Friends, ready to explore a city draped across Andean canyons where colorful cable cars hum overhead and every climb earns a bigger view? La Paz blends high-adrenaline adventures with slow-browsing markets, photogenic streets, and easy day trips—all at wallet-friendly prices.
This guide distills the best moves into clear steps, times, and dollar-only costs, so each day runs smoothly in the world’s loftiest administrative capital.
Getting there
From El Alto International Airport, licensed taxis or app rides to central La Paz typically cost $8–$15 and take 30–50 minutes depending on traffic. Long-distance buses link La Paz with Copacabana, Uyuni, Sucre, and Puno; expect $6–$12 for regional routes and $18–$35 for overnight comfort services. If arriving from Lake Titicaca, factor short strait crossings and possible weather delays into the schedule.
Sleep & base
Choose a base with gentle hills and easy transit. Sopocachi and the Centro/Sagarnaga area are popular for dining, museums, and tour pickups. Dorm beds generally run $8–$18, private hostel rooms $25–$50, and midrange hotels $60–$110 per night. Prioritize strong hot showers, in-room heating, and double glazing; at nearly 12,000 feet, warmth and rest matter. Ask about luggage storage for side trips to Uyuni or Titicaca.
City orientation
Begin with a tip-based walking tour (2.5–3 hours). Typical gratuities land between $5–$10 and routes often include historic plazas, photogenic lanes, and market districts. Go with light layers, a brimmed hat, and a small bottle of water. Afterward, take a gentle loop through Sopocachi’s cafés for a sit-down lunch, then ride up to an overlook before dusk.
Sky cable
Mi Teleférico, the city’s cable-car network, doubles as a panoramic tour. Single rides usually cost about $0.50–$1; pay again when changing lines. The Red and Yellow lines deliver sweeping views toward El Alto and Mount Illimani on clear days. Ride mid-morning for calmer stations, or time a late-afternoon circuit for golden light and dramatic shadowed canyons.
Market maze
Set aside 60–90 minutes for Sagarnaga, Linares, and the famed “Witches’ Market” area, where stalls brim with textiles, carved wood, herbal blends, and ritual items. Bargaining is expected—start at 50–60% of the opening price with a friendly smile. Small souvenirs like woven bands or alpaca accessories often run $3–$15; larger textiles and art pieces can be $20–$60 depending on detail and size.
Museums & streets
Step into the National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore (MUSEF) for an hour of deep cultural history; entry is typically around $1–$2 for a world-class collection. Nearby, Calle Jaén concentrates several small museums in color-washed old houses; bundle tickets often run $2–$5. Visit in the late morning when light grazes the balconies and courtyards, then pause for a simple set lunch—soup, main, and drink—usually $3–$6 at a local eatery.
High thrills
Crave a jolt of adrenaline? Try supervised building rappels (face-first or standard) from a downtown tower—packages typically range $40–$70 including gear, instruction, and photos. For a full-day rush, tackle the “Death Road” descent with a reputable operator: expect $60–$120 including transport, bike, full protective kit, lunch, and hot shower at day’s end. Bring a windbreaker, sunscreen, and spare socks; confirm insurance and group size before booking.
Valley & moon
Trade downtown bustle for the otherworldly Valley of the Moon, where spires of clay and sandstone shape loop trails. Entry usually costs $3–$5; a taxi or rideshare runs $4–$8 each way from central La Paz. Plan 60–90 minutes to wander the paths, wear closed shoes with grip, and carry a light layer for gusts funneled through the formations.
Lake & salt
For water views, plan a Lake Titicaca day or overnight via Copacabana. Shared shuttles typically cost $15–$25 round-trip; add boat rides to Isla del Sol if time allows. For the unforgettable white expanse of Uyuni, budget $90–$180 for a standard 3-day shared tour (meals and lodging included) or choose a one-day option if already in town. Overnight buses are the most efficient link from La Paz.
Food spots
Start days with bakery sets—coffee or cocoa plus pastry—for $3–$5. Grab chicken salteñas (savory pastries) for $1–$2 each, then sit to a hearty almuerzo for $3–$6. Cafés and casual restaurants in Sopocachi, San Miguel, and the Centro offer mains in the $6–$12 range, including Andean grains, grilled chicken, and vegetable plates. For sweets, look for artisan chocolate shops and creamy fruit smoothies ($2–$4).
Practical tips
Altitude is real—acclimatize for 24–48 hours, hydrate, and pace stair climbs. Daytime UV is intense; apply SPF 30+ and wear sunglasses. Use ATMs at reputable banks, carry a day’s cash in small notes, and keep a backup card secured at your stay. At night, favor app rides or official taxis door-to-door. For tours, review safety briefings, gear lists, and cancellation terms before paying.
Sample budget
- Cable-car loops (4–6 rides): $2–$5
- Walking tour tips: $5–$10
- Museum pair (MUSEF + Calle Jaén): $5–$10
- Valley of the Moon (entry + rides): $10–$18
- High-thrill day (rappel or bike): $40–$120
- Meals and snacks (day): $10–$20
- Midrange room (night): $60–$110
Conclusion
La Paz rewards balance: slow mornings in leafy parks, lively market strolls, blue-hour viewpoints, and a single, unforgettable high-adrenaline day. Which combo fits best—cable-car panoramas plus Valley of the Moon, or a market-and-museum morning before an afternoon rappel? Lykkers, share the route envisioned and the dollars planned, so the next traveler can shape a smooth, high-altitude adventure.
