La Paz Bolivia 2 Day Itinerary

La Paz 48-Hour Itinerary:

Day 1:

  • Morning: Arrive in La Paz. Take a taxi (around 30 Bs) from the airport to your accommodation in the city center.
    • Things to know:
      • Be sure to agree on a price with the driver before getting into the taxi, as taxis often don’t use meters.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Hostal La Casita (charming and cozy), Adventure Hostel (hostel with a rooftop terrace and stunning views)

  • Mid-Range: Hotel Sagarnaga (boutique hotel in a historic building), Hotel Palacio (elegant and centrally located)

  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Bolivian lunch at Mercado Lanza.

    • Tip: This bustling market offers a wide variety of local dishes at affordable prices. Try a “salteña” for a delicious, savory pastry experience.

  • Afternoon: Explore the historic heart of La Paz:

    • Plaza Murillo: The main square, home to important government buildings and historical landmarks.
    • Witches’ Market (Mercado de las Brujas): Witness the unique tradition of buying herbs, potions, and rituals for good luck or specific needs (like “love” potions). Be respectful as this is a place of business for many locals.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Indulge in authentic Bolivian cuisine at Restaurante Gustu (fine dining) or try the local street food scene around Calle Sagarnaga for a more budget-friendly experience.

Things to know:

  • Altitude: La Paz is one of the highest capital cities in the world. Altitude sickness is a real possibility, so it’s important to acclimatize properly by taking it easy for your first day and drinking plenty of coca tea.
  • Currency: The Bolivian currency is the Boliviano (Bs).

Day 2:

  • Morning: Take a teleférico ride up to El Alto (around 30 Bs) for stunning views of the city.

    • Tip: Consider starting with a “salteña” from the Mercado de las Brujas, as it’s a delicious and unique dish that is often eaten for breakfast or lunch in La Paz.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the historic center (El Alto): Visit the Valley of the Moon (Vale de la Luna) for its otherworldly landscape and explore the unique “Mercado de las Brujas” where you can find traditional Bolivian remedies and products.
    • Museo Nacional de Arte: Discover masterpieces of Bolivian art in this museum showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage.

  • Things to know:

    • The historic heart of La Paz, a bustling city with a vibrant history, is located on the top of a hill.
    • Teleférico: The Teleférico (teleferic) is a popular and affordable way to get around El Alto.

  • Visit the Mercado de la Chifa: Enjoy a unique experience by exploring this market that offers a variety of goods and services, including traditional Chinese medicine and herbal remedies.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Head back to the main city for a farewell dinner at a “peña” - a traditional Bolivian music venue.
    • Enjoy the nightlife: La Paz has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from.
    • Things to know:

Day 2:

  • Altitude: La Paz’s high altitude (around 4,000 meters above sea level) means that it’s important to stay hydrated and drink coca tea.

  • Tip:

    • Teleférico: Take a cable car ride up to El Alto for a different perspective of the city at night.
    • Altitude Sickness: Be aware that the “things” you can buy at the Mercado de las Brujas are not just souvenirs.

Day 2:

  • Afternoon:

Enjoy the traditional “salteñas” (a type of savory pastry) sold in the markets and explore the unique culture of El Alto, which is a cultural melting pot.

Things to know:

  • Getting Around:

    • The “Teleférico” (cable car system) is a great way to see the city and is very affordable.
    • Taxis are readily available but always negotiate the price before getting in.
    • Buses are a cheap option for transportation, but they can be crowded and unreliable.

Things to Do:

  • Explore the Mercado de las Brujas: This unique market offers a variety of experiences, from trying traditional Bolivian snacks to finding colorful textiles and crafts. Be respectful of the local vendors and their products when visiting the market.

  • Visit the Museo Nacional de Arqueología: Discover fascinating pre-Columbian artifacts from across Bolivia, including pottery, textiles, and masks.

  • Enjoy a “salteña” tour:

    • Explore the variety of “salteñas” (a savory pastry filled with meat, vegetables, and often a spicy sauce) offered in La Paz’s markets.

  • Visit the Museo de Arte Nacional de Tiwanaku:** This museum showcases the history and culture of the ancient Tiwanaku civilization.

  • Explore the city:

    • Enjoy the vibrant “mercado” scene (markets are a great place to experience local life and find souvenirs).
    • Take a ride on the “Teleférico” cable car system for breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding Andes Mountains.

  • Things to consider:

    • The “Teleférico” (teleférico) is a modern marvel, but it’s important to remember that it’s not just a tourist attraction, it’s a vital part of transportation in La Paz for locals.

Respect the Culture:

  • Be mindful of the local culture and customs when visiting the city’s markets and avoid taking photos of people without their permission.

  • Learn about the “Ayni” system: This is a traditional Andean reciprocity system, which means that many people in La Paz will participate in the “Teleférico” (cable car) system and ask for help with carrying groceries or luggage. This is a common practice and reflects the strong sense of community in the city.

  • Respect the “Ayllu” concept: “Ayllu” is a Quechua word meaning “community.” Understanding this concept will help you appreciate the importance of social connection in La Paz’s culture and remember that it’s a way for people to help each other and share resources.