The Ultimate La Paz (Bolivia) Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to La Paz, Bolivia? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

The administrative capital of Bolivia, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world, situated at approximately 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level.
Founded in 1548, La Paz has a rich cultural history and serves as a political and administrative hub.
The city offers a stunning backdrop of the Andes Mountains and is known for its vibrant markets and unique blend of indigenous and colonial influences.
Nickname: The City of Peace

Currency: Bolivian Boliviano (BOB).
Spoken Languages: Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, and English (in tourist areas).
Best time to visit: May to October for the dry season, providing clear skies and more enjoyable temperatures. Rainfall is more common from November to March.
Arriving via airport: El Alto International Airport (LPB) is located about 13 km from La Paz.
– Taxis are available for around BOB 130 to the center.
Tip: El Alto International Airport sits at 13,313 feet (4,058 meters), making it one of the highest airports in the world. Allow time to acclimatize upon arrival.

The Sopocachi district is popular among travelers for its bohemian vibe, offering numerous hostels, cafés, and bars.
The San Francisco area is centrally located, making it easy to access local attractions and markets, with a mix of budget and mid-range accommodations.
El Alto offers a unique experience with local lodging options and is famous for its bustling markets and panoramic views of the city below.

The city’s public transport system includes buses and teleféricos (cable cars) that provide stunning views of the city. Buses are affordable but can be crowded.
Teleférico: The cable car system now offers comprehensive coverage across the city. A full loop around the city via cable car costs BOB 21 total (7 segments at BOB 3 each) and provides spectacular city views.
– The Teleférico operates Monday-Friday 6:00-21:00 and weekends 7:00-19:00.
Taxis are available and should be metered; avoid unmarked taxis and negotiate fares beforehand if necessary.
– Base fare of BOB 10, plus BOB 12-15 per kilometer. A 5km taxi journey typically costs around BOB 70-85.
Uber operates in La Paz with base fare of BOB 4 and additional BOB 2 per km, with a minimum charge of BOB 10.

Drinking age is 18, and nightlife usually picks up after 9 PM.
The lively area of Calle Jaén is known for its taverns and bars, where you can enjoy local brews and cocktails.
For a taste of traditional Bolivian culture, visit the folkloric shows at venues like the Teatro al Aire Libre.
Great bars to check out: Café del Mundo, The Highlander pub, El Vagon, MBaron, Diesel Nacional (quirky steampunk-themed bar), Equinoccio (local rock music), Forum (popular with well-dressed twentysomethings), and Mongo’s Rock Bottom Cafe (mixed crowd of locals and tourists).
Trending spots: La Costilla de Adan and BocaiSapo.
For live music and dancing, check out Club 21 or La Paz’s various salsa bars.

The Witches’ Market (Mercado de las Brujas) is a fascinating market filled with traditional healing potions, charms, and unique souvenirs reflecting indigenous culture.
Mi Teleférico (cable car system) deserves its own mention as an attraction – locals recommend doing a full loop around the city for panoramic views.
Plaza Murillo is the political heart of the city, surrounded by significant buildings like the Presidential Palace and the Cathedral.
Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) showcases unusual rock formations that resemble a cosmic landscape, providing great opportunities for photography.
Mirador Laikakota offers excellent panoramic views of the city and can be reached by taxi.

If you’re in great physical condition (and willing to take some risk), look into taking a guided bicycle tour down the Death Road (Yungas Road).
This 64 km (40 mile) journey starts with a bus ride to the top.
You’ll get on the bike and ride it all the way down. Afterwards, you’ll have lunch with the other tour participants. A bus will take you back to La Paz.
Tours typically cost between $65-100 USD and include equipment, transportation, and guides.
One Death Road is a reliable operator – this is not a tour that you want to skimp money on!

Stroll through the historic district to discover colonial architecture and museums, with highlights including the Museo Nacional de Arte and the San Francisco Church.
The waterfront esplanade (Malecón) offers beautiful views, parks, sculptures by local artists, and sunset views of the marina. One of the best free activities in La Paz!
Take a hike on the Illimani Trail for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Explore the streets of Sopocachi, known for its street art, colorful buildings, and artisanal cafés.
Calle Jaén is a well-preserved cobblestone street with multiple small museums including the Museo de Metales Preciosos and Museo de Instrumentos Musicales.
Walk the San Miguel neighborhood for its bohemian atmosphere and local artisan shops.

Bolivian cuisine is diverse. Great local dishes to try: anticuchos (grilled skewers), fricasé, and chairo.
Local markets are a great source of cheap eats, where you can enjoy authentic Bolivian street food.
– Must try street food: salteñas (savory pastries, typically BOB 7, roughly $1 USD), tucumanas (BOB 6), and choripan.
Typical meal costs: around BOB 20 for breakfast, BOB 35 for lunch/dinner at local restaurants, and BOB 70-150 at tourist-oriented establishments.
Tip: tourist-oriented establishments charge significantly higher prices (often 5x more) than local places. Venturing away from tourist areas can save substantial money on food and drinks.

Be sure to drink plenty of water to acclimatize to the high altitude. Coca tea is a local remedy often consumed to alleviate altitude sickness.
Tipping: 10% is appreciated in restaurants, though not always expected. Round up small amounts for taxi drivers.
Tip: carry small bills as many vendors and taxis may not have change for larger denominations.
Dangerous areas: when traversing the city, be cautious of scams in crowded areas and keep your belongings secure, as petty theft can occur, particularly in markets and public transport.
La Paz is considered one of the safer cities in Bolivia. The downtown area and Malecón are particularly safe and well-lit, making them suitable for evening strolls.

Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days (allow time for acclimatization and add a day if doing the Death Road bike tour).