Things to do in La Paz, La Paz Department: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

May 2, 2022 Malia Yoakum

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. 10-Day Private Journey Around Peru and Bolivia Following the Inca Paths

Cusco Holiday Peru Servicios Turisticos
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Peru was a region of successive civilizations since the emergence of Caral-Supe in 3200 BC. C.17 The Inca Empire was the last autochthonous or indigenous state, which dominated a large part of the South American west towards the fifteenth century. The conquest of the Incario was followed by the next century, after which the territory was configured as a viceroyalty of the Spanish Empire   Bolivia In its territory, ancient civilizations such as Tiwanaku, the Hydraulic Culture of Las Lomas and the Moxeña culture developed. First the Incas and later the Spanish conquerors dominated the territory until the country became independent in 1825. Having developed the traditions with a miscegenation of pre-Columbian cultures with Spanish culture, is a multi-ethnic and pluricultural country, rich in mixture and syncretism of customs and traditions received from the indigenous peoples and the Spanish conquerors

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, 09 nights accommodation in Hotels, Professional guide, Guaranteed to skip the long lines, Private tour

Exclusions: Gratuities, Excess luggage charges (where applicable)

Reviewed By Valerie D

After a 10 day Traveling adventure with a group through another traveling group, my friend and I opted for a private tour of Rainbow Mountain! Unfortunately it snowed on the day we reserved our tour; however it was one of our most enjoyable days due to the kindness of our guide Richard. He was very informative regarding the history and culture of the area and people. We were able to see some beautiful sites on the way to and home. We met some local folks, stopped by a lovely place to eat Los Cabanas and have coffee. The food was awesome!! Richard took some beautiful photos and was patient with us when we wanted to stop to view some sights/alpacas!! The time with Cusco Holiday Peru Servicios Turisticos was one of our most favorite and memorable!! Thanks for such a wonderful time and adventure!!

2. Tiwanaku & Puma Punku - Private Service.

Inti Travel
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Tiwanaku is a pre-Incan city in Bolivia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has been since year 2000. Tiwanaku is viewed by most archaeologists as being one of the key sites leading up to the Incan Empire, and remains a beautiful site for modern visitors. The artistic style of Tiwanaku is also quite unique, with fascinating figurative pieces that feature exaggerated heads. At the Beginning of the tour visit the Ceramic and Lithic museums, travelers can visit the ancient and enigmatic archaeological ruins such as: Gate of the Sun, Kalasasaya Temple, The Semi-Subterranean Temple with nailed heads, Monoliths, the megalithic and mysterious ancient ruins of Puma Punku and other religious enclosures. 08:00 a.m. Hotel pick up. 09:30 a.m. Tour Start in Tiwanaku, ruins and museums. 02:00 p.m. Lunch. 03:00 p.m. Return to the city. 04:30 p.m. Drop-off at hotel.

Inclusions: Specialized Bilingual guide., Private Transport round trip., Entrance ticket., Lunch., Box lunch: water and chocolate.

Exclusions: Extra drinks.

Reviewed By GlenLivet

We booked a tour to the Valley of The Moon and Mt Chacaltaya out of LaPaz. We were there in November, 2019 during the post election protests. We met our guide, Patti, at a rendezvous point near the Prada. The pick up was about 30 minutes late. The part of the tour to the Valley of the Moon was canceled due to protestors blocking the road. We received no refund. We did drive to Mt Chacaltaya and scrambled to the top. Although the walk is not steep and the path pretty good, be prepared for a tough climb given the altitude of about 17,000 feet. You will need to take numerous stops and the climb will take longer than you expect. The views of the surrounding Andes Mountains was spectacular. Well worth the effort. Overall the trip was fine, but make sure you know what you are getting yourself into. Also, we were somewhat disappointed by the reluctance of our guide to stop and allow us to take pictures at various places on the trip. If you choose to take this trip, be sure to inquire carefully about the logistics.

