La Paz in 3 Days on a Budget (Daily Costs)
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A 3-Day La Paz Itinerary on a Budget
Three days is enough to add one real day trip to the city core, running roughly $50-70 per person on a shoestring budget across the three days. This plan builds in a genuine acclimatization day before anything strenuous, since El Alto’s airport lands you around 4,050-4,150m. For longer trips that add Death Road or an overnight to Titicaca, see our 4-day and 5-day versions.
Book these before you go:
- La Paz hostel or budget hotel in Centro or Sopocachi
- A Mi Teleferico card on arrival
Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatize
Morning. Land at El Alto and take a registered radio taxi or hostel transfer into the city, never an unmarked street taxi. Check in and start on coca tea rather than sightseeing.
Afternoon. A gentle Mi Teleferico ride (around 3 BOB) on the Yellow Line, mostly seated, for an easy first look at the city.
Evening. An early dinner near your hostel and an early night, no alcohol.
Day 1 running cost (USD, per person): airport transfer $5-8 + Mi Teleferico $0.40 + meals $8-10 + hostel bed $6-10 = ~$20-28
Day 2: Casco Viejo and a Viewpoint
Morning. Plaza Murillo, the Palacio Quemado, and the Congress building’s backwards Reloj del Sur clock, then Iglesia de San Francisco’s carved facade from the plaza outside, free.
Midday. Almuerzo at Mercado Lanza’s food court for a few dollars, the cheapest full meal in the center.
Afternoon. The Witches’ Market on Calle Linares (ask before photographing anyone or their stall) and Calle Jaen’s colonial streetscape, both free to walk.
Evening. Mirador Killi Killi at sunset, free, for the best wide view over the city.
Day 2 running cost (USD, per person): Mi Teleferico/transport $2 + meals $8-10 = **$10-12**
Day 3: Tiwanaku Day Trip
Morning. A public bus from the cemetery district to Tiwanaku, roughly two hours each way for a few dollars, reaches this UNESCO-listed pre-Inca site with the Gate of the Sun, the Kalasasaya courtyard, and the Akapana mound. A modest entry fee covers the site and its small museum; confirm the current price at the gate.
Afternoon. Explore the ruins at an easy pace; you’re still around 3,800m out here, so don’t rush. Bring a hat and water since there’s little shade.
Evening. Return by the same bus and have a low-key dinner back in La Paz; save your energy for whatever comes next in your trip.
Day 3 running cost (USD, per person): round-trip bus $6-10 + site entry $10-15 + meals $8-10 = ~$24-35
Three-day total: roughly $54-75 per person, before accommodation upgrades.
Three days covers the city core plus one honest day trip. What’s still missing is Death Road, El Alto’s market (worth timing for a Thursday or Sunday), and Titicaca, all better suited to a 4-day-plus trip. Whatever you do, don’t try to fit Uyuni into this: the salt flats are a separate multi-day expedition, not something you can bolt onto a 3-day La Paz trip. For the fuller sight list, see our things-to-do guide and budget guide .