7 Days in La Paz & Quime: Mercado de las Brujas, Mi Teleférico & More

Arrive at El Alto International Airport (LPB) and clear customs and immigration. Take a licensed airport taxi to your hotel in El Centro (~30-45 minutes, ~$15 USD) to comfortably handle luggage and adjust to La Paz's high altitude after an international flight. Check into your hotel upon arrival.

"El Alto International Airport is quite basic and serves as the main hub for La Paz, though it is very similar in style to the airport in Santa Cruz. It is important for travelers to know that the airport is technically located in the city of El Alto, which sits on the plateau high above La Paz. Because of this, it is actually quite far from La Paz proper, so you should definitely factor in extra travel time to get to and from the city center. The terminal itself is small with limited amenities and very few international brands. Two major things to be prepared for are the lack of power outlets for charging electronics and the fact that flights are almost always delayed. I highly recommend bringing a portable battery and some patience! Also, keep in mind that South American airline rules can be confusing. Triple-check that you are in the correct line for your specific ticketing or baggage needs to avoid any unnecessary stress."— Amy Nina

Experience La Paz's unique cable car system, Mi Teleférico. Take a scenic ride on the Yellow Line, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city's unique topography and the surrounding Andean peaks. It's an excellent way to acclimatize and get an initial orientation of the city.

"Very clean and organized cable-car station with amazing views of La Paz. Many shops and restaurants also available if you are hungry after all the ascent."— Diederik Dekkers

Wander through the fascinating Witches Market (Mercado de las Brujas) where Aymara healers (yatiri) sell traditional remedies, herbs, and unique talismans. Discover interesting local crafts and immerse yourself in an ancient cultural tradition.

"We walked through thinking we still hadn’t arrived but this is the actual market. It’s beautiful. Nearly all the shops sell the same things. It’s very touristy so likely to pay more here than other places."— Rachel Anthony

Explore the impressive Basilica of Saint Francis, a beautiful colonial-era church with intricate stone carvings. Take a free tour to learn about its rich history and climb to the bell tower for more city views.

"Make sure you join the free tour! It lasts a about 1 and half hour, it was so rich in history and take you to the bell tower! Definately a must try experience"— Alex Xu

Walk through Plaza Murillo, the main square of La Paz, surrounded by important government buildings like the Presidential Palace and the National Congress. Observe the local life and enjoy the architecture of this historic hub.

"Must visit the plaza to see the presidential palace, the senate and cathedral."— Thierry Steenberghs

Head to Mirador Killi Killi, one of the best viewpoints in La Paz, for spectacular 360-degree views of the sprawling city and the snow-capped Illimani mountain, especially beautiful during sunset. Consider taking a short taxi ride to the top due to the steep climb and altitude.

"Other than the teleferico, this is probably one of the better spots to get a nice picture overlooking the city. It's about a 30 minute walk from the Sopocachi area or the witch's market where a lot of the hostels people will be staying will be. The last section of the walk is a short uphill section that may leave you winded if you're pretty out of shape with the altitude, but 99% of people probably can walk up this without issue. The immediate area around the lookout is definitely more of a residential area than touristy area so keep that in mind."— Kalen Bagano

Embark on a challenging and rewarding hike through the unique eroded rock formations and steep terrain of Serranías del Valle De Las Animas. Experience high-altitude adventure and stunning natural landscapes, often referred to as the 'Valley of the Souls' due to its dramatic geological features and panoramic views.

"Absolutely amazing hike! We started on the alternative route (going anticlockwise) which was quite steep and rocky, with the trail running out at times so we had to improvise. But once we reached the top the views were spectacular (could see the whole of La Paz and the amazing rock formations) and it was a very chill descent down the valley. We got the bus there from La Paz (look for Ovejuyo on the top) which took around an hour each way. Would recommend to anyone looking for a day hike - especially as we were the only people there!"— Laura

Wander through the surreal, lunar-like landscape of Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), characterized by impressive clay and sandstone spires and formations. This unique geological site offers an otherworldly experience and fantastic photo opportunities.

"This is a pretty cool experience! Well thought out and very tourist friendly. Really enjoyed the different stops and things to look at. The rock formations are pretty cool- would’ve loved to read or see information about it and the significance of it. No line at all on Sunday arvo, but there were tourist groups so could be different on other days."— Jess Lee

Explore diverse aspects of Bolivian folklore and iconography, with well-curated collections showcasing an amazing array of textiles, ceramics, and masks.

"Very well curated collections, wonderful way to experience the various aspects of Bolivian folklore and iconography. They have an amazing textile collection, a wonderful display of various costumes and clothing. The mask room is stunning and very well curated. We also really loved the feather art gallery. The gift shop is definitely worth checking out. They had some very high-quality gifts and textiles, what a great way to support handmade local art. Highly recommend!"— Raven Diaz

Discover Bolivian art, including colonial, republican, and contemporary works, housed in a beautiful 18th-century palace.

"The Museum currently holds an exhibition of female artists that I fully recommend. There is also a photo exhibition on Japan, which I personally found a little less exciting. Generally, I recommend a visit. One downside is, though, that there are no English texts at all, which makes the exhibitions a little less accessible for international tourists. I feel that at least the introductory texts could be translated."— Chris Seb

An informative and engaging museum detailing the history, traditional uses, and cultural significance of the coca leaf in Bolivia, presented in a balanced manner.