3. Virtual City Tour - La Paz

Basílica de San Francisco, Sagarnaga 173, La Paz, Bolivia Edson Benito Acarapi Vera
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

You´ll be taken through the streets of La Paz through my shared google maps screen. "Walk" along the same streets and landmarks as you would on an actual walking tour and with complimentary powerpoint slides the tour will feel just as, if not, more interactive than an in-person experience. From the comfort of your home and without having to worry about altitude sickness you´ll get all the fascinating information on the culture, history and traditions while simultaneously viewing close-ups of the offerings at the witches market, photographs of the inside of San pedro Prison or seeing what our president in 1864 looked like before he went crazy. Don´t let the lockdown impede you from experiencing the city in the clouds.

Inclusions: Experienced guide

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Reviewed By Y6248MMlisam

Our guide Edson was very punctual, very knowledgable and made an effort that everything runs smoothly for us! Thank you Edson :)

4. Cable Car, Cementery, Shaman and El Alto Adventure in La Paz

Sol y Luna, Calle Murillo esquina Calle Cochabamba, zona Central, La Paz, Bolivia Red Cap Walking Tours
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4.9 based on 34 reviews

One of the best way to see this offbeat and colorful city is in the sky! Join us daily at 2pm for an adventure that will show you the real La Paz exploring the amazing cable cars, the fascinating cemetery, local shamans and the pulsating city of El Alto with an amazing guide. This is one of the most stunning city tours in the world! Not only do you get to take in the magnificent views of La Paz and the surrounding mountains, but you also explore some of the most off the beaten path spots in the city! Take local transport up to the cemetery where we explore the open air street art museum and learn about the fascinating culture and traditions that can only be found here, then up to El Alto in the world’s most scenic form of transport, the teleferico (cable car). In El Alto we visit a local shaman and have the opportunity to get our fortunes read before exploring the city further and then taking 2 more telefericos back to the city center. Get a chance to see the real La Paz!

Inclusions: Cable Car tickets, Amazing local bilingual guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By sfreem87

Amazing city tour! Definitely a must! I did the "free" (they can't legally do free, but it's super cheap/basically free) walking tour of La Paz. My guide, Christian was very knowledgeable and friendly. He did an amazing job of introducing me to La Paz and it's history and culture. Got to see and learn about all the main sites of the city and he explained each one with stories as well and answered all my questions. Additionally, I felt very safe as they took all the necessary covid precautions. If you are in the city, definitely take this tour! I wish I had time to do some more of their tours...

5. La Paz City Walking Tour Including Historical Streets

St. Peter's Square, Cañada Strongest, La Paz, Bolivia Red Cap Walking Tours
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4.7 based on 79 reviews

La Paz is a city unlike any other on earth. Its’ staggering height (3,600m/11,800ft) is only surpassed by its’ incredible beauty. Sprawling over a gorgeous valley and surrounded by massive mountains, ones’ first sight of La Paz is unforgettable, but its lasting mark on those who visit, is the life it holds within the valley walls. Our city tour will bring this complex, busy, and incredibly interesting city to life! The people, history, and customs that make up La Paz are truly fascinating and give an insight into the life that makes up one of the world’s most vibrant cities. A visit to La Paz is hardly complete without walking her narrow alleys, meeting her people, and getting to know the past that makes her what she now is.

Inclusions: Fun and informative bilingual guide, Local taxes, Local guide, Free local drink at the end!

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By Pramodh B

I used red cap on my 46th country and they are probably hands down the best walking tour company I have ever experienced!! My guides Remberto and Denise were super knowledgeable and had so many interesting facts to share about the Bolivian culture. If you are in Bolivia, all of the red cap tours can’t be missed!!!

