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La Paz
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Discover La Paz, Bolivia: The world's highest capital city where natural wonders, rich history, and vibrant culture come together to create an unforgettable travel experience.

La Paz, the highest capital city in the world, is a breathtaking destination nestled in the Andean mountains of Bolivia. At an altitude of over 3,500 meters, La Paz offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture that captivates every traveler. From the moment you arrive, the dramatic landscape, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, will leave you in awe.
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The city itself is a maze of narrow streets, bustling markets, and colonial architecture. One of the must-visit spots is the Witches' Market, where you can find traditional Andean remedies, amulets, and other curiosities. For history buffs, the San Francisco Church and the nearby Museo San Francisco provide a glimpse into the city's colonial past.
La Paz is also a gateway to some of Bolivia's most spectacular natural attractions. The nearby Valle de la Luna, or Moon Valley, offers a surreal landscape of eroded rock formations, while a short trip will take you to the stunning Uyuni Salt Flats. For adventure seekers, the famous Death Road promises an adrenaline-pumping experience as you bike down one of the world's most dangerous roads.
The city's unique topography means that transportation can be an adventure in itself. The Mi Teleférico cable car system offers an unparalleled way to see the city and its surrounding mountains. As you glide above the rooftops, you'll get a bird's-eye view of La Paz's vibrant neighborhoods and bustling markets.
Culinary enthusiasts will find a lot to love in La Paz. The city's food scene is a delightful mix of traditional Bolivian dishes and international cuisines. Don't miss the chance to try local specialties like salteñas (savory pastries) and anticuchos (grilled meat skewers). For a more upscale dining experience, head to one of the many gourmet restaurants that showcase Bolivian ingredients in innovative ways.

When is the best time to visit La Paz?

Best: May, July–August · 13–14°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January15108
February1585
March1458
April1416
May (best)132
June121
July (best)131
August (best)143
September1416
October1433
November1567
December15104

Getting to and around La Paz

How to get there

La Paz is served by the El Alto International Airport (IATA: LPB), which is located about 13 kilometers from the city center. Several international airlines operate direct flights to La Paz from major cities in South America, as well as from Miami in the United States. Alternatively, you can reach La Paz by bus from other Bolivian cities such as Cochabamba, Sucre, and Santa Cruz. The buses are generally comfortable and offer a scenic route through the Andes.

Transportation

La Paz has a variety of transportation options. The Teleférico (cable car) system is a popular and efficient way to get around the city, offering stunning aerial views. Minibuses and micros (small buses) are the most common forms of public transportation and cover extensive routes throughout the city. Taxis are also widely available, but it is advisable to use registered radio taxis for safety. Walking is feasible in some areas, but be mindful of the city's high altitude and steep streets.

Best attractions in La Paz

La Paz, Bolivia offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that will captivate any visitor. From exploring the bustling markets of El Alto to riding the world's highest urban cable car system, visitors can immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture and breathtaking mountain scenery. Don't miss the chance to visit the fascinating Tiwanaku archaeological site, wander through the charming colonial streets of downtown La Paz, or take a day trip to the otherworldly Moon Valley. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, La Paz is a destination that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler.

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Best landmarks in La Paz

La Paz offers visitors a rich tapestry of cultural and historical landmarks to explore. From the iconic Witches' Market where traditional herbal remedies are sold, to the breathtaking views from the Mi Teleferico cable cars, visitors will be immersed in the vibrant culture of the city. The historic Plaza Murillo, home to the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral, showcases the colonial architecture of La Paz. For a taste of pre-Columbian history, the Tiwanaku archaeological site is a must-visit, with its ancient ruins and artifacts. And for those seeking adventure, the Death Road offers a thrilling biking experience through the mountains. La Paz truly has something for every type of traveler.

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Explore La Paz on the map

Plan your La Paz trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in La Paz

La Paz offers a vibrant dining scene that is sure to captivate visitors with its unique blend of traditional Bolivian cuisine and international flavors. From bustling markets serving up street food favorites like salteñas and anticuchos, to upscale restaurants offering gourmet dishes with a modern twist, there is something for every palate. Don't miss out on trying local specialties such as llama meat or quinoa dishes, or indulge in fresh seafood from Lake Titicaca. With cozy cafes, lively bars, and rooftop restaurants offering stunning views of the city, La Paz is a culinary paradise waiting to be explored.

