In 2015, La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, was acknowledged as one of many Seven New Marvel Cities of The World, and it’s no shock! The great thing about La Paz strikes you the second you get off the aircraft. Sitting at over 3,500m (3,827 yards), La Paz boasts the title of the best elevated capital metropolis on the planet.
There isn’t any scarcity of issues to do in La Paz, Bolivia; it affords a wealthy historical past, stunning sights, and loads of actions.
Due to its Spanish colonial heritage and wealthy native tradition, La Paz is a metropolis with a fusion of flavours, cultures, and antiquity. It’s a metropolis we didn’t anticipate to take pleasure in however one we ended up hanging round for for much longer than anticipated.
Aerial view of La Paz, Bolivia
Greatest Time To Go to
The geography of La Paz is not like some other metropolis in South America. The town is located at a excessive altitude inside a steep valley at about 3,660 m (4,002 yards) and experiences a subtropical highland local weather with distinct dry and wet seasons.
The preferred time to go to La Paz is from Might to October, when dry climate and nice temperatures appeal to hikers, bikers, and different outside lovers to the plethora of actions within the metropolis.
November to April is taken into account to be the low season, with numerous rain and harder journey situations. It’s onerous to benefit from the metropolis, the sights, and the flavours of Bolivia within the rain, however visiting La Paz can nonetheless be enjoyable throughout this time of the 12 months. There are many locations to go to in La Paz Bolivia, that may be loved whatever the climate.
La Paz, Bolivia, with a mountain view
T-shirt climate in La Paz in Might
1. Discover the Vibrant Metropolis
There are infinite La Paz vacationer sights appropriate for any sort of traveller and any pursuits. Strolling by way of the streets of La Paz, you’ll expertise the bustle of town, see conventional plazas, church buildings, and outdated buildings and get an actual really feel for all times in Bolivia. Should you’re questioning what to see in La Paz, Bolivia, listed here are some concepts to get you began.
2. Be a part of a Strolling Tour
Getting round on foot shouldn’t be solely probably the most sustainable strategy to see La Paz, nevertheless it’s additionally top-of-the-line methods to orient your self within the metropolis and see a few of its largest sights and sights. If you need a guided strolling tour, La Paz has a lot to select from. This La Paz half-day strolling tour is greater than a sightseeing tour, the native information will provide you with an actual perception into the tradition, historical past and native way of life. You’ll additionally uncover a number of of the harder-to-find, hidden spots that don’t characteristic on extra conventional La Paz excursions.
3. Store at Native Markets
Should you choose to go independently of a tour firm, you can begin your self-guided tour on the Witches Market within the centre of La Paz and make your strategy to Plaza de San Francisco, residence to San Francisco Church.
El Mercado de las Brujas, or the Witches Market, is a superb place to study in regards to the non secular tradition of La Paz and expertise it in individual. This vibrant market is stuffed with distributors and witch medical doctors promoting medicinal vegetation, therapeutic and ceremonial potions, and choices to the goddess Pachamama.
Make your strategy to the Plaza de San Francisco, residence to the massive Lanza Market, a meals corridor crammed with distributors providing native specialties, contemporary fruit and juices, and baked treats.
Don’t neglect to drop by the native market in La Paz throughout your day journey
Among the vibrant sights you’ll see on a strolling tour, La Paz
4. Wander Via the Cobblestone Plazas and Streets
Whilst you’re already on the Plaza San Francisco, it’s price taking time to take a look at historic websites just like the Cathedral of San Francisco. Courting again to the sixteenth century, this plaza close to Plaza Murillo is lined with numerous fascinating historic buildings along with the spectacular cathedral.
From there, head over to Calle Jaen, a phenomenal, vibrant, cobblestoned road within the coronary heart of La Paz’s historic district. There are a number of small museums housed in stunning colonial-era houses and a few cafes the place you’ll be able to sit and people-watch.
Plaza San Pedro is one other stunning spot price visiting, and it’s surrounded by a number of ornate public buildings. There may be the attractive Fountain of Neptune, the baroque-style Church of San Pedro, statues, and plenty of benches the place you’ll be able to sit and calm down. Calle Jaen and Plaza San Pedro are nice locations to take pictures or simply sit at a restaurant or bench and calm down.
