How To Spend 24 Hours In La Paz Bolivia

The fascinating Andean City of La Paz should really be explored over several days or weeks. With a myriad of things to see and do in this Bolivian city, not to mention the numerous natural wonders that lie just a stone’s throw away; let’s take a look at the ideal way to spend 24 hours in La Paz.

Start the Day with a Traditional Bolivian Breakfast

La Paz has many interesting breakfast options that are quite different to your typical morning meal back home. Start the day with a quick breakfast snack, preferably a salteña or tucumana, before hitting the streets for a long day of sightseeing. These baked delicacies are sold all over the city, so it shouldn’t take long to track one down.

1. Jump on the Teleferico

Walk or take a taxi to the Plaza España Teleferico (cable car station) and ride it all the way down to Irpavi, changing between the yellow and green lines at El Libertardor. This is a great way to see an overview of this incredibly diverse city, from its barely inhabitable shanties to the hilltop mansions of the financial elite. Upon arriving at the end of the line, jump in a taxi to Valle de la Luna.

Where: Estación Teleférico Sopocachi, M.De Cervantes, La Paz, Bolivia

Green line Teleferico | © Eduardo Rudas/Flickr

3. Grab some Lunch in Sopocachi or the City Center

Restaurant

Both neighborhoods have lots of fine restaurants offering three-course lunch specials for extraordinarily low prices. Plenty of good international options abound, but those keen to try some more traditional Bolivian food should check out Luciernagas, the city’s best Bolivian restaurant.

Where: Luciernagas, Avenue lllimani, La Paz, Bolivia

Bolivian dish | © Cristian Ordenes/Flickr

4. Next, Head to Plaza San Francisco

Market

San Francisco is the heart of the city and the unofficial main plaza. Step inside the church museum and take a quick tour of this historical site before climbing up to the bell tower for great views of central La Paz. Next, head uphill on Calle Sagarnaga. If you’re after souvenirs like the ever-popular alpaca jumper, this is the cheapest place in South America to pick one up. Those interested in the sacred coca leaf and its nefarious derivative should check out the Coca Museum on Calle Linares. Then there’s the ominous Witches Market on Av. Santa Cruz for a fascinating insight into the unusual indigenous beliefs that still hold a strong place in Bolivia’s national identity.

Where: Plaza San Francisco, Avenida Perez, La Paz, Bolivia
Where: Museo de la Coca, Linares 906, La Paz, Bolivia
Where: The Witches’ Market, Melchor Jimenez, La Paz, Bolivia

Plaza San Francisco | © Milton Capuma/WikiCommons

Check Out the Micro Center

Travel downhill and cross the bridge over the busy Av. Perez before going uphill again towards Plaza Murillo. Here you’ll some of the country’s most important political buildings, including The Palacio Quemado (The Burnt Palace) which received its unusual nickname after almost being torched by fire during one of Bolivia’s many revolutions, as well as The House of Congress and The City Cathedral. Next, head a block uphill, turn left and keep walking until you reach Calle Jaen, the most attractive and well preserved colonial street La Paz has to offer. Stop for a coffee break at ETNO ponder checking out one of this street’s many museums and galleries.
Where: Plaza Murillo, Socabaya, La Paz, Bolivia and Calle Jaen, Socabaya, La Paz, Bolivia

5. Thursday and Sunday Options

Train Station

If it happens to be a Thursday or Sunday and the afternoon is still young, take the red Teleferico line up to La Ceja, the chaotic gateway to the neighboring city of El Alto. From here you can explore the mindbogglingly large Mercado 16 de Julio (but watch out for pickpockets!) or watch an hour or so of the bizarre and entertaining Cholitas Wrestling – tours can be booked at most travel agencies. If it’s not a Thursday or Sunday, enjoy the afternoon perusing Calle Jaen’s many galleries and museums instead.
Where: FFCC Train Station Red Teleferico, Avenida Peru, La Paz, Bolivia

Cholita Wrestling | © Jonathan Hood/Flickr

Time to Hit the Town

Now the day’s sightseeing is done, it’s time to relax with dinner and drinks. One of the best things about La Paz is its huge variety of quality international restaurants and trendy bars, dotted all around the city. Those looking to splash out should consider visiting Gustu, the city’s most upmarket restaurant. Otherwise, you’ll find plenty of fine options in the center, and in the Sopocachi neighborhood. After dinner, the natural course of action is to visit a bar or two and check out a live show, or even a local DJ.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.