Bolivia Bucket List: Your Guide to Unmissable Experiences in La Paz

Stay connected with Airtel’s international roaming plans as you explore Bolivia’s La Paz, ensuring reliable communication while discovering the city’s unmissable experiences, from stunning landscapes to vibrant cultural treasures.

Literally meaning ‘peace’ in Spanish, La Paz is one of world’s highest cities. Perched at a dizzying elevation of 3,640 meters above sea level, La Paz is a city that takes your breath away—literally! Bolivia’s administrative capital is a whirlwind of legendary markets, bud-tantalizing cuisine, delightfully traditional locals and frenzied traffic, that delivers a sensory feast to its visitors.

Ready to explore the best places to visit in La Paz? Let’s dive in.

1. Mercado de las Brujas

Start your La Paz tourism journey at the infamous Mercado de las Brujas or Witches’ Market. Weave through narrow alleys lined with stalls selling medicinal herbs, folk remedies, and—if you dare to look—llama fetuses and dried frogs used in Aymara rituals. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the city’s indigenous roots and mystical traditions.

Insider tip: Haggling is expected, but always be respectful. Many items hold sacred significance. We recommend chatting the cholas (indigenous women in bowler hats) to learn about the market’s spiritual significance

2. Calle Jaén

One of the most well-preserved colonial streets in the city, Calle Jaén dates back to the 1700s. This pedestrianized street is home to many of La Paz’s museums, including the Museo de Metales Preciosos, where you can see pre-Columbian silver and gold artwork, and the Casa de Murillo, former home of the revolutionary leader Pedro Domingo Murillo.

Apart from the museums, one can enjoy galleries and cafes, and colonial mansions, offering a tranquil refuge from the urban bustle.

Insider tip: Step back in time on this cobblestone street and enjoy a laid back afternoon strolling or grabbing a bite at the Café Jallalla.

3. Mercado Rodríguez

Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of Mercado Rodríguez, La Paz’s oldest and most vibrant farmer’s market. Here, you can browse stalls piled high with colorful local produce, from Andean grains and potatoes to juicy mangoes to fiery ajís (chili peppers). If this market drums up an appetite, you can grab a steaming bowl of chairo (meat and vegetable soup) from a food vendor and savor the flavors of Andean cuisine.

Insider tip: At this market, we recommend sampling local delicacies such as salteñas (savory pastries filled with meat, vegetables, and a slightly spicy sauce), mocochinchi (refreshing drink made from dried peaches, cinnamon, and sugar), and anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers, a popular street food)

4. Tiwanaku Ruins

A journey of less than 100 kms outside La Paz welcomes you to the UNESCO-listed ruins of Tiwanaku, the former capital of an ancient pre-Incan civilization. Marvel at the monolithic stone archways, intricate carvings, and the mysterious Gate of the Sun, all dating back to 200 BC.

Insider tip: Learn about the advanced engineering and astronomical knowledge of this ancient civilization at the on-site museum.

5. Iglesia de San Francisco

Dominating Plaza San Francisco, La Paz’s main square, is the Iglesia de San Francisco. This exquisite church blends baroque and mestizo architecture, with an intricately carved stone facade featuring indigenous motifs.

Insider tip: Step inside to admire the gold-leaf altar and religious art, then climb the bell tower for panoramic city views.

6. Death Road Cycling

If you are an adrenaline junky or love extreme sports, flock to La La Paz to tackle the North Yungas Road, better known as “Death Road”. This 64-km cycling route descends over 3,500 meters, from snow-capped peaks to lush jungle, along narrow cliff-side tracks. While its dangers have been tamed in recent years, it’s still an exhilarating ride through breathtaking Andean scenery.

Insider tip: A moderate fitness level and confident cycling skills are essential. Also, choose a tour operator with a solid safety record and well-maintained equipment.

7. Valle de la Luna

Located 10 km from the city center lies a surreal, eroded landscape of jagged clay and sandstone spires, aptly named Valle de la Lune or the “Moon Valley”. Channel your inner astronaut at this otherworldly landscape and admire the bizarre rock formations sculpted by wind and rain over millennia. This La Paz attraction makes for an easy and unforgettable half-day excursion.

Insider tip: Visit at sunset for an unforgettable spectacle, as the valley’s earthy hues glow in shades of gold and crimson.

8. Mirador Killi Killi

For a breathtaking view of La Paz and the surrounding mountains, head to Mirador Killi Killi, a lookout point in the heart of the city. It is located in the Sopocachi neighborhood, just a short walk from Plaza Avaroa.

Insider tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for an extra dose of magic, as the sky transforms into a stunning array of colors.

9. Mi Teleférico

La Paz’s geography, located in a valley surrounded by towering mountains, led it to having one of the world’s unique public transportation systems: Mi Teleférico. The system boasts of ten lines (or routes) spanning over 33 kilometers, making Mi Teleférico a vital part of La Paz’s public transport network. These iconic cable cars are the world’s highest urban gondola system, and is equivalent to a subway system prevalent in other metropolis.

Insider tip: We recommend purchasing a multi-journey ticket and switch between lines (i.e. Red Line, Yellow Line, Green Line) to get around the city and discover jaw-dropping views.

Day Trips from La Paz:

1. Lake Titicaca and Copabana: It is the highest navigable lake in the world and is home to several indigenous communities like the Aymara

2. Chacaltaya: It is the highest ski resort located at over 5,181 metres (17,000 feet)

3. Beni Province: It is home to more than 20 different indigenous groups living in the Amazon

Unusual Must-Try Experiences in La Paz

1. Play a round at the highest golf course in the world, La Paz Golf Club

2. Hike to Muela del Diablo or ‘Devil’s Tooth’, one of the iconic rock formations in Bolivia

3. Shop at the city’s many markets such as 16 de Julio market in El Alto or Calle Sagarnaga

4. Visit the government buildings in the city centre, the Plaza Murillo

5. Finish your La Paz adventure with this riotous dose of colorful, athletic spectacle, Cholita Wrestling

Uninterrupted Connectivity in La Paz with Airtel’s Postpaid Roaming Plans

The places to visit in La Paz Bolivia promise an unforgettable Andean odyssey. And with Airtel’s Postpaid International Roaming plans, you can stay connected throughout your La Paz tourism adventure. Capture every moment, navigate the city with ease, and share your experiences with loved ones back home – all without worrying about connectivity. So what are you waiting for? The magic of Bolivia’s mountain city awaits!