Bolivia’s second-largest city is breath-taking, quite literally. Both in terms of the choice of best things to do in the world’s highest capital city La Paz, and the 3,650-metre altitude and hills it is built on. The constant siting of cholitas, the endless noise, and the dramatic snow-capped mountainous landscapes surrounding La Paz make you fall in love with the city. There are often parades. So, don’t be surprised, when you suddenly find yourself surrounded by drums and dancers in traditional dress.
La Paz came as a huge surprise to me. I heard that Bolivia’s executive capital, Sucre being the administrative capital, is unclean and not worth spending much time in. I, on the other hand, extended my stay several times to make the most of the vast choice of things to see. La Paz has a lot to offer, from markets, Cholita Wrestling, adrenaline-filled adventures, cable car rides over the roofs of Bolivia’s bustling city to out of this world rock formations.
Trying to figure out what to do, eat, where to stay, let your hair loose, and what on Earth cholitas are? Read on to find out.
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BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE WORLD’S HIGHEST CAPITAL CITY LA PAZ
High Altitude Cable Car Rides.
When talking about the best things to do in the world’s highest capital city La Paz, taking a mi teleférico ride in dizzying altitude is a must. It also is the easiest way to explore the city by day and night or to enjoy the mesmerizing mountain views or captivating lights this city has to offer.
The blue and red lines are both connecting the centre of La Paz and El Alto. The suburb built on top of the hill offers the best views of La Paz. On a clear day you are guaranteed to sneak a peek of the above 6,000-metre high glaciers gracing the city, such as Illimani. But bear in mind that El Alto can be dangerous at night.
When embarking on a cable car ride you can either enjoy a round journey or exit at any station to enjoy the view.
If you want to enjoy a long ride you can take the teleférico from the start of the orange or red line to the end of the green line taking approximately 1 h to 1.15 h. I did enjoy the mostly flat yellow and green lines. Although, you miss out on mountainous views by not taking one of the uphill cable car lines.
Another tip, the cable cars stop operating in heavy rain or wind. Avert them in bad weather to avoid being stuck for hours… yes it can take hours.
Ticket purchasing is easy. Each ride is a single fare ticket. Something I wish I had known before is that you need to purchase every single ticket before embarking. This way you pay BOB 3 for the first ride and BOB 2 for each additional journey. Every individually purchased ticket costs BOB 3 even if you transfer cable car lines.
Cholita Wrestling.
Cholita Wrestling is different to anything I had seen or done during my travels. The show is bizarre at first, then hugely entertaining with many bellyaching laughs to follow. Watching women in wide skirts throwing kicks and punches admittedly is a lot of fun. The wrestling can be organised as a part of a tour or done by yourself. I recommend the tour for BOB 90. Shows are on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. Head here for the complete guide.
Markets And Shopping.
Go ahead, take your camera, and release your inner street photographer, because this city is full of opportunities to take that perfect shot. There are a few noteworthy markest always making it onto the list of the best things to do in the world’s highest capital city, La Paz. The most famous being Mercado 16 de Julio and Mercado de las Brujas.
Mercado 16 De Julio.
Mercado 16 de Julio is a market you can easily get lost in. It stretches over several blocks and offers absolutely everything from food, furniture to animals. On Thursdays and Sundays, you can immerse yourself in the hustling El Alto market between 6 am – 3 pm. It can be reached by red cable car, station Jach´a Qhathu.
Mercado De Las Brujas.
The market most tourists are intrigued by is Mercado de las Brujas, the translation being witch market. You will be stunned by some of the odd things you will see. This is also the best place to purchase coca leaves or sweets for altitude sickness.
Shopping.
La Paz is a great place to buy gifts and souvenirs. Shops can be found in the adjacent streets to the Mercado de las Brujas. Although the clothes and souvenirs are slightly cheaper than in Peru, I found the choice and designs much better in Cusco.
And while you are souvenir shopping you could head to Munay Outfit Design. They sell culturally inspired clothing. Prices are in line with US and European stores, but the clothing items can be worn in your daily life.
There are many hike gears stores on Avenida Illampu. Prices reflect the authenticity of the product. Cheap gear are fake duplicates and the quality will reflect that.
Valle de Las Animas.
These unusual rock formations can be found 40-minutes from La Paz. Look out for smaller versions of the organ-pipe like spires when taking the yellow cable car in La Paz. I did not take the time to head out of the city to walk through the canyon. You can easily arrange a day trip at a tourist agency to Los Valles de las Animas or take a collectivo.
The collective taxi 965 labelled V. Animas passes through Calle Boqueron and costs BOB 10. Ask to be dropped off at the Valle de las Animas and walk from the main road to the trailhead.
Valle De La Luna.
A very similar maze of canyons and rock outcrops more commonly visited is Valle de la Luna. To get there simply take a collective from the bus stop near San Francisco Church and Sagaranga Street towards Mallasa (it says on the top corner of the windscreen). The cost is BOB 5 one-way. Pick up a map from the entrance and follow the long trek for more spectacular views of the strange rock formations.
Adrenaline Junky or Adventurous?
