18 Incredible (But Cheap) Things To Do In La Paz
La Paz is a unique city where modern capitalism mixes with age old indigenous traditions. With activities ranging from the adrenaline pumping to the more cultural, it’s impossible to be bored when visiting the city in the sky!
Here we have picked some of the best things to do during your time in La Paz:
Witches’ Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
For those suffering an ailment, searching for wealth or looking to exact revenge on a cheating partner, La Paz’s Witches Market is the place to go for a variety of potions, medicinal plants, spells and spiritual advice. Taking up only a small section of La Paz’s lively tourist area, this is the part of the city where ancient Aymaran beliefs are still practiced.
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Cholita Wrestling
Bizarre, crazy, empowering and hilarious are just some of the words used to describe one of La Paz’s most unusual attractions. Inspired by America’s WWF and Mexico’s famous lucha libre, Chollita Wrestling is a one-of-a-kind event, featuring Bolivian women battling it out in spectacular fashion.
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Party at Wild Rover Hostel
Drawing hundreds of travelers from all around the world, this is the bar to meet new people and party hard. Laying claim to the title of highest Irish bar in the world, Wild Rover is without doubt famous for its sociable environment and crazy party scene.
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Zip Lining
If braving The World’s Most Dangerous Road wasn’t scary enough, travelers can now push their adventurous side to the limit with a ride along one of Bolivia’s best ziplines. Operating daily, Zzip the Flying Fox is a high-quality, safe, not to mention fun, activity perfect for those seeking a thrill in Bolivia.
Read our post on Zzip The Flying Fox: Bolivia’s Most Exciting Zipline
Mi Teleferico: La Paz’s Cable Car System
Taking La Paz’s public transit system to new heights is Mi Teleferico, a cable car network providing fast and and reliable transport between the city’s major attractions. Operating at 4000 m (13,000 ft) above sea level, the world’s highest cable car ride is a fun way to get from A to B while experiencing impressive views over La Paz.
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Ride The Highest Ski Slope In The World
Snow enthusiasts traveling to Bolivia are in for a treat with this one-of-a-kind adventure allowing skiers and snowboarders of all levels to experience the majestic Bolivian Andes while ripping it up on beautiful 5000m+ glaciers tucked in the mountains surrounding La Paz.
Read our post on Snow Rush: Riding The Highest Ski Slope In The World
Cycle Death Road
One of the most popular activities in La Paz is the exhilarating and death-defying bike ride along one of the world’s most dangerous roads. If you’re looking for a truly exhilarating, world-class bike ride through some of Bolivia’s most beautiful scenery, don’t hesitate to book a Death Road Tour. Fingers crossed you’ll live to tell the tale!
Read our post on Bolivia’s Death Road: Would You Risk it?
La Paz Life Quick Tip:
As voted the best way to travel around Bolivia and Peru, we highly recommend choosing Bolivia Hop as your means of transport. Ask the local guides on how to get the most out of La Paz!
San Francisco Church
One of La Paz’s most important and historical landmarks is the San Francisco church (Iglesia de San Francisco). The beautifully decorated church, admired for its intricately carved facade and blending of catholic and native art, was built entirely by indigenous Aymara workers. Entry is free and tours are available for Bs 20 ($3 US).
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Tiwanaku (Tiahuanaco)
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, Tiwanaku is an ancient archaeological site named after one of the most important civilizations prior to the Inca Empire.
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Jaen Street (Calle Jaén)
Representing historic La Paz is a quaint, cobble-stoned street, home to a range of shops, bars and restaurants as well as five of La Paz’s most important and interesting museums. Visiting picturesque Jaen Street gives visitors a chance to enjoy a stroll through one of the city’s more tranquil and traffic-free lane-ways, and appreciate the colorful and historic remnants of a bygone era.
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Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley)
Situated 10 kilometers from downtown La Paz is a unique area featuring lunar landscapes and bizarre geological formations. Not actually a valley at all, but a maze of canyons and giant spires, the surreal and moon-like landscape of Valle de la Luna is a sight to behold and definitely worth a look when visiting La Paz.
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Sagarnaga Street (Calle Sagarnaga)
One of La Paz’s most popular streets is Calle Sagarnaga, an area dedicated to all things touristy. This bustling strip, located just south of San Francisco Church, is lined with hostels, tour agencies, cafes, souvenir and clothing stalls. For those looking to purchase a Bolivian musical instrument, silver jewelry, fluffy alpaca sweater or even a salteña or two, this is a unique place to shop ’til you drop.
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Guided Walking Tour
Those traveling to La Paz for the first time will be shocked to discover how congested and chaotic the sprawling city is. To alleviate the stress of trying to navigate the narrow alleys on your own, we recommend exploring La Paz using Red Cap’s Walking Tour.
Read our post on Red Cap Walking Tour: La Paz Through a Local’s Eyes
Parque Mirador Laikakota
One of the best views in La Paz can be seen from Mirador Laikakota, a magnificent lookout point offering not only clear panoramic views of the city center, but a place for children to play and adults to relax. Upon reaching the park’s summit, visitors will be rewarded with stunning views of La Paz as well as play equipment, a little cafe, ice-cream vendors and a Children’s Museum.
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Plaza Murillo
Located in La Paz’s Casco Viejo, or old town, is a lively plaza framed by some of the city’s most important political buildings. The plaza is Bolivia’s most important public space and is a tranquil place where visitors can contemplate the country’s tumultuous history while observing a rich culture that lives on through the city’s locals.
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Huayna Potosi Mountain
With its spectacular views, accessibility to beginner climbers and close proximity to La Paz, it’s easy to see why Huayna Potosi is the most popular mountain to climb in Bolivia. Upon reaching the summit, you will be rewarded with incredible views of the Altiplano, La Paz, Lake Titicaca and the entire Cordillera Real await. A must do for avid adventurers and mountain climbers.
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Cementerio General La Paz
A vast necropolis, La Paz’s Cementerio General is a unique place of mourning, one which evokes a sense of celebration and hope rather than grief and loss. While visiting a cemetery on your travels may seem a little morbid, La Paz’s cemetery is unique in that it’s more bustling and lively than quiet and sombre.
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El Alto
Known for its high altitude, cold climate, frequent protests, bustling streets and heavy traffic, El Alto is not for the fainthearted. That being said, the city is a fascinating place for travelers looking to experience local Bolivian life. Activities on offer include shopping at Bolivia’s biggest open air market, riding the Mi Teleferico cable car and attending a Cholita wrestling match.
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Where to Stay in La Paz
From fun hostels and friendly homestays to luxurious lodgings and comfortable apartments, there are a range of accommodation options in La Paz to suit every travel style and budget:
If you’re heading to La Paz, be sure to book your accommodation as soon as possible to avoid missing out!
Visited La Paz? What was your favourite thing to do? Share in the comments below:
I’m taking the kids to La Paz in a few weeks! Thanks for this guide!
No worries Thais, have fun! 🙂
Excellent compilation…amazing city.
Thanks Eric, it is indeed a fascinating city!
The cemetery is an interesting and free place to visit, especially in November when they celebrate Day of the Dead and Festival of Skulls. I would also add the Teleferico to the list – beautiful views and a cheap ride around the city.
Great suggestions James! I quite enjoy visiting cemeteries in other countries, so interesting to observe how other cultures celebrate/cope with death.
Thank you for thus wonderful information! It really helps to know what to do in the wonderful city of La Paz. I plan on knocking all of these off my list!
Thanks,
Thomas
Glad you found the info useful Tom. There’s so many great things to do in La Paz, let us know if you stumble upon any more to add to the list 🙂