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Best bars in La Paz

La Paz's nightlife scene offers a vibrant mix of traditional Bolivian music and modern dance clubs, catering to a diverse range of tastes. Visitors can start their evening with live music at local peñas, where they can enjoy traditional Andean tunes and experience the rich cultural heritage of Bolivia. As the night progresses, the city comes alive with trendy bars and nightclubs, where both locals and tourists can dance the night away to a mix of Latin rhythms and international hits. Whether you prefer a laid-back atmosphere or a high-energy party, La Paz has something for everyone to enjoy well into the early hours of the morning.

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Best nightclubs in La Paz

La Paz's nightlife scene offers a vibrant mix of traditional Bolivian music and modern dance clubs, catering to a diverse range of tastes. Visitors can start their evening with live music at local peñas, where they can enjoy traditional Andean tunes and experience the rich cultural heritage of Bolivia. As the night progresses, the city comes alive with trendy bars and nightclubs, where both locals and tourists can dance the night away to a mix of Latin rhythms and international hits. Whether you prefer a laid-back atmosphere or a high-energy party, La Paz has something for everyone to enjoy well into the early hours of the morning.

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Best shops in La Paz

La Paz offers a unique shopping experience for visitors, with its bustling markets filled with colorful textiles, handicrafts, and traditional Andean goods. The Witches' Market is a must-visit, where you can find potions, herbs, and llama fetuses for traditional rituals. The Mercado Rodriguez is a vibrant market where you can haggle for souvenirs and try local street food. For luxury shopping, head to the upscale neighborhoods of Sopocachi and Calacoto, where you can find designer boutiques and high-end stores. Whether you're looking for traditional Bolivian goods or modern fashion, La Paz has something for every shopper.

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La Paz essentials

Currency and Payment
The official currency of Bolivia is the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops in La Paz, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in the city, and you can withdraw local currency using international debit or credit cards. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and exchange bureaus around the city.
Safety
La Paz is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid carrying large sums of cash and keep your belongings secure in crowded areas. Areas such as El Alto and certain parts of the city center can have higher crime rates, including pickpocketing and scams targeting tourists. Be cautious when walking alone at night and consider using registered taxis for transportation during late hours.
Emergency Situations
In case of emergency, dial 110 for police assistance and 118 for medical emergencies. Major hospitals in La Paz include Hospital Arco Iris and Hospital del Norte. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The U.S. Embassy in La Paz can also provide assistance to American citizens in emergency situations.
Do's and Don'ts
Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly due to the high altitude. Avoid flashy jewelry and expensive accessories. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches and religious sites. Public Transport: Do be prepared for crowded minibuses and micros. Don't expect English to be widely spoken; learning some basic Spanish phrases can be helpful. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'buenos días' (good morning) or 'buenas tardes' (good afternoon) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as salteñas and anticuchos. Don't drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.
Local Tips
To experience La Paz like a local, visit the Mercado Rodríguez for fresh produce and traditional Bolivian foods. The Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) offers unique souvenirs and traditional remedies. Engage with locals by attending a football match at the Estadio Hernando Siles or exploring the vibrant nightlife on Calle Jaén. Don't miss a visit to the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) for an otherworldly landscape just outside the city.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHola[oh-lah]
GoodbyeAdiós[ah-dyohs]
YesSí[see]
NoNo[noh]
Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada[por fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
Thank youGracias[grah-syahs]
Excuse me/SorryPerdón[pehr-dohn]
How are you?¿Cómo estás?[koh-moh ehs-tahs]
Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?[byehn. ee too]
Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?[ah-blahs een-glehs]
I don't understandNo entiendo[noh ehn-tyen-doh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor[meh goos-tah-reeah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vohr]
I don't eat meatNo como carne[noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
Cheers!Salud![sah-lood]
I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor[meh goos-tah-reeah pah-gahr, por fah-vohr]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!¡Ayuda![ah-yoo-dah]
Go away!¡Vete![veh-teh]
Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía![yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor![yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
I'm lostEstoy perdido[ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
I'm illEstoy enfermo[ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...[meh goos-tah-reeah kohm-prahr]
I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando[soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?[kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro[eh-soh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
Can you lower the price?¿Puedes rebajar el precio?[pweh-dehs reh-bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?¿Qué hora es?[keh oh-rah ehs]
It's one o'clockEs la una[ehs lah oo-nah]
Half past (10)Media (10)[meh-dyah (diez)]
MorningMañana[mah-nyah-nah]
AfternoonTarde[tahr-deh]
EveningNoche[noh-cheh]
YesterdayAyer[ah-yehr]
TodayHoy[oy]
TomorrowMañana[mah-nyah-nah]
1Uno[oo-noh]
2Dos[dohs]
3Tres[trehs]
4Cuatro[kwah-troh]
5Cinco[seen-koh]
6Seis[says]
7Siete[syeh-teh]
8Ocho[oh-choh]
9Nueve[nweh-veh]
10Diez[dyehs]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?[dohn-deh ehs-tah]
What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?[kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?[pweh-dehs mohs-trahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (bus)?[kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)[oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

