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If you have done the things to do in Mexico, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in La Paz.
Nestled in the Andes Mountains like a precious gem, La Paz captures the essence of Bolivia’s vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty.
With its colorful markets, breathtaking vistas, and rich history, this city is a perfect destination for explorers who seek adventure and inspiration.
Whether you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping activities or a serene retreat, La Paz offers a plethora of experiences that will leave you awestruck and craving for more.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in La Paz:
1. Tiwanaku
An archaeological site and UNESCO World Heritage Site located near La Paz, Bolivia.
What to see or do: Explore the ancient ruins of the Tiwanaku civilization, which dates back to 300 BCE and includes structures such as the Akapana Pyramid, the Sunken Temple, and the Gate of the Sun.
Learn about the culture and history of this pre-Columbian civilization through interpretive displays and exhibits.
Don’t miss: The monolithic statues, such as the famous “Bennett Monolith,” which stands over 8 feet tall and weighs several tons. Also, make sure to see the intricate stone carvings in the area known as the Kalasasaya.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and heat, as the site is located at a high altitude. Bring sunscreen, water, and warm clothing as it can get chilly.
Consider hiring a local guide to gain a deeper understanding of the site’s history and significance.
2. Valle de la Luna
Valle de la Luna or Moon Valley is a unique and stunning geological formation located just outside of La Paz, Bolivia.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the otherworldly landscape featuring towering rock formations, canyons, and ridges. A guided tour will provide insights into the geological processes that formed the valley.
Don’t miss: Watching the sunset over the valley is an unforgettable experience. The colors and shadows transform the landscape and create a surreal atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit Valle de la Luna during dry season, from April to October, to avoid rainy and muddy conditions.
Wear sturdy shoes as some paths can be steep and rocky. Don’t forget to bring water and sunscreen as the sun can be intense.
3. Witches’ Market
Witches’ Market is a famous street market located in the heart of La Paz, Bolivia.
Also known as Mercado de las Brujas, it is a unique market that sells traditional Andean and mystic items, including potions, herbs, amulets, animal fetuses, and coca leaves.
What to see or do: Stroll around the market and take in the mysterious atmosphere. Admire the traditional and exotic items on display, such as dried frogs, llama fetuses, and rock powders.
Buy souvenirs, such as traditional textiles or handcrafted crafts. There are also local healers or “yatiris” who offer their services to visitors seeking spiritual remedies.
Don’t miss: “Ch’alla” ritual, a ceremony that includes offering coca leaves, alcohol and incense to the goddess of the earth, Pachamama. The yatiris perform this ritual every Tuesday and Friday at the market to ask for good harvests and other requests.
Insider travel tips: Be respectful when taking photos, especially of the animal fetuses, which have a cultural and religious significance to locals. It is also essential to be aware of pickpockets in the market, so always keep an eye on your belongings.
If you are interested in learning about the significance of the items sold in the market, hire an English-speaking local guide.
And don’t forget to bargain when shopping!
4. Plaza Murillo
A large public square located in the heart of La Paz, Bolivia.
What to see or do: Take a stroll around the plaza and enjoy the impressive colonial buildings that surround it, including the Presidential Palace, the National Congress, and the Cathedral of La Paz.
Don’t miss: Watching the changing of the guard ceremony in front of the Presidential Palace, which takes place every day at 12 pm.
Insider travel tips: Visit the plaza during the day to fully appreciate its beauty and historical significance. Avoid going there at night or alone, as it can be unsafe.
Also, be respectful and follow the rules when taking photos near government buildings and during the changing of the guard ceremony.
5. La Paz Cable Car
The La Paz Cable Car is a public transportation system that connects different neighborhoods in La Paz with the neighboring city of El Alto.
What to see or do: Enjoy panoramic views of the city while riding the cable car. Take in the stunning Andean landscape and the bustling city below.
You can also use the cable car as a way to move around and explore different parts of the city.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the view of the snow-capped mountains of the Andes on a clear day. It is truly breathtaking.
Also, make sure to check out the red, yellow, and green lines, each one offering a unique perspective of the city.
Insider travel tips: Avoid the rush hour and long lines by taking the cable car during off-peak times.
The blue and green lines are the most popular, so consider taking the red or yellow lines for a more chilled experience.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the city and the Andean mountains.
6. Mercado Lanza
A traditional market located in the heart of La Paz, Bolivia.
What to see or do: Mercado Lanza is a bustling market that offers a wide range of products such as local food, fruits and vegetables, traditional fabrics, and handicrafts.
You can indulge in delicious street food, sip on some fresh juice, or shop for souvenirs.
Don’t miss: The market’s famous anticuchos, or grilled beef heart skewers, are a must-try.
Also, don’t miss out on the chance to explore the market’s countless stalls and vendors and soak in the bustling atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: Be prepared for crowds and narrow aisles, but this is all part of the experience. Bring small change for your purchases and be ready to haggle for better prices.
Keep a watchful eye on your belongings and take note of the exit points in case of an emergency.
7. Mirador Killi Killi
A viewpoint located in the city of La Paz, Bolivia.
What to see or do: From the Mirador Killi Killi, visitors can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the entire city of La Paz and the surrounding mountains.
You can take stunning pictures of the cityscape and the mountains as well as watch the sunset.
Don’t miss: Nearby you’ll find a monument to Christopher Columbus and the Temple of San Francisco, both of which are worth visiting.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and to catch the best light for photos.
