Location: La Paz
Top Things to do in La Paz
Countries
10 Things to Do in La Paz That You Shouldn't Miss
Sitting in a valley in the Andes Mountains, La Paz is the city that touches the clouds. The de facto capital of Bolivia, and sitting between 3300 and 4100 meters above sea level, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world. Rich with 19th century churches, museums of artifacts from the pre-Conquest era, precarious overlooks, and colorful markets, La Paz is truly unique. The Witches’ Market, in the center of the city, sells charms and potions for Aymara rituals, as well as souvenirs.
Restaurants in La Paz
1. Urban Rush Bolivia
Overall Ratings
5 based on 376 reviews
Reviewed By Alison M
We had an excellent experience with the team at Urban Rush! It was absolutely terrifying and thrilling - would highly highly recommend. The team were very knowledgeable and supportive - they helped calm us down when we were panicked and provided opportunities to practice as many times as we wanted inside before climbing out. A really exciting experience - particularly free falling at the end! Big thanks to the team who were fantastic and lots of fun!
2. Mi Teleferico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By wherelolawent - Folkestone, United Kingdom
My husband and I took a tour that took us on 2 of the cable car lines (Green & Red). You really get to view different areas of La Paz, for almost nothing (under $1USD). We had chosen not to do a tour of the big cemetery in La Paz so it was great to go above it and still be able to see into it (truly fascinating, and I am NOT a cemetery fan).
Clean, clearly well maintained and popular with locals and tourists. Definitely worth doing to see La Paz from a different perspective.
3. Illimani
Overall Ratings
5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By JandKNewJersey_USA - New Jersey, USA
We have never attempted climbing this mountain. This review is just about how beautiful and awe-inspiring it is. It is a large, gorgeous, majestic snow capped mountain in the heart of the Andes visible from the city of La Paz as well as the altiplano. While visiting the city I never grew tired of seeing this majestic beauty and it was the first thing I looked out my window to see each morning. There are larger Mountains but for me this is the prettiest. Best view in my opinion is when riding on the Teleferrico. Make sure to take a seat on the Teleferrico with your face toward the city as you ascend so that you can get the best view.
4. Yungas Road
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Matthew H
Gravity assisted biking on the worlds most dangerous road - I fully recommend this company as asides from the great time we all had - it’s clear this company uses superior bikes and equipment, the guides are VERY knowledgeable on the history and safety requirements - compared to other companies which copy the Gravity business model and seem to only point you down the hill and wish you luck...!
5. Huayna Potosi
Overall Ratings
5 based on 228 reviews
A technical easy mountain over 6000m's, a good climb for beginners. Great for a first big mountain experience with great views of the Cordillera Real and Mountains near La Paz. physically demanding, some acclimatization is need before attempting this trip.
Reviewed By Mustafa H - Chicago, Illinois
We couldnt have been happier with using Climbing South America to book this trip. Karen took amazing care of us in the office with constant communication, keeping us advised of the weather, and also helping us get fitted and prepared with all our gear. Gracias Karen!
The guides were amazing and the cook made the best food ive ever had at 5000+ meters...
Great experience, highly recommend it. (even if you get altitude sickness at 5700 meters like I did!)
6. Chacaltaya Ski Resort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 278 reviews
Reviewed By rapha_y_nici - Canton of Zurich, Switzerland
This is a very nice and convenient option to explore altitude up to approx 5400m.. there is no other public transport to Chacaltaya.
We booked the simple standard tour with the agency Climbing South America (where we booked as well our Huayna Potosí ascent) for cheap 90bob. It seems that you can book it at several agencies for around 100bob (was available in our hostel as well).
It starts at around 830-845am and the bus brings you up to approx 5300m where the old ski resort was. There you pay 15bob entry fee.
You have about 1.5h time to ascent to the top at approx 5400m and get back to the bus. Impressive to see how it feels to walk uphill at this altitude! Then the bus drives you back to La Paz or you can remain seated for the Valle de la luna. This transport is also included and makes the tour to be a very good deal! Another 15bob entrance for valle de la luna and about 1h time for strolling around (which is enough).
You get two interesting sights at a good price and aninteresting contrast.
You’ll be back in La Paz downtown at approx 2.30-3.00pm.