6. Chacaltaya & Valle De Luna. 2 For 1 Special Tour

Mapamundi Go
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4.7 based on 3 reviews

2 EXTREME TOURS ON OFFER. START IN THE CLOUDS & END ON THE MOON. CHACALTAYA - It was a ski area, with only one mechanical lift, placed over a glaciar, also called Chacaltaya. Furthermore, there was a restaurant and a chalet for tourists. Lots of visitors went to the mountain all-year-round. It was a common entertainment for mid and upper-classes, which spent their days there. VALLE DE LA LUNA - a maze of canyons and giant spires. The formations, composed mainly of clay and sandstone, were created by the persistent erosion of mountains by the area’s strong winds and rains. One of Valley de la Luna’s most breathtaking features is its varied pallet, ranging from clear beige tones to sections of red and dark purple. This natural phenomena is due to the great variance in mineral content between each individual mountain, creating colorful compositions and impressive optical illusions on the eroded hillsides.

Inclusions: GUIDE, TRANSPORT (ROUND-TRIP)

Exclusions: ENTRANCE FEE INTO CHACALTAYA = 15Bs (Just over $2), ENTRANCE FEE INTO VALLE DE LA LUNA = 15Bs (Just over $2), Lunch

Reviewed By Maris Z

Very nice travel agency. A guide from England has a thorough understanding of the city and its secrets, which local guides will not always be ready to reveal to tourists.

7. Bus City Tour Sightseeing La Paz

Mapamundi Go
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

A COMFORTABLE WAY TO SEE THE CITY OF LA PAZ ABOARD A HOP ON/OFF BUS. YOU WILL SEE ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS THE CITY HAS TO OFFER WITH PROFESSIONAL & DEDICATED GUIDES. THE BUS ITSELF IS VERY COMFORTABLE. YOU WILL SPEND TIME OUT OF THE BUS SEEING SOME OF THE VIEWPOINTS AND SIGHTS. A FANTASTIC & RELAXED WAY TO SEE THIS AMAZING CITY.

Inclusions: BILINGUAL GUIDE - SPANISH & ENGLISH, ENERGY BAR, Bottled water

Exclusions: ENTRANCE FEE FOR VALLE DE LUNA (15Bs/$2)

Reviewed By annakZ2977HF

Good tour, I have seen beauty of Andas. Erica has got big knowledge and she is a nice person and good tour guide.

8. Private Tour: La Paz City Sightseeing and Moon Valley

Fremen Tours Bolivia - FTB
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4.3 based on 15 reviews

See the best of La Paz on a private tour with a knowledgeable local guide, who will introduce you to both top attractions and lesser-known sites, creating a well-rounded experience of the city. Visit historical landmarks like Plaza Murillo and San Francisco Church, bustling markets like the Witches Market, and natural wonders like Moon Valley. You’ll learn about the city’s colonial history and get a feel for local life as you interact with vendors and artisans and perhaps visit a museum or two. This private tour is customizable.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private guide

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks

9. Private Tour: Tiwanaku Archeological Site from La Paz

Fremen Tours Bolivia - FTB
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4.1 based on 8 reviews

Visit the World Heritage-listed archeological ruins of Tiwanaku, near the shores of Lake Titicaca, on this private half-day tour from La Paz. With a knowledgeable guide, tour the site’s adobe pyramids and temples, and learn about the fascinating history of the Tiwanaku civilization, which flourished for hundreds of years before disappearing inexplicably around the year 1000. Hotel pickup and drop-off and transport by private vehicle are included. You have your choice of a morning or afternoon tour.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Local guide

Exclusions: Gratuities

10. 2-Day Private Tour from La Paz: Lake Titicaca, Copacabana and Sun Island

Fremen Tours Bolivia - FTB
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4.0 based on 2 reviews

Explore Lake Titicaca, Copacabana and Sun Island on this 2-day tour from La Paz with a private guide. After hotel pickup, listen to engaging folklore from your guide during the ride to Lake Titicaca, and stop at whichever lakeside village catches your eye. In Copacabana, visit a 16th-century basilica and check out local artisanal craft. On Sun Island, wander through Incan archeological ruins. Hike to vistas and enjoy gorgeous views of the lake and Andes. On this tour, you’re the boss: Personalize your itinerary and make it an unforgettable way to enjoy Bolivia's history and beauty.

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned private vehicle, Accommodation, Local guide

Exclusions: Drinks, Gratuities

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