History of La Paz

Founding of La Paz

La Paz was founded on October 20, 1548, by the Spanish conquistador Alonso de Mendoza. The city was originally named Nuestra Señora de La Paz, which means 'Our Lady of Peace,' to commemorate the restoration of peace following a civil war in Peru. Its location in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River was strategically chosen for its defensible position and access to water.

Colonial Era and Economic Growth

During the Spanish colonial period, La Paz became an important administrative and commercial center. The city's economy flourished due to its role in the silver trade from the nearby Potosí mines, which were among the richest in the world. The wealth generated from silver attracted merchants and settlers, leading to significant urban development and the construction of many colonial buildings that still stand today.

Independence and the Bolivian Revolution

La Paz played a pivotal role in Bolivia's struggle for independence from Spanish rule. On July 16, 1809, the city was the site of one of the first major uprisings in Latin America, known as the La Paz Revolution. This rebellion, led by Pedro Domingo Murillo, was a precursor to the broader South American wars of independence. Although the uprising was initially suppressed, it set the stage for Bolivia's eventual liberation in 1825.

La Paz as the Seat of Government

In 1898, La Paz became the seat of the Bolivian government, a status it retains to this day, while Sucre remains the constitutional capital. This move was largely driven by La Paz's economic and political importance, as well as its more accessible location compared to Sucre. The decision led to a period of rapid modernization and expansion, with the city becoming the political and administrative heart of Bolivia.

Chaco War Impact

The Chaco War (1932-1935) between Bolivia and Paraguay had a significant impact on La Paz. The conflict over the Gran Chaco region, believed to be rich in oil, resulted in heavy casualties and economic strain for Bolivia. La Paz, as the administrative center, was deeply involved in the war effort, and the aftermath saw political instability and social unrest, which influenced the city's development and the nation's policies in the following decades.

Cultural and Ethnic Diversity

La Paz is renowned for its rich cultural and ethnic diversity. The city's population is a vibrant mix of indigenous Aymara and Quechua peoples, Mestizos, and European descendants. This diversity is reflected in La Paz's festivals, markets, and daily life. The city's annual 'Gran Poder' festival, for example, is a major event that showcases traditional dances, music, and costumes, celebrating the syncretism of indigenous and Catholic traditions.

La Paz's Modern Growth

In recent decades, La Paz has experienced significant growth and modernization. The construction of the Mi Teleférico cable car system has transformed urban transportation, providing a unique and efficient way to navigate the city's challenging topography. La Paz has also become a hub for tourism, attracting visitors with its stunning landscapes, including the nearby Andes mountains and the breathtaking Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley).

La Paz in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to La Paz, Bolivia

100% free travel guide app for La Paz offering detailed insights into attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences.
  • Rich content including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly within the app.
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More about the Evendo app

Discover the best of La Paz with Evendo, your all-in-one travel guide app. Plan, book, and experience the city's top attractions, eateries, and hidden gems effortlessly.

  • History of La Paz and travel essentials.
  • Curated local tips to experience the city like a local.
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature.
  • Free to use with no in-app purchases.

Imagine wandering through the bustling streets of La Paz, Bolivia, with a personal guide in your pocket. Evendo is the ultimate app-based travel guide that ensures you won't miss a thing in this vibrant city. From the iconic Valle de la Luna to the historic Plaza Murillo, Evendo provides comprehensive information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants.

Fancy a taste of local cuisine? Discover top dining spots like Gustu and Ali Pacha, complete with rich descriptions, images, and local tips. Planning your stay is a breeze with detailed hotel listings and booking options directly within the app. Whether you're a history buff wanting to explore the Museo de la Coca or an adventure seeker planning a trip to the Death Road, Evendo has got you covered.

The app also features a 'Near Me' function, allowing you to find nearby attractions and experiences effortlessly. With curated local tips, you'll experience La Paz like a true local. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use, with no in-app purchases or hidden costs.

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