La Paz Bolivia 4 Day Itinerary

4 Days in La Paz: A Vibrant City Itinerary

This itinerary offers a glimpse into the heart of La Paz, balancing popular attractions with opportunities to experience the city’s unique character.

Day 1:

  • Morning: Arrive in La Paz and acclimate to the altitude. Start with a gentle exploration of the city by starting at Plaza Murillo, the main square.

    • Things to see & do:
      • Wander around the bustling streets and observe the vibrant street life.
      • Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and admire its stunning neo-classical architecture.
      • Explore the Museo Nacional de Arte (Museo de Arte Contemporáneo) for a taste of Bolivian art history.

  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the local culture at El Alto.

    • Things to see & do:
      • Wander through the vibrant Mercado del Pueblo and experience the unique blend of traditional Aymara culture and modern commerce.
      • Visit the 16 de Julio Plaza for a panoramic view of La Paz and the surrounding Altiplano landscape.

  • Food: Enjoy dinner at La Cocina, known for its delicious Bolivian cuisine with a modern twist.

  • Things to know:

    • La Paz is located at an altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level. Take it easy on your first day and drink plenty of coca tea to help with altitude sickness.
    • Be aware of the altitude and take things slow.

  • Transportation:

    • Teleférico: Use the efficient and affordable Teleférico system for unique views and a quick way to navigate the city.
    • Taxis: Taxis are readily available but ensure you agree on a fare before starting your journey.
    • Walking: For shorter distances, explore the charming cobblestone streets and vibrant markets on foot.

Day 2:

  • Morning: Start with a visit to Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) for its otherworldly landscape.

    • Things to see & do:
      • Hike through the surreal terrain, marveling at the eroded rock formations.
      • Enjoy the breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
      • Take pictures with the iconic “El Choro” sign and the stunning landscapes.

  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in local history at the Museo Nacional de Arqueología (National Archaeological Museum).

    • Things to see & do:
      • Explore the museum’s collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, including pottery, textiles, and gold jewelry.
      • Learn about the fascinating history of the indigenous cultures of Bolivia.

  • Food: Sample traditional Bolivian dishes for lunch at Mercado Lanza, a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

  • Things to do:

    • Explore the unique architecture and street art of El Alto.
    • Try salteñas (a savory pastry filled with chicken, beef, or pork and a sweet and spicy sauce) at Mercado 16 de Julio in El Alto.

Day 3:

  • Things to see & do:

    • Immerse yourself in the bustling street life of Mercado de las Brujas (Witches’ Market).
    • Explore the unique offerings and visit a local “brujo” (witch doctor) for an unforgettable cultural experience.
    • Hike up to El Alto for stunning views of the city.

  • Things to see & do:

    • Museo de Arte Contemporáneo: Immerse yourself in the contemporary art scene of Bolivia, with its vibrant displays and local artists.

  • Transportation:

    • Teleférico lines connect to key attractions within La Paz, making it a convenient option for exploring the city.

Day 4:

  • Morning: Embark on a final adventure before departure!

    • Visit the Museo de Arte Popular (Museum of Popular Art) in Sopocachi: Immerse yourself in Bolivia’s rich folklore and indigenous traditions.

  • Explore the “Teleférico” lines and enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

  • Things to see & do:

    • Ride the cable car system (Teleférico) to the top of the 16 de Julio for breathtaking views of the city and Andes Mountains.

  • Enjoy traditional Bolivian food at a local restaurant:

  • Things to do & eat:

  • Try the local delicacies:

    • La Cocina in El Alto (the name is a bit misleading - it’s a market, not a restaurant!), offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a variety of traditional dishes and snacks.

  • Experience the “chicharrón”: Enjoy a delicious and crispy pork dish from a street vendor.

  • Visit the Mercado de las Brujas (Witches’ Market) in El Alto: This is a great place to find souvenirs and experience the local culture.

  • Enjoy the “Teleférico” view: Take some time to enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the city and Andes Mountains from the Teleférico.

  • Explore the altiplano: While you’re up in El Alto, visit the bustling Mercado del Valle de la Luna for a taste of local life.

  • Things to consider:

    • Altitude: Drink plenty of coca tea, water, and rest as needed.

  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid flashing valuables.

Things to see & do in La Paz:

  • Museo de Arte Contemporáneo: Explore the diverse world of Bolivian art from modern to contemporary artists.

  • Teleférico: Enjoy a ride on this unique transportation system for incredible views of the city and its surroundings.

  • Plaza Murillo: The heart of La Paz, with stunning architecture and a vibrant atmosphere.

  • Mercado 16 de Julio: Immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the “Witches’ Market” (Mercado de las Brujas) firsthand. This fascinating market is known for its offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth), including traditional medicine, love potions, and even llama fetuses!

Things to know about La Paz:

  • Altitude: Remember, La Paz sits at a high altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level. This can cause altitude sickness, so it’s best to acclimate for a few days and drink plenty of coca tea.

  • “Things to do:

  • Valle de la Luna is a unique and unforgettable experience. Be sure to:

  • Visit the 16th of July Market (Mercado de las Brujas): This is a great place to find fresh produce, traditional crafts, and local delicacies. You can even find vendors selling

Things you’ll see in the “Witches’ Market”:

  • Traditional Bolivian goods: From clothing and textiles to spices and medicinal herbs, the market stalls offer a glimpse into the vibrant culture of La Paz.

  • “Pachamama” offerings: The 16 de Julio market is known for its traditional Andean crafts, but you can also find “brujos” (witch doctors) who sell unique items like incense and coca leaves to appease Pachamama.

  • Things to consider:

    • Altitude: La Paz is situated at a high altitude**, so it’s crucial to take it slow on the first day, acclimate yourself with the local culture and the altitude by drinking plenty of

Coca Tea: A must-try! It’s a traditional remedy for altitude sickness.

  • Bargaining: Be prepared to bargain when shopping in markets.

  • Haggling: Prices are often flexible at marketplaces, so be ready to haggle with vendors for the best deal.

  • Safety Tips:

    • Stay alert: While La Paz is generally safe, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions against theft.
    • Use a taxi app: This will help you find a reputable driver and ensure a safer ride.

Keep your belongings secure: Consider using a money belt or keeping a close eye on your bags in crowded areas. Be mindful of altitude sickness: Drink plenty of water, eat light meals, and avoid alcohol for the first few days to help your body adjust.

  • Take it slow: Your first few days in La Paz should be focused on acclimating to the high altitude.

Remember to:

  • Stay hydrated: Drink coca tea (available everywhere!) - it’s not only tasty but also helps with altitude sickness.
  • Drink a “Pachamama” tea: This traditional practice involves drinking special coca teas and offering prayers for good fortune.
  • Eat light meals: Start with small, easily digestible meals to avoid upsetting your stomach.

This is just a starting point - you can customize it based on your interests and budget. Enjoy!