La Paz, Bolivia 5 Day Itinerary

5 Days in La Paz: A Tourist’s Itinerary

This itinerary balances exploring the vibrant city of La Paz with experiencing the breathtaking natural beauty surrounding it. It assumes you’re arriving in La Paz on Day 1 and leaving on Day 6, allowing for flexibility in your interests.

Day 1: Arrival & Acclimatization

  • Morning: Arrive at El Alto International Airport (LPZ).

  • Afternoon: Check into a hotel in the Sopocachi neighborhood, known for its safety and proximity to restaurants and cafes. This area is popular with tourists due to its comfortable accommodations and central location within La Paz.

    • Accommodation Recommendations:

      • Luxury: Hotel Aranjuez, La Torre
      • Mid-range: Hotel Sagarnaga, Los Tajibos Hotel
      • Budget: Hostal Adventure, Hostal Uyuni

  • Things to do:

    • Acclimatize to the altitude (La Paz is at 3,650m/11,978ft above sea level!). Take it easy and drink plenty of water.

Day 2: Exploring La Paz

  • Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Mercado de las Brujas (Witches’ Market) in the center of the city. This fascinating market is known for its traditional goods, including herbs, amulets, and even llama fetuses!

  • Activity: Wander through the stalls, marvel at the variety of goods on offer, and learn about the Andean traditions that are still practiced today.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a delicious meal at La Cocina, a popular restaurant for its traditional Bolivian cuisine.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the historic center of La Paz and visit the Plaza Murillo, the heart of the city.
    • Admire the intricate architecture of the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of La Paz.

  • Things to know:

    • The Witches’ Market is a vibrant marketplace with a mix of traditional and modern goods.
    • You can find everything from ritualistic offerings to fresh produce, clothing, and souvenirs.

Dinner: Indulge in a traditional dish like salteñas (savory pastries) or picarones (sweet pumpkin donuts) at a local eatery.

Day 3: Market Exploration & Altitude Acclimatization

  • Activity:

    • Take a morning hike up to the Christ the Redeemer statue, which overlooks the city and offers stunning views of the Andes mountains.
    • Enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the various museums and historical sites in the Sopocabi area.

  • Dinner: Savor the flavors of the Andes at a restaurant in the bustling Mercado de Lanza (Calle Laja) with its delicious street food options.

  • Things to know:

    • The Llanos, which is located in the heart of La Paz, is a popular area for tourists to visit, as it offers a glimpse into the local culture and lifestyle.
    • Acclimatize gradually: Spend today acclimating to the altitude.

Day 4: Culture & Cuisine

  • Activity:

    • Visit the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (MAC) or the Casa Museo de la Cultura (CMBC) for a taste of Bolivian art and history.
    • Enjoy the vibrant energy of Mercado Negro in the afternoon. Be prepared to haggle!

  • Things to know:

    • The Witches’ Market is known for its traditional Andean goods, but you can also find modern souvenirs and local handicrafts there.

    • Things to do:

    • Take a cooking class: Learn about traditional Bolivian ingredients and dishes like silpancho (breaded beef cutlet with rice, beans, and fried eggs) or pollo a la brasa (rotisserie chicken).

Day 5: Beyond the City

  • Things to do:

    • Explore the ancient history of the Tiwanaku Ruins:

A great option for a day trip outside La Paz. * Enjoy the unique experience of drinking llama coffee at a local cafe.

  • Things to know:

  • Lake Titicaca: Take a bus or taxi to Copacabana and enjoy the scenic beauty of the world’s highest navigable lake.

  • Lagoon tours:

Visit the colorful Mercado de la Bruja (Labyrinth Market) for local souvenirs, textiles, and food.

  • Things to do:

    • Enjoy a day trip to experience the unique culture and stunning views of the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat.

Day 5 is just an example. You can choose from other options depending on your interest and time:

Take a guided tour of the Salar, exploring its vastness and learning about the fascinating history and geology of this unique landscape. Things to see and do:

  • Explore the Uyuni Salt Flats: Things to do:

    • Visit the salt flats on a multi-day tour.

Day 2: Things to know:

  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water or coca tea to help your body adjust to the altitude.

  • Enjoy the local culture: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the city by visiting traditional markets and exploring the unique architecture and history.

  • Experience the high-altitude environment:

Things to do:

  • Visit museums like:

    • Museo de Arte Folklórico (Museum of Folk Art)
    • Museo Nacional de Arqueología (National Museum of Archaeology)
    • Take a trip to the Museo de la Coca and learn about the traditional uses of the coca leaf.

  • Enjoy the view: Take a cable car ride to the top of the city for stunning panoramas.

Day 5:

  • Explore the high-altitude town of El Alto, which is known for its bustling street markets and traditional Bolivian culture.
  • Sample local delicacies: Enjoy the experience of trying different types of food at the Mercado de los Artesanos.

This is just a starting point. You can adjust this itinerary to your liking, focusing on specific areas or activities that interest you.

Things to do:

  • Visit the “Museo” in La Paz.
  • Enjoy a traditional Bolivian meal:

Sample different types of food:

  • Try a taste of the Andes at the local markets with options like Salteñas (savory pastries), Picarones (sweet treats) and other snacks.

Things to do:

  • Explore the unique culture of La Paz at the various street stalls and artisan shops in the city, discovering local crafts, cuisine, and traditions.
  • Enjoy a traditional Bolivan dish like silpancho (breaded beef with rice, beans, and fried eggs) or pastel de choclo (a sweet corn pie)

Tips for your itinerary:

  • Consider the altitude: La Paz is at a high altitude, so it’s important to acclimate gradually.
  • Allow for flexibility: This is just a suggestion. You may want to spend more time in one area or another.

Things to consider doing:

  • Take a day trip to explore the unique beauty and history of the Salar de Uyuni salt flats.
  • Enjoy the local cuisine.

Enjoy your trip!