Experiencing the Best of La Paz, Bolivia

Located at 11,900 feet above sea level, La Paz is one of the highest cities in the world. With a population of over one million residents, it is also one of the most populated and culturally rich cities in South America.

Given its central location and infrastructure, nearly all roads and transportation routes lead to or from La Paz on a visit to Bolivia. Whether you’re planning to explore the iconic Uyuni Salt Flats and dramatic Atacama Desert, stay at an ecolodge in the Amazon, relax by the freshwater shores of Lake Titicaca, or visit the historic UNESCO World Heritage cities of Potosí and Sucre, your journey will likely bring you to the vibrant, bustling city of La Paz.

Although it is often added as a logistical stop in a Bolivian itinerary, La Paz is much more than a transit point. It deserves at least a day or two to fully experience its unique, culturally rich, and quirky atmosphere. Here are some of the best things to do while visiting La Paz.

Explore the City Center

One of the best ways to experience a new city is on foot, and La Paz is no exception. Starting at Plaza San Francisco in the city center, you’ll have easy access to historic neighborhoods, a bustling downtown, and several local markets, such as Mercado de las Brujas, Mercado Madero, and Mercado Lanza. As you explore, you’ll encounter beautiful churches, impressive government buildings and statues, the infamous San Pedro Prison (made famous by the book Marching Powder), and likely an impromptu public event or street market offering fresh fruits, vegetables, pastries, smoothies, and more.

Indulge in a Food Tour

The heart and soul of any rich culture often lies in its food, and La Paz is no different. Join a local food tour to discover the history and traditions behind the dishes served in Bolivia’s de facto capital city.

While Bolivia may not be widely known for its cuisine, you certainly won’t go hungry (or disappointed) while sampling traditional Bolivian food and drinks. Tastings may include savory peanut soup, flame-grilled beef heart (anticuchos), fresh trout from Lake Titicaca, hearty rellenos de papa, filling Pique Macho, Singani (the Bolivian version of a Peruvian pisco sour), and exotic fruit smoothies or a sweet Api Morada with buñuelos for dessert.

Ride the Colorful Teleféricos

Due to its bowl shape, one of the best forms of public transportation around La Paz is the teleférico system that carries passengers from the heart of La Paz up to the edges of El Alto located over 13,500 feet high.

Going for a ride on the teleférico is very affordable at 3 Bolivianos (less than $0.50) per ride and provides an incredible vantage point of the city and bustling streets as you float above them in the sky.

From the city center, you can take the red teleférico to El Alto where you’ll have an excellent view of La Paz and the surrounding mountain peaks of Illimani, Huayana Potosi, and Cordillera Real. From there you can ride the silver teleférico to the yellow and then the green for a DIY scenic tour of the city.

Visit the La Paz Public Cemetery

Cemeteries aren’t always a “must visit” item while touring most cities, but when you stop by La Paz’s public cemetery, you’ll see why this one makes the list. You’ll quickly notice that graves are not buried in the ground but are instead stacked on top of each other up to five burial chambers high. Spaces in the cemetery are also rented, not owned, so seeing an eviction notice on a tomb is not uncommon.

The cemetery doubles as an open-air art gallery, with murals painted by artists from around the world. This makes for a more relaxed atmosphere while strolling through the grounds. On weekends, families can be seen cleaning and decorating the graves of their loved ones. If you visit around Halloween, you might even witness Bolivia’s unique Day of the Dead traditions and celebrations.

Watch a Cholita Wrestling Match

One of the most unique and unusual things you can do in La Paz is attend a Cholita Wrestling Match – a Bolivian spin on the Mexican Lucha Libre professional wrestling matches.

Instead of masked, macho men in a theatrical wrestling ring, Cholita wrestling features indigenous Bolivian women dressed in their traditional frilly skirts and tiny bowler hats.

Although it’s quite cheesy, it’s a tradition that has deep roots in La Paz and simply serves as a fun form of entertainment for locals and tourists alike. As silly as it seems, Cholita wrestling is best enjoyed by fully leaning into the experience. So, grab yourself a Paceña and cheer along with the crowd!

Stroll Through an Open Air Market

Upon arriving in La Paz, you’ll quickly notice something absent that is common in other large cities—Western fast food chains and big-box stores. Bolivian culture and tradition are so deeply rooted that you won’t find typical restaurants or grocery chain stores here. In fact, Bolivia is one of the few countries in the world without a McDonald’s.

The lack of modern chains for fast food or groceries means that locals shop for all their meats, produce, and on-the-go meals in sprawling open-air markets set up on the sidewalks and streets. One of the most interesting and entertaining activities in La Paz is strolling through these markets to get a real sense of local life in one of Bolivia’s largest cities. Plus, you never quite know what you’re going to see or find which adds to the excitement!

Experience the Chaos of the El Alto Market

Every Thursday and Sunday, the neighboring city of El Alto hosts a sprawling open-air market that stretches for miles. Here, you’ll find everything from car parts and secondhand clothing to pet supplies, fresh produce, and even the latest electronics—all for sale in this traditional market.

As you wander, you’ll also find live music, street performances, and plenty of locals out and about in their traditional dresses and iconic bowler hats. It’s a special version of organized chaos that should not be missed.

Another way to experience the hustle and bustle of the El Alto Market without the crowds and chaos is to take a ride on the blue teleférico line which travels over the top of the market giving you a birds-eye view of the action.

Explore Bolivia