Head here for the best adventurous things to do in the world’s highest capital city La Paz, including paragliding, climbing Huayna Potosi, and cycling down Death Road.
WHERE TO EAT
As someone who tends to live of menu del días and my own cooking to save money, I was happy to arrive in Bolivia. Here restaurants are affordable, and portions are huge. Let’s be honest there are only so many times you want to eat a menu del día. La Paz is also catering big time for the veggies and vegans out there!
Cafe del Mundo.
Throwing it out there. This atmospheric cafe is my most favourite in all South America. Even though waiters look at you somewhat confused, if you approach them speaking Spanish. Yes, this is your main traveller hotspot, but rightfully so! The menu is extensive, from Mexican, pasta dishes to cakes. The coffee is one of the best I had for a while, and I am a roast coffee snob. Big plus, they cater for vegetarians and vegans. Prices are relatively low, not in comparison to a local joint, but oh boy the portions are huge! Sagarnaga 324, La Paz
Bolivia Green Kitchen.
Right opposite of Café del Mundo you have THE place for any vegetarians. The menu is fully veggie and has an extensive vegan offering. The menu consists of anything you could hope for from wraps, noodles, burgers, nachos pasta to pizza. Sagarnaga 315, La Paz
Mozzarella Pizza.
I cannot live without pizza for longer than a week and I ended up getting my pizza fix here twice! Their pizzas come in different sizes, are cheap and delicious! You can also leave your mark with a drawing. Let’s be honest who doesn’t like to draw on walls and tables to show they have been there. Av. Illampu 757, La Paz
La Cueva.
This decent Mexican place next door to Adventure Brew Downtown Hostel and offers delicious enchiladas and some vegan-friendly options. Calle Tarija Esquina 4 Corners, Murillo, La Paz
The Local Dish.
One of the best Bolivian food and nicest menu del día I have had during my time in South America. The portions are huge, and the food is delicious! Murillo 123, La Paz
WHERE TO STAY
El Prado Capsule Hostel.
Looking for something a bit different? You get to sleep in a well-equipped capsule, with lighting that makes you feel like you are in a space shuttle. Maybe you will catch the Dracula themed dating show I watched. The most shocking about this place is the price, it is in line with any other low budget hostel in La Paz that includes breakfast BUT the experience is something else. Av. 16 de Julio ( El Prado) Pasaje BBB #1436, casi esquina, Calle Colombia, La Paz
Adventure Brew Downtown.
Lover of cats, homebrews and a big breakfast? Adventure Brew Downtown might be the one for you. They have a gorgeous cat, which if you are lucky will cuddle with you during the night or maybe just scare the living hell out of you by jumping onto your back whilst being asleep. Yes, that’s what happened to me. The value for money is about the same as El Prado, but Adventure Brew Downtown, not to be mistaken for Adventure Brew, is more social. Calle Tarija #238 Con, Murillo, La Paz
Party Hostels Wild Rover and Loki.
Loki is located more central than Wild Rover and doesn’t require you to climb a hill. Wild Rover is always the go-to hostel for me as a solo traveller, even if I only head there at night for the parties. This is partly because I love a free shot or four, and it as a good place to make friends quickly. Whose names you may or may have not forgotten by the next day. Wild Rover, Calle Comercio 1476, Esquina Bueno, (frente al Hostal Republica), Ruta Nacional 2, La Paz and Loki Loayza, La Paz
WHERE TO PARTY
The nightlife in La Paz is not going to make it onto the list of best things to do in the world’s highest capital city. But if you want to get drunk or just dance to some reggaeton you can easily do so every night of the week.
Loki Hostel Bar.
Admittedly the best music you will find is at Loki Hostel Bar, which is on the 9th floor overlooking the sparkling lights of the city. Loayza, La Paz
The English Pub.
This is a popular choice of many. I never understood the fuss, but it is a cheap night out. Linares, La Paz
Route 36.
This bar is notorious for different reasons. Yes, the rumours you might have heard are true!
Diesel Nacional.
A place I wanted to go to is Diesel Nacional, but this unusual cocktail bar is on the more expensive side. Av.20 de Octubre #2271, La Paz
WHERE TO NEXT
Do you want to get lost in nature but cannot afford a trip to the Amazon? Then head to Rurrenabaque for pampa adventures. On your way to the Uyuni salt flats but got some time to kill? Then, why not take an unforgettable train journey from Oruro.
Did I do a good job of sharing my love for this city and the best things to do in the world’s highest capital city La Paz? Also, did I mention that I love cholitas? Still no clue who they are? They are the countries’ indigenous Aymara and Quechua women, who dress in polleras (skirts), with up to 14 layers of underskirts to create a round effect, have long braided hair, and wear distinctive bowler hats.
Now go ahead and explore! Try not to lose your towel.
Pin the adventure for later.
Wowowowww you did an excellent job yes !
Your pictures are absolutely stunning and I feel like boarding a plane right now! Thank you so much for sharing it!
Thanks Alexandra, really appreciate your kind words. La Paz is amazing and there is so much to do around it. I hope will be able to go once the world has settled. p.s. I will publish more about the cholita wrestling so keep an eye out for it