La Paz is most times just a quick-stop for travelers in Bolivia. As we had an outbound flight to South Korea we ended-up staying in La Paz for more days than we would normally had planned. The days ended-up flying by through street food tasting, people watching, cable car riding and coffee sipping.

What to do in La Paz

Cultural sights are not the forté of La Paz, but that does not mean you will find it hard to fill the days. Moreso, with the city at almost 4000 meters high, everything should be done in slow motion if you want to keep your breath.

Here is a short-list of what to do in La Paz:

• Ride the network of cable cars for an enjoyable, cheap and astonishing view of city. Rides cost between 5 and 7 bolivianos
• Visit the several markets around town for a full understanding of the local food: Mercado Lanza, Mercado Rodríguez and Mercado Camacho are the most important ones
• Hike up to one of the city’s viewpoints. Mirados Killi Killi is free and walkable and for Mirador Laikakota there is an entrance fee
• On Thursdays and Sundays, take the cable car to El Alto and loose yourself in Feria 16 de Julio, one of the largest open markets in South America. Anything you can picture, you can buy there.
• People watch in São Francisco Plaza. There are constant calls from street food stalls and several street performance (with questionable talent)
• Check-out Catedral Metropolitana de La Paz, Palacio Quemado, São Francisco Church
• Watch a Lolitas Wrestling match in El Alto, also on Thursdays and Sundays. Tickets can be bought with tour operators in the city centre or directly at the venue.
• Visit the most recommended museums such as Museo Nacional de Etnografia ($), Museu de Arte Nacional ($) or the Mamani Mamani Gallery (free).
• Stroll around the posher neighborhoods of Sopocachi and Zona Sul.
• Shop for souvenirs in and around Sagarnaga Street

Ruta de la Muerte/Death Road tour

If you are looking for some adrenaline, from La Paz you can take the cycling tour to Ruta de la Muerte/Death Road. This is a 60 km trail through a steep, narrow, gravel trail. It is not for the faint hearted as the cliffs are over 500 meters high. You should be in good physical shape and be comfortable with riding a bicycle to go on the tour.

This is a tour with real risk of injury so be sure you are aware of it before booking, Remember that quitting mid-way means completing the road inside of the tour bus, which can be even more frighting and cycling it.

Choosing a good operator and following the guides instructions is the best way to complete the tour hassle-free and having a great time. For small bucks you will get large groups, not so good bikes and poor assistance in case of any issue.

We took the tour with Gravity Bolivia, which was 125$ per person, and we couldn’t be happier!

Tips to buying Alpaca sweaters in La Paz

An Alpaca sweater is a common souvenir to buy in Bolivia. In La Paz you can find several options in and around Sagarnaga street.

If you wish to buy a real Alpaca sweater, this is what you need to know:

• The real Alpaca sweaters are found in specific clothing stores and not at the general souvenir shops; 
• The sweater should be heavier than it looks, feel slightly cold to touch and not extremely soft;
• A real sweater should cost around 300 bolivianos. If you are paying around 100 Bolivians than it is not an Alpaca sweater, at least not 100%. 

Where to eat in La Paz

La Paz has a lot to offer for foodies: great street food stalls, exciting markets, cheap upper scale restaurants and great coffeeshops. Here is our list of the top treats and stops for a La Paz food tour:

• Choripan at Doña Elvira’s booth in Mercado Lanza
• Rellenos at Doña Emi’s stalls
• Chola Sandwich at Paulita’s stall
• Tucumanas at Tucumanas del Prado
• Salteñas at Paceña la Salteña
• Modern take on Bolivian classics at La Rufina
• Creative cuisine with local ingredients at Popular
• Fine-dining at Gustu
• Delicious pastries at Kuchen Stube
• Great Bolivian coffee and snacks at Cafe Typica

Getting around in La Paz

The cable cars are super useful for long distances, escaping the traffic with a view! They will also save your breath, for a cost of 5-7 bolivianos a ride. Super useful (and necessary) to visit El Alto, Zona Sur and the viewpoints.

Most of the city develops around El Prado. To go up and down this avenue just hop on one of the vans from Contranstur by hailing them anywhere and request your stop wherever suits you best. Each ride is 2 Bolivianos.

How to get from La Paz airport to the city centre

Contranstur vans depart continuously from Isabel la Catolica and drive you all the way up to the airport for 5 Bovilianos. Just hop on the next departing van from the square or hail one that is already coming up El Prado.

In the airport, they are right outside of the main entrance.