza Avaroa)
- Sallahumani Viewpoint (El Alto) / Mirador Ballivián
Cable Car Ride (Mi Teleférico)
You can do a full cable car circuit in one day, but it might get repetitive. Instead, I recommend choosing a few lines and combining them with sightseeing:
- Yellow, Silver, and Red lines: to reach El Alto, visit the Mercado 16 de Julio, and watch Cholita wrestling.
- Blue and Green lines: to see central La Paz, head to the southern districts, and continue your trip to Valle de la Luna.
Walking Tour
In most big South American cities, you’ll find walking tours — a great way to explore on your first day, learn about local culture, and hear interesting stories. In La Paz, I joined City Tour Red Cap, an excellent experience full of fascinating tales.
From what I’ve seen, there are no fully free walking tours here. The Red Cap tour is cheap on GetYourGuide, but remember they expect tips — this is their main income (the online price only covers fees and organization).
Witches’ Market and Tourist Streets
If you do a walking tour, you’ll probably pass the Witches’ Market briefly — but it’s worth returning to take your time. Step inside the shops and see all the curious spiritual items they sell. Are they real witches? Can they cast a spell to make someone fall in love with you? Maybe. Whether you believe it or not, remember that locals take these traditions seriously, so be respectful.
El Alto District and Market
El Alto is the highest part of La Paz. It’s not very touristy but extremely popular with locals. On Thursdays and Sundays, one of the largest street markets in South America takes place here, spreading across countless streets around the Red Line cable car station, “El Mercado 16 de Julio”. Vendors sell everything — electronics, clothes, food, antiques, even car parts.
Go in the morning, as sunset comes early here. If you visit in the afternoon, you can combine it with an evening at Cholita wrestling.
Wrestling Cholitas
A must-see in La Paz. Wrestling is a big deal in Latin America (especially in Mexico), but here it’s unique because of the “Cholitas” — women in traditional Andean dresses — who wrestle as a show of empowerment and strength.
It’s both fun and impressive to see them in action. You can watch matches in:
- A tourist-oriented venue in central La Paz (about 100 BOB)
- A more local spot in El Alto (about 50 BOB)
or go with a transfer ( get your guide tour) :
Valle de la Luna
If you’re short on time, you might prefer the even more spectacular Valle de las Ánimas.
Valle de las Ánimas
For me, this is the most impressive place in La Paz. In the dry season, you can hike between the giant rock spires; in the rainy season, the valley turns into a river. At the top, there are small mines where locals extract Bolivian amethyst — a gemstone with stunning purple and yellow tones.
The views of southern La Paz from here are breathtaking, and walking among the towering formations makes you feel incredibly small.
Outside La Paz
Camino de la Muerte (Death Road)
One of La Paz’s most famous adventures. The “Death Road” got its name from the high number of fatal accidents that used to happen here when trucks drove in both directions on its narrow cliffs.
I went with Gravity Bolivia, which offers high-quality bikes. At the end, we visited the animal sanctuary Senda Verde, home to rescued tapirs, monkeys, bears, and even a jaguar, the only company doing this.
When you travel abroad for holidays, you’re always exposed to risks like food poisoning, injuries, or even lost luggage. By booking insurance with EKTA, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re covered, so you can focus on enjoying your trip stress-free.
Tiwanaku Archaeological Site
About an hour from La Paz, Tiwanaku is the most important archaeological site in Bolivia. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases the ingenuity of pre-Inca civilizations, with stone structures and sculptures that are still well-preserved, offering insights into their advanced knowledge of architecture and astronomy.
Climb the Huayna Potosí
Standing at 6,088m, Huayna Potosí is one of the most iconic peaks you can see from La Paz — and you can climb it. It’s known as one of the cheapest +6000m climbs in the world, with 3-day trips starting at around $150 USD.
The expedition includes training in alpine techniques and the climb itself. You should prepare physically, especially your legs, and be well-acclimatized before attempting it. This was my favorite activity in La Paz, both for the challenge and the incredible sense of achievement.
Charquini Trek
In the same mountain area as Huayna Potosí, Charquini is a one-day trek leading to a glacier and the stunning “Emerald Lagoon” — its waters are crystal-clear, flowing directly from the ice above. It was the first glacier I’d ever seen, and while small, it’s still spectacular. Ideal for photos that will make your friends jealous.
2–3 Day Trip to Copacabana
Locals love escaping to Copacabana for a weekend away. This small town on the shores of Lake Titicaca offers stunning views, boat trips to Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna, and visits to Inca temples. You can even stay overnight on Isla del Sol. Don’t miss the freshly caught trucha frita (fried trout).
If you can’t allow 2-3 days to visit coapcabana, you cans till do it in a day:
2–3 Day Trip to the Yungas
Ready to discover La Paz ?
When I plan my trip, I usually look at each city I’ll travel to and check all the activities offered on Get Your Guide to get an overview of what’s available and at what price.
