La Paz, Bolivia: The City That Takes You Higher

Jan 4
5 min read

Most travellers arrive in La Paz for one reason: it’s the gateway to Bolivia’s legendary Uyuni Salt Flats. And while the salt flats are undeniably one of South America’s most breathtaking experiences, we almost think La Paz deserves more credit than it gets.

Because La Paz is not a city that immediately tries to win you over. It’s chaotic. It’s intense. It’s loud. It sits dramatically inside a canyon surrounded by snow-capped Andean peaks, with brick buildings climbing every hillside and Indigenous traditions woven into everyday life.

It doesn’t feel polished or curated — and that’s exactly what makes it unforgettable.

After spending time exploring Bolivia’s surreal landscapes, La Paz gave us a completely different perspective of the country: one filled with culture, history, markets, and the rhythms of everyday Bolivian life.

First impressions of La Paz

At over 3,600 metres above sea level, La Paz is one of the highest capital cities in the world. The altitude is something you immediately notice. Walking a few blocks can feel surprisingly challenging, especially if you’ve just arrived from lower elevations. But once you slow down and allow yourself to adjust, you start noticing the details that make this city so unique.

Women in traditional cholita dress walking through busy streets. Colourful market stalls overflowing with textiles and handmade crafts. Vendors selling everything from fresh produce to mysterious traditional remedies. La Paz is a city where old and new exist side by side — where modern infrastructure sits alongside centuries-old customs.

And nowhere is that contrast more visible than from above.

Ride Mi Teleférico: the best view of La Paz

If there is one experience you shouldn’t miss in La Paz, it’s riding Mi Teleférico.

Built to connect La Paz with the neighbouring city of El Alto, this incredible cable car system is one of the most impressive urban transport networks in the world.

What surprised us most?

This isn’t a tourist attraction. It’s public transport. Locals use it every day to commute, run errands, and move across the city — all while enjoying some of the most spectacular urban views you’ll find anywhere.

For just around $0.30 per ride, you can glide high above La Paz and see the city from completely different perspectives. A few things we loved:

It’s incredibly affordable
It’s easy to navigate, even if you don’t speak Spanish. Its literally a metro system, just in cable car form
It often beats taxis because you avoid the city’s traffic
The views over La Paz and the surrounding mountains are unforgettable

Even on a gloomy day, the scenery was incredible. Watching the cable cars float above the city, with the Andes stretching into the distance, was one of our favourite moments in Bolivia.

Explore the Witches’ Market

One of La Paz’s most famous (and fascinating) places is the Witches’ Market, located around Calle Linares. This isn’t your typical souvenir market. Here you’ll find traditional remedies, herbs, charms, and offerings connected to Andean spiritual beliefs. The most famous — and perhaps most surprising — items are the dried llama fetuses, traditionally used in rituals and offerings for good luck and protection.

It’s a place that’s easy to misunderstand if you simply walk through taking photos. We recommend joining a walking tour or taking time to learn about the traditions behind what you’re seeing. It offers a fascinating glimpse into Bolivia’s Indigenous heritage and beliefs that are still very much alive today. We went with Red Cap City Walking Tours - La Paz and our guide was amazing!

Wander the colourful streets around Calle Sagárnaga

Close to the Witches’ Market, the streets around Calle Sagárnaga are perfect for a slow wander. This is where you’ll find colourful textiles, alpaca products, handmade crafts, jewellery, and plenty of opportunities to pick up unique souvenirs. It’s busy, vibrant, and full of character — exactly the kind of place where we prefer to spend time getting lost rather than rushing from one attraction to the next.

Don’t forget to look up too. The colourful buildings, street scenes, and dramatic mountain backdrop make La Paz one of the most photogenic cities in Bolivia.

Watch Cholita Wrestling (if you can!)

One of the most unique experiences in La Paz is watching Cholita Wrestling. Cholitas are Bolivian women dressed in traditional clothing who take part in theatrical wrestling matches — combining sport, entertainment, and cultural identity.

Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to fit this into our itinerary, but it’s one of those experiences that feels completely unique to Bolivia and comes highly recommended by other travellers. If you have an extra evening in La Paz, it’s definitely worth looking into.

Adventure seekers: cycle the Death Road

For travellers looking for adrenaline, the famous Death Road mountain biking experience is one of Bolivia’s most iconic adventures. The route descends dramatically from the Andes into the Yungas rainforest, offering incredible scenery along the way. It’s not for everyone — the name alone tells you that! — but for adventurous travellers, it’s considered one of the most memorable things to do near La Paz.

Where to stay in La Paz

We stayed at Illampu Art Boutique Hotel, and it was one of the highlights of our time in the city. What made it special was how much personality the hotel had. Each floor is themed around a different region of Bolivia, bringing the country’s landscapes, culture, and traditions into the design.

But what stood out most was the hospitality. The warmth and genuine kindness of the team made it the best service experience we had during our entire Bolivia trip. For travellers using La Paz as a base before heading to Uyuni, it’s also a convenient and comfortable place to relax before or after long journeys.

How long do you need in La Paz?

Many travellers only spend a night in La Paz before heading to the Uyuni Salt Flats. While that’s possible, we’d recommend giving the city at least one full day. With two days, you’ll have time to explore the markets, ride multiple Teleférico lines, adjust to the altitude, and experience more of the city beyond a quick stopover.

La Paz isn’t a city you tick off a list. It’s a city you experience.

Final thoughts: is La Paz worth visiting?

Absolutely. La Paz is not the easiest city to love immediately. It’s chaotic, crowded, and unlike anywhere else we’ve travelled. But that’s also why it stays with you. It’s a city that feels authentic — where Indigenous culture, dramatic landscapes, and everyday life collide in the most unexpected ways.

While Uyuni may be the reason many travellers come to Bolivia, La Paz is the place that helps you understand it. And sometimes, those are the destinations that become the most memorable.