Additionally, since the viewpoint is situated at a high altitude, it’s important to take precautions and drink plenty of fluids to avoid altitude sickness.
8. Museo de la Coca
The Museo de la Coca is a small museum in La Paz dedicated to the history and cultural significance of coca, a plant considered sacred by many indigenous people in the Andes.
What to see or do: Visitors can learn about the traditional uses and benefits of coca, as well as its role in modern-day Bolivia and the global debate around its legality.
Exhibits include coca leaf art, historical artifacts, and interactive displays.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to try coca tea, a popular drink in Bolivia and other Andean countries, made from steeping coca leaves in hot water.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to visit the museum with a guide or translator, as most of the exhibits are in Spanish and not all staff members speak English.
Also, be aware that while coca leaf and tea are legal in Bolivia, they are prohibited in some other countries and could cause issues with customs.
9. Cholitas Wrestling
Cholitas Wrestling is a unique and thrilling form of entertainment in La Paz, Bolivia.
What to see or do: Watch female wrestlers, known as cholitas, battle it out in colorful traditional Indigenous attire. The matches are full of drama, acrobatics, and humor, showcasing the strength and resilience of these women.
Don’t miss: The chance to witness a cholita wrestler in action, executing split-legged moves and gravity-defying flips that will leave you in awe.
Insider travel tips: Try to attend a Friday night match when the arena is typically packed with locals and tourists alike.
10. Plaza San Francisco
Plaza San Francisco is a historic square located in the heart of La Paz, Bolivia.
It is one of the most iconic and vibrant landmarks in the city, featuring stunning architecture, beautiful fountains and gardens, and a variety of cultural attractions.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy the beautiful colonial buildings that surround the square, including the impressive Basílica de San Francisco.
The plaza is also home to a variety of museums, such as the Museum of Musical Instruments and the Coca Museum.
Take a stroll around the charming gardens and fountains or admire the stunning views of the snow-capped mountains in the distance.
There are also plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area to explore.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the famous clock tower, known as the “Isla del Ekeko,” which features a miniature figure of the Andean god of abundance.
At midday every day, the tower comes to life with a parade of Andean figurines dancing to traditional music.
Insider travel tips: – Plaza San Francisco can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season, so plan to arrive in the morning to avoid the crowds.
11. Palacio de Gobierno
The Palacio de Gobierno, also known as the Presidential Palace, is the official residence and workplace of the President of Bolivia in La Paz.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the palace and see the impressive collection of art and artifacts displayed throughout the various rooms.
You can also catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony which takes place daily at noon.
Don’t miss: The star attraction of the palace is the famous balcony from where Bolivia’s former president Evo Morales addressed the nation. It also offers a stunning panoramic view of the city of La Paz.
Insider travel tips: – The tours are conducted in Spanish but there are audio guides available in English and other languages.
12. Cementerio General
Cementerio General is the largest cemetery in La Paz, Bolivia.
What to see or do: The cemetery is home to many elaborate and intricate gravesites, tombs, and mausoleums.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour or hire a guide to learn about the history of the cemetery and the people buried there.
Many of the graves belong to prominent Bolivians such as politicians, musicians, and artists.
Don’t miss: The monumental tombs of former Bolivian presidents and the gravediggers’ market, where souvenirs and offerings for the dead are sold.
Insider travel tips: It’s important to be respectful while visiting the cemetery and to dress appropriately. It’s also recommended to visit during daylight hours and avoid going alone.
13. Mercado de las Brujas
Mercado de las Brujas or Witches’ Market is a popular tourist destination located in La Paz, Bolivia.
What to see or do: Visitors can see a variety of herbs, potions, and traditional remedies that are used for ritualistic and medicinal purposes.
The market is also known for selling a range of unique items such as dried llama fetuses, carved amulets, and talismans.
Don’t miss: While at the Mercado de las Brujas, don’t miss out on the opportunity to consult with a local witch doctor or “yachay”.
They can offer advice on everything from health problems to finding love.
Insider travel tips: Bargaining is part of the culture in Bolivia, so don’t be afraid to negotiate prices. Additionally, visitors should stay alert and mindful of their surroundings as the market can get crowded.
It is also important to be respectful of local beliefs and traditions.
14. Iglesia de San Francisco
The Iglesia de San Francisco is a beautiful baroque-style church located in the heart of La Paz, Bolivia.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy the impressive architecture of the church, including its intricate façade and ornate interior with beautiful frescoes, sculptures, and paintings.
The church also houses a small museum with religious artifacts and colonial art.
Don’t miss: Make sure to see the church’s impressive bell tower, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Insider travel tips: Visit during one of the church’s religious festivals or celebrations to experience the vibrant cultural traditions of Bolivia.
Also, be aware that as a functioning church, there may be religious services taking place that visitors should be respectful of.
15. Calle Jaén
Calle Jaén is a charming colonial street located in the heart of La Paz, Bolivia.
What to see or do: There are many historical buildings and museums to see, including the Museum of Musical Instruments and the Museum of Precious Metals.
Don’t miss: The street itself is stunning, with its cobblestone walkways, colorful façades, and hanging flowerpots. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the unique atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: Calle Jaén can get quite busy with tourists, so consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid the crowds. Many of the museums offer free admission on certain days, so be sure to check schedules ahead of time.