For an awesome panoramic view of town, head to Mirador Kili Kili, positioned simply off of Avenida Sucre. One other nice strategy to see town from above is on the distinctive City Cable Automotive, which passes over town. There are a number of totally different strains travelling to many various sights in La Paz, Bolivia, and the views are simply unbelievable. This cable automobile system, generally known as Teleferico, has been internationally acknowledged as a wonderful response to visitors and air pollution issues in large cities.
What to do in La Paz Bolivia? Discover the charming Calle Jaen
Calle Jaen, La Paz
View from Mirador Kili Kili, undoubtedly top-of-the-line issues to do in La Paz, Bolivia
View of La Paz from the cable automobile
5. Be taught About Bolivian Tradition at La Paz Museums
These on the lookout for a extra academic expertise in La Paz, will discover an unbelievable quantity of museums within the metropolis. Would you wish to see a group of conventional dolls, brush up on native historical past, or study extra in regards to the manufacturing of Coca within the metropolis’s well-known Coca Museum? If museums are your factor, you’ll be spoiled for selection in La Paz.
The Nationwide Museum of Ethnography and Folklore is conveniently positioned in downtown La Paz, and homes fantastic cultural reveals centred round Bolivia’s ethnic variety. You’ll see 1000’s of examples of conventional native costume, ceremonial masks, feather artwork, and basketry. The museum itself is positioned in a restored colonial mansion
6. Discover Stunning Sights Simply Exterior the Busy Metropolis
Should you’re questioning what to do in La Paz Bolivia, past town sights, there may be a lot extra to discover simply outdoors. The Valley of the Moon (Valle de La Luna), simply outdoors the city of Mallasa, about 30-40 minutes away from central La Paz is a stunning pure rock formation sight that’s undoubtedly well worth the go to.
Tiwanaku, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 2000, is an historical archaeological web site and one other widespread attraction simply outdoors town. Courting again 1000’s of years, the ruins cowl about 4 sq. kilometres and embody monuments, large plazas, and massive carved stone monoliths.
Moon Valley, La Paz
7. Get Your Adrenaline Repair on Demise Street
Journey seekers on the lookout for issues to do in La Paz Bolivia will love a mountain biking journey on Bolivia’s Demise Street, La Paz, identified regionally as El Camino de la Muerte or just Yungas Rd. The street is positioned outdoors of La Paz within the Yungas area and is taken into account by many to be some of the harmful roads on the planet.
Add Demise Street, La Paz to your listing of issues to do in Bolivia…in case you dare!
Demise Street, Bolivia
The place To Keep In La Paz
Downtown La Paz
There are a selection of resorts to select from within the capital metropolis. You could take pleasure in La Casona Resort positioned within the coronary heart of town. It’s a superbly restored colonial mansion, which has 25 rooms, every with its personal non-public balcony and fantastic views of town. The lodge affords an environmentally pleasant bike rental possibility to be able to discover town and all of the issues to do in La Paz Bolivia at your personal tempo.
La Casona Resort is in an awesome location, with the closest Teleferico station at simply 1.5 km away, plus museums and Plaza de las Culturas simply steps from the lodge.
Resort Rosario La Paz is a small family-owned lodge that’s within the centre of the museum district and inside a brief distance from La Paz actions. Not solely will your rooms right here be adorned utilizing artwork from the native Aymara, and Quechua tradition, however you’ll have the ability to take pleasure in native dishes within the restaurant on web site, whose specialties embrace dishes made with llama and trout from Lake Titicaca. You’ll additionally get to strive some regionally made Bolivian wine.
Outskirts of La Paz
Positioned about 5 km from La Paz metropolis middle, Resort Mitru Sur affords luxurious lodging with wonderful views of the cityscape and surrounding mountains. The spacious rooms have all trendy facilities, are superbly appointed, and have soundproof partitions which might be good for these on the lookout for a peaceable escape from La Paz sights.
The property contains an indoor pool, sauna, and spa. GEO, the onsite restaurant, affords conventional Bolivian delicacies and worldwide dishes that showcase regionally sourced fish, produce, and Argentine beef. The closest Teleferico station is about 1.5 km from the lodge, permitting for simple entry to La Paz sights.
Finances Motels
Providing comfy lodging in a handy location in downtown La Paz, Resort Iskanwaya is a good selection for travellers on a funds. Friends have a selection of a personal room with a shared lavatory or a personal ensuite for a bit extra. Continental breakfast is included with the charge, and there are many eating places and bars proper outdoors the lodge.
