La Paz

Travel Tips in La Paz

La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia and is the cultural and financial center of the country. It is the world’s highest capital city, with an average elevation of 3,650 meters (11,975 ft) above sea level. La Paz is a vibrant city with a blend of colonial and modern architecture, and is home to numerous museums, churches, and other attractions. To make the most of your visit to La Paz, here are some tips to help you plan your trip.

• Make sure to bring warm layers and sun protection, as the city can be quite cold and sunny.
• Make sure to check out the markets, as they offer a variety of local goods and souvenirs.
• Remember to stay hydrated, as the altitude can cause dehydration.
• Be aware of your surroundings, as La Paz can be dangerous.
• Give yourself plenty of time to explore La Paz, as there is much to see and do.
• Take advantage of the many guided tours, as they give you a more in-depth look at the city.
• Try to plan your trip around the festivals, as La Paz is known for its lively celebrations.
• Have your passport and visa ready before entering the country.

Sites and Monuments to Visit in La Paz

  1. Plaza Murillo: Plaza Murillo is the main square of La Paz and is home to the Bolivian government. It is a beautiful and vibrant place to explore, and is surrounded by numerous government buildings and monuments. Prices for activities vary, but most sights are free to visit. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/attractions/plaza-murillo/a/poi-sig/457817/1327077
  2. San Francisco Church: San Francisco Church is an imposing 18th-century Baroque church located in the heart of La Paz. The interior of the church is decorated with vivid frescoes, and the adjacent museum houses a collection of religious artifacts. Admission is free. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/san-francisco-church
  3. Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de La Paz: Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de La Paz is a beautiful 18th-century church located in the center of the city. The church features an ornate façade and an interior filled with intricate artwork and religious statues. Admission is free. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/attractions/iglesia-de-nuestra-senora-de-la-paz/a/poi-sig/457819/1327081
  4. Mirador Killi Killi: Mirador Killi Killi is a popular viewpoint overlooking La Paz. From here, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city, as well as the surrounding mountains. Admission is free. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/attractions/mirador-killi-killi/a/poi-sig/457820/1327082
  5. Cable Car (Mi Teleférico): The Mi Teleférico cable car system is a great way to get around La Paz. The cable cars offer panoramic views of the city, and they are a convenient and affordable way to get around. Prices vary depending on the journey. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/attractions/mi-teleferico/a/poi-sig/457818/1327078
  6. Valle de la Luna: Valle de la Luna is a stunning geological formation located in the foothills of the city. The area features a variety of rock formations, as well as an array of flora and fauna. Admission is free. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/attractions/valle-de-la-luna/a/poi-sig/457821/1327083
  7. Plaza San Francisco: Plaza San Francisco is a beautiful public square located in the heart of La Paz. The square is lined with colorful buildings and is home to numerous restaurants and bars. Admission is free. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/attractions/plaza-san-francisco/a/poi-sig/457822/1327084
  8. Mallasa: Mallasa is a popular tourist destination located in the foothills of La Paz. Here, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, such as the Mallasa Zoo, the Mallasa Aquarium, and the Mallasa Botanical Garden. Prices vary depending on the activity. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/attractions/mallasa/a/poi-sig/457823/1327085
  9. Calle Jaén: Calle Jaén is a charming cobblestone street located in the heart of La Paz. Here, visitors can explore a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. Prices vary depending on the activity. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/attractions/calle-jaen/a/poi-sig/457824/1327086
  10. San Pedro Prison: San Pedro Prison is a notorious prison located in the heart of La Paz. The prison is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can explore the cells and learn about the prison’s history. Prices vary depending on the tour. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/attractions/san-pedro-prison/a/poi-sig/457825/1327087
  11. Valle de las Animas: Valle de las Animas is a stunning valley located in the foothills of La Paz. Here, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, such as the Valle de las Animas Museum and the Valle de las Animas Nature Reserve. Prices vary depending on the activity. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/attractions/valle-de-las-animas/a/poi-sig/457826/1327088
  12. Iglesia de San Francisco: Iglesia de San Francisco is a stunning 18th-century church located in the heart of La Paz. The church is home to a variety of artwork and religious artifacts, as well as a museum. Admission is free. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/attractions/iglesia-de-san-francisco/a/poi-sig/457827/1327089
  13. Plaza España: Plaza España is a beautiful public square located in the heart of La Paz. Here, visitors can explore a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as the Plaza España Monument. Admission is free. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/attractions/plaza-espana/a/poi-sig/457829/1327091
  14. Teleférico de El Alto: The Teleférico de El Alto is a cable car system that connects La Paz with El Alto. From here, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city, as well as the surrounding countryside. Prices vary depending on the journey. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/attractions/teleferico-de-el-alto/a/poi-sig/457830/1327092
  15. Calle Sagárnaga: Calle Sagárnaga is a popular street located in the heart of La Paz. Here, visitors can explore a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. Prices vary depending on the activity. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/attractions/calle-sagarnaga/a/poi-sig/457831/1327093
  16. Valle de las Ánimas: Valle de las Ánimas is a stunning valley located in the foothills of La Paz. Here, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, such as the Valle de las Ánimas Museum and the Valle de las Ánimas Nature Reserve. Prices vary depending on the activity. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/attractions/valle-de-las-animas/a/poi-sig/457832/1327094
  17. Hiking in La Paz: La Paz is an excellent place for outdoor activities, such as hiking. Here, visitors can explore a variety of trails, as well as the stunning landscapes of the city and surrounding areas. Prices vary depending on the activity. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/activities/hiking/a/poi-act/457833/1327095
  18. Shopping in La Paz: La Paz is a great place to shop, as it is home to a variety of markets and stores. Here, visitors can find anything from local goods to souvenirs. Prices vary depending on the activity. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/shopping/a/poi-sho/457834/1327096
  19. Moon Valley: Moon Valley is a stunning geological formation located in the foothills of La Paz. Here, visitors can explore a variety of rock formations, as well as an array of flora and fauna. Admission is free. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/attractions/moon-valley/a/poi-sig/457835/1327097
  20. Plaza San Pedro: Plaza San Pedro is a beautiful public square located in the heart of La Paz. Here, visitors can explore a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. Admission is free. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/bolivia/la-paz/attractions/plaza-san-pedro/a/poi-sig/457836/1327098

3-Day Itinerary in La Paz

Day 1:
• Start the day by exploring Plaza Murillo, the main square of La Paz.
• Then, head to San Francisco Church, an impressive 18th-century Baroque church.
• After that, visit Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de La Paz, a beautiful 18th-century church.
• Take the cable car (Mi Teleférico) to get a panoramic view of the city.
• Spend the evening at Calle Jaén, a charming cobblestone street.

Day 2:
• Start the day at Valle de la Luna, a stunning geological formation.
• Then, explore Plaza San Francisco, a beautiful public square.
• After that, visit Mallasa, a popular tourist destination.
• Spend the afternoon at San Pedro Prison, a notorious prison.
• End the day by exploring Valle de las Animas, a stunning valley.

Day 3:
• Start the day at Iglesia de San Francisco, a stunning 18th-century church.
• Then, explore Plaza España, a beautiful public square.
• Take the Teleférico de El Alto cable car to get a stunning view of the city.
• Spend the afternoon shopping in La Paz, exploring the many markets and stores.
• End the day by hiking in La Paz, exploring the stunning landscapes of the city and surrounding areas.