The musical styles of cumbia and reggaeton reign supreme throughout Latin America, and Bolivia is no exception. Fortunately, La Paz does have a small but passionate electronic dance music scene, where banging parties can be found every weekend by those in the know. The best beats rotate each week between different clubs, so check out the Facebook pages of each of these recommendations to see what’s on before heading out for a big night.
A newcomer to the central La Paz clubbing scene, Groove has become a popular weekend hangout for its regular live music performances, which include pumping electro parties. With a relaxed, intimate atmosphere and drink specials into the early hours, their dedicated house, techno and psytrance parties are a must.
Groove, Murillo y Cochabamba, La Paz, Bolivia, +591 7770 5760
Groove © Wilson Alacron/Facebook
As the name suggests, this small but lively venue is most famous for its reggae shows. Every so often, however, they host a killer electro night that focuses on alternative genres, such as drum n’ bass or psytrance. The unpretentious crowd creates a friendly atmosphere, so it’s all too easy to dance the night away with newfound friends.
Roots, Melchor Jimenez, La Paz, Bolivia, +591 7259 4508
DJ at Roots | © Wilson Alacron/Facebook
One of La Paz’ hippest cafés and tastiest vegetarian restaurants transforms into a delectable dance party during their monthly Afternoon Sessions event. Starting from around 5PM on a Saturday afternoon and finishing up before midnight, MagicK is a great way to meet new people and enjoy awesome music without the rowdy atmosphere that late night clubs tend to entail. Of course, there are plenty of places to go afterwards for those still in the mood.
MagicK, Esquina, & Pedro Salazar & Presbítero Medina, La Paz, Bolivia, +591 7755 3535
One of the many rooms in MagicK © Jules Tusseau
This mainstay of the city’s clubbing scene in the more affluent Zona Sur (South Area) has recently switched their focus to rock, reggae and funk. But that’s not to say EDM is done and dusted. Every month or so, Floyd’s puts on a highly anticipated event featuring a selection of the city’s best DJs.
Floyd’s, Calle Jose Maria Zalles, La Paz, Bolivia
Floyds electro night | © Floyds/Facebook
What started out as a restaurant eventually evolved into one of the hottest clubs in Sopocachi. Most nights are focused on Latin rhythms, but when electro parties are held they tend to go off. With a multi-tiered space providing plenty of room for happy punters, Glam is surely the most glamorous place in town to let loose to some dance music goodness.
Glam, Sanchez Lima, La Paz, Bolivia, +591 7061 6000
Fenomeno is well known in La Paz for being a fancy restaurant by day and a popular, after work cocktail bar on weekends. What many don’t know is that every month or so they put on the most phenomenal dance parties in town. Attracting the best local talent and a friendly easy-going clientele, this intimate venue is sure to make a great night out.
El Fenomeno, 135 calle 10 Maria F. Goya, La Paz, Bolivia, +591 7721 7221
Fenonemo Club night | © Fenonemo/Facebook
Those after a specific genre should keep an eye out for Oi Mas Bass Crew for bassy goodness like drum n’ bass and trap, Undervoice Crew for pystrance or San Pedro Music (especially Pituko) and Animal Print for techno and house.