There’s a market proper outdoors the lodge with produce distributors, and you will discover some wonderful artwork only a couple blocks away at Coca Museum. The lodge proprietor and employees are very useful and can assist prepare transportation or advocate La Paz, Bolivia actions.
The Rooftop Bolivia is ideal for individuals who wish to mingle with different travellers. Each non-public and dorm-style rooms are provided, together with a shared lounge, laundry amenities, and a well-equipped shared kitchen. The rooftop bar and restaurant affords sweeping views of the capital metropolis and mountains and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There’s a bus station proper subsequent to The Rooftop Bolivia, and town middle is only a 15-minute stroll from the lodge.
One other nice different for lodging in La Paz is Airbnb, the place non-public rooms begin at $20 and supply a novel strategy to expertise town from a extra native perspective.
Greatest Eating places In La Paz To Eat And Drink
There are a lot of decisions with regards to consuming and consuming throughout your La Paz journey. There’s a fantastic number of contemporary produce, native specialties, and worldwide delicacies decisions out there in the very best eating places in La Paz throughout town.
Vegan-Pleasant Eating places
You’ll be stunned to study that though Bolivia is a meat-eating nation, La Paz itself is very vegan-friendly and has a rising variety of Vegan eating places.
Ali Pacha is billed as a plant-based fine-dining restaurant. The tasting menus provide the choice to strive 7-13 dishes, all made with regionally sourced, contemporary elements expertly mixed for a style sensation.
Namas Te is in Tripadvisor’s Prime 10 eating places for La Paz. They’re very moderately priced and have a big selection of dishes on their absolutely vegan/vegetarian menu. Ask for his or her each day menu, and also you received’t be disappointed- it’s what they’re well-known for!
Cafe Vida is one other nice wholesome possibility for the hungry in La Paz. The whole lot on their menu is natural, vegan and gluten-free. Take a look at the smoothies; not solely are they scrumptious, however they arrive with spectacular floral art work on the highest.
Greatest Spots for Conventional Bolivian Delicacies
Gusto affords a contemporary, inventive tackle conventional Bolivian dishes created solely with regionally sourced elements. For the complete expertise, go for the 8 Steps Tasting Menu, which is obtainable in a vegetarian model.
El Vagon del Sur is a neighborhood favorite that focuses on conventional and hearty Bolivian dishes. Positioned in a remodelled residence, El Vagon del Sur serves up contemporary and flavourful plates from numerous areas in Bolivia.
Meals in La Paz, Bolivia
Wine Bars
La Paz is rapidly turning into a wine capital, and there are many spots the place you’ll be able to pattern native vintages. Hay Pan is a highly-rated wine bar positioned in downtown La Paz, and affords an awesome vary of Bolivian wines together with sharing platters of native meats, cheeses, and bread.
Native Meals Excursions
One other strategy to get the native flavour is to take one of many La Paz excursions devoted to meals! This Small-Group Native Meals Tour will take you on a scrumptious strolling tour of La Paz, stopping in at native eating places and natural markets and sampling a few of La Paz hottest conventional meals.
You may also wish to pattern some native road meals whereas in La Paz. Markets are widespread spots to strive hearty soups, roast meats, and distinctive native dishes for a really cheap worth. You should buy meat-filled pastries, or rooster and greens known as salteñas, and tucumanes from distributors all throughout town. Freshly squeezed orange and grapefruit juices are additionally a well-liked discover.
How A lot Time Do You Want In La Paz
La Paz is an enchanting metropolis and one which requires a little bit of time to get to know. However earlier than tackling any of the enjoyable issues to do in La Paz Bolivia, you’ll want a number of days to acclimatize to the altitude. The town is positioned at over 3,600m, so even strolling down the road will likely be difficult. Take it simple for the primary day or so. Drink numerous water, get numerous relaxation and do solely 1-2 hours of sightseeing for the primary day or two.
Further two days will let you discover town, go to museums, church buildings, and plazas and spend a while purchasing on the markets. Add one other day for every one of many sights outdoors town.
We recommend at least 2-4 days exploring town, the Moon Valley La Paz and its environment, but when time permits, 1 week or extra is right.
Can’t splurge on that a lot time in La Paz? Listed below are a number of guides which may assist you plan a faster go to to Bolivia’s capital after your arrival by way of El Alto Worldwide Airport.
- First 24 hours in La Paz by Wanderlust Journey Journal
- 48 hours in La Paz by Choose Latin America
If in case you have additional time, it’s price to go to Isla Del Sol in Bolivia