La Paz in 5 days

The world's highest capital, a dizzying Andean city of markets, cable cars and canyons. Best time to visit: May-October (dry season). Average daily budget: $30 to $80 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Centro / San Francisco, The bustling heart around the basilica, with markets, museums and colonial streets.

Morning: Ride the Mi Teleférico cable cars. Glide over the city on the world's highest urban cable-car network for incredible views.

Afternoon: Explore Centro / San Francisco, The bustling heart around the basilica, with markets, museums and colonial streets.

Evening: Explore the Witches' Market. Browse Aymara herbal remedies, amulets and ritual offerings in the Mercado de las Brujas.

Eat: Salteñas, the juicy Bolivian breakfast empanadas

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: Sopocachi, A leafy, bohemian district with cafés, restaurants, bars and a local arts scene.

Morning: Cycle the Death Road. Descend the famous Yungas Road from highlands to jungle on a guided mountain-bike tour.

Afternoon: Explore Sopocachi, A leafy, bohemian district with cafés, restaurants, bars and a local arts scene.

Evening: Visit Valle de la Luna. Walk the eroded clay spires of the 'Moon Valley' on the city's edge.

Eat: Api con pastel (warm purple-corn drink with fried pastry)

Day 3, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Zona Sur, The lower, warmer, wealthier southern zone with modern malls and restaurants.

Morning: Wander the El Alto market. Experience one of South America's largest and most chaotic street markets.

Afternoon: Explore Zona Sur, The lower, warmer, wealthier southern zone with modern malls and restaurants.

Evening: Day-trip to Tiwanaku. Explore the pre-Inca ruins of this ancient Andean civilisation.

Eat: Pique a lo macho, a hearty beef-and-fries platter

Day 4, Day trip or nature

Base: El Alto, The vast city on the rim above La Paz, home to the huge Thursday and Sunday markets.

Morning: Sunset views over the canyon from the Killi Killi viewpoint.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore El Alto, The vast city on the rim above La Paz, home to the huge Thursday and Sunday markets.

Evening: Cholita wrestling matches in El Alto on weekends.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Fresh trucha (trout) from nearby Lake Titicaca

Day 5, Slow finish

Base: Mercado de las Brujas area, The famous Witches' Market quarter selling herbs, talismans and Andean curiosities.

Morning: Riding the full network of colour-coded teleférico lines just for the views.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Mercado de las Brujas area, The famous Witches' Market quarter selling herbs, talismans and Andean curiosities.

Evening: Hearty street-side api con pastel from market stalls on a cold morning.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Salteñas, the juicy Bolivian breakfast empanadas

Hidden gems

Sunset views over the canyon from the Killi Killi viewpoint.
Cholita wrestling matches in El Alto on weekends.
Riding the full network of colour-coded teleférico lines just for the views.
Hearty street-side api con pastel from market stalls on a cold morning.

Getting around

La Paz's standout transport is Mi Teleférico, an extensive, cheap and scenic cable-car network that links the city with El Alto and is often the fastest way around given the steep terrain and traffic. Minibuses and shared taxis (trufis) cover set routes inexpensively but can be confusing for newcomers. Regular taxis and ride apps are affordable, agree fares or use an app, and are the easiest option for door-to-door trips. Walking is rewarding but tiring at altitude given the steep hills, so pace yourself. For day trips to the Death Road, Tiwanaku or Lake Titicaca, book a tour or hire a driver.

Safety

La Paz is reasonably safe for travellers who stay alert. Petty theft and pickpocketing occur in crowded markets, bus terminals and on public transport, so keep valuables secure and discreet. Use registered radio taxis or ride apps rather than hailing unmarked cars on the street, especially at night, to avoid 'express kidnapping' scams. The bigger health concern is altitude: at 3,600 metres, take it slow for the first day or two, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol initially, and consider coca tea or medication for soroche (altitude sickness). Demonstrations and road blockades happen periodically, so check local news.

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