"An extremely well don’t museum that pulls you in and leaves you yearning for more. The photos are amazing and history so well explained in a very captivating way. Signage is in Spanish but they gave us English books that translates all signage and was very easy to follow. I could have stayed for a few more hours digesting everything. Closed for lunch from 1-2"— Brianna Lance

Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Mercado Rodríguez, one of La Paz's largest and most vibrant traditional markets, offering fresh produce, local foods, and unique goods.

"What a great experience. The place have blocks and blocks of small commerce. You can find there all you want at a decent price. Selection it’s endless. You can feel the real Bolivia in all those streets. It’s really a place you need to visit."— Jorge Sotres

Enjoy a panoramic ride on the Mi Teleférico Orange Line, offering breathtaking aerial views of La Paz as the city lights begin to twinkle, connecting central areas and providing a unique perspective.

"We really like the cable car system here. You can travel all over the city for a few Bolivianos."— Gayle Wigmore

Embark on a self-guided nature walk near the beautiful Naranjani Falls, exploring the pristine natural environment and enjoying the serene sounds of the falls. This area is a center of biodiversity and perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

"The view of the lagoon and the road is breathtaking; a beautiful landscape. Please, visitors, do not leave any trash behind!"— my Road Sketches

Embark on a challenging guided trek through the rugged Cordillera de Quimsa Cruz mountains to discover the little-known pre-Inca Cotas culture ruins, reminiscent of Machu Picchu. This adventure combines physically demanding hiking with exploration of ancient cultural sites amidst stunning Andean nature.

"A beautiful place lost in time. I highly recommend it."— Oscar Oña Juárez

Take a breathtaking ride on the Mi Teleférico Red Line, offering unparalleled panoramic views of La Paz's dramatic landscape and urban sprawl.

"This beautiful city captures our hearts since day one of our trip. I still can’t believe how amazing it is, they’re using the cable car as a public transport. You might need to adopt the climate at first because of its high altitude and hard to breath but later on your body will eventually adjust to it. We are absolutely gonna come back again! 💕"— Elle L

Enjoy a scenic cable car ride on the Blue Line, offering new perspectives of La Paz and the surrounding Andean peaks, connecting different parts of the city with breathtaking views.

"This beautiful city captures our hearts since day one of our trip. I still can’t believe how amazing it is, they’re using the cable car as a public transport. You might need to adopt the climate at first because of its high altitude and hard to breath but later on your body will eventually adjust to it. We are absolutely gonna come back again! 💕"— Elle L

Discover La Paz's traditions and daily life through miniature dioramas depicting historical scenes and local customs, providing insight into the city's unique culture.

"Came here to watch the Fighting Cholitas and Male wrestling. 100 Bolivia is per person but included a souvenir, soft drink and snack. Couple hours of laughter with the typical wrestling acting. Definitely recommend it."— Gary Hole

Explore a fascinating collection of traditional Bolivian and international musical instruments, showcasing the rich auditory heritage of the Andes and beyond.

"This was a surprisingly interesting museum. I had no great expectations however the museum showcases Bolivia's indigenous musical traditions through an extensive collection of over 2,000 instruments, including flutes made from volcanic rock and guitars crafted from armadillo shells. That was incredibly interesting as were the interactive areas where we had a bit of a try of the traditional instruments. The museum was established in 1962 and although we missed it, there are concerts on Saturdays."— Ross Daniels

Browse for last-minute souvenirs and local crafts at Mercado Lanza, a bustling market offering a wide array of goods, from textiles to traditional snacks.

"A lot of local food and drinks here, for local prices as well! If you become a regular customer they even give you a discount as a "casera". They also sell clothes and other random stuff like all markets do."— Tina

Wander through the picturesque and historic Calle Jaén, one of La Paz's best-preserved colonial streets, lined with colorful buildings and small museums.

"A small but absolutely lovely museum, house of colonial art, furniture and household items of Bolivian aristocracy. It is located in calle Jaen and it used to be the house of Pedro Domingo Murillo, the leader in the La Paz Revolution of 1809, that was hanged by the conquistadors where is now the Plaza Murillo."— Andreas Kafiotis

Transfer from your hotel to El Alto International Airport (LPB) for your international flight home to New York, allowing ample time for check-in and security.

"El Alto International Airport is quite basic and serves as the main hub for La Paz, though it is very similar in style to the airport in Santa Cruz. It is important for travelers to know that the airport is technically located in the city of El Alto, which sits on the plateau high above La Paz. Because of this, it is actually quite far from La Paz proper, so you should definitely factor in extra travel time to get to and from the city center. The terminal itself is small with limited amenities and very few international brands. Two major things to be prepared for are the lack of power outlets for charging electronics and the fact that flights are almost always delayed. I highly recommend bringing a portable battery and some patience! Also, keep in mind that South American airline rules can be confusing. Triple-check that you are in the correct line for your specific ticketing or baggage needs to avoid any unnecessary stress."— Amy Nina