Bring drinks and snacks for inbetween.
Very good deal, would do it again and highly recommend it!
7. National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
The museum has among its Exhibitions, a collection of textiles, hats and pottery from the different regions of Bolivia. The higlights are for sure the masks display and the feather art collection. Finally, you can see a basketry, coins and metals Exhibitions.
Reviewed By VG1302 - Melbourne, Australia
Another museum located in central La Paz, this one should be high on everyone's list. The museum features the unique culture and traditions of Bolivia in addition to its wildlife. There is a huge gallery on Bolivian textiles including a big collection of beanies which we found very interesting.
Another section which we thought was intriguing and a highlight was the one on ceremonial masks. There are loads of them and the room is quite dimly lit. Some of the masks may appear scary but they were very well presented. Every mask had a map associated with its origin. We found this very helpful.
There was yet another smallish section on Bolivian pottery, seals and artefacts.
There was another small section showcasing Bolivia's wildlife through videos and models and a bit about the lifestyle of the Bolivian people living in the Bolivian Amazon. The extravagant and colourful head-gears made out of bird plumages were a real treat to the eyes.
In one of the lower levels, there was a section on mining in Bolivia where we chanced upon a strange looking person called 'El Tio'. We later learnt about his significance to the miners in Bolivia in Uyuni. It was very intriguing.
So why you may ask have I given it only 4 stars? Well, all the signage is in Spanish! It is incredibly hard to stay interested in the artefacts unless one is motivated enough to get the most out of this incredible museum. Both my wife and I enjoyed every bit of this museum, my wife more-so but it would have been easier with some English text to go with each of the exhibits.
Tips:
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1. Entry is Bs. 20. If taking photos, the cost is another Bs. 20. The photos option is great. You may not be able to take fantastic photos inside but it is one for memories and worth it.
2. The museum's exhibits are on several levels so make sure to visit them all. It may seem small from the outside but it really is a treasure trove.
3. The ceremonial masks and wildlife/Amazon section were the real highlights for us.
8. Mirador Killi Killi
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 463 reviews
Reviewed By paul m - Burlington, Canada
Walked up from Sopocachi district in 25 minutes, but would take most almost twice that. A little confusing to find but map and friendly locals helped. Liberates people - while I was there, four Japanese girls were up on the wall dancing to Spanish music while they're friend video-taped them! Then they started singing - in Japanese, Spanish and English. Everyone I met on my two visits were fun and friendly.
9. Museum of Musical Instruments - Museo Instrumentos Musicales de Bolivia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Especially fun for children, this museum lets them try playing the assortment of ancient instruments, all made from natural elements, like wood, bone, turtle shells and toucan beaks.
Reviewed By mcplc - london
Whist on a walking tour we entered the courtyard and discovered that there was a concert there the following evening.
Starts at 7 and last 2.5 hours and featured 3 instrumental maestros, and in the first half an enthusiastic band, and only cost 20 Bolivianos, which has to be the best value entertainment in La Paz.
The owner (?) of the museum, Ernesto Cavour, now an elderly gentleman, plays charangos of every shape and form. His passionate and humorous introduction to many different examples of these ukulele type instruments was delightful, and at times very funny, even though we do not understand Spanish.
He was joined by a woodwind player and a guitarist. both of whom were equally masters of their instruments, and all three of them were playing for their own pleasure and enjoyment. But they deserve to be better known if this is how they spend every Saturday evening.
It was a great introduction both to the instruments but also to the music of the Bolivian Andes.
10. Iglesia de San Francisco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 877 reviews
This centuries-old church combines Spanish and native building styles.
Reviewed By wherelolawent - Folkestone, United Kingdom
My husband and I visited the museum attached to the church as our first stop in La Paz. I can't remember the cost, but I know it was low. The rooms in the convent contained paintings and historical information (all in Spanish).
There was no one to offer a tour in English, which was fine, but the downside of no tour is that several areas that are part of the tour stay locked when not being shown. We piggybacked onto a Spanish tour (we don't speak Spanish) simply so that we could see where the wine was made.
We then took the stairs up to the Bell Tower; exhausting as we were still adjusting to altitude but well worth the views. I'd recommend doing the museum and church together.
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