Photos: Unsplash
La Paz, the world’s highest seat of government, spills across an Andean canyon, with El Alto above 4,000 m and a spectacular cable-car network.
Top things to do in La Paz
- →Ride the Mi Teleférico across the city
- →Visit the Witches’ Market
- →Explore the Valle de la Luna
- →Day trip to the Tiwanaku ruins
Getting around La Paz
El Alto International Airport (LPB), at about 4,061 m, is the world’s highest international airport and sits 25–40 minutes downhill from central La Paz; use authorized taxis or radio taxis. Within the city, the Mi Teleférico cable-car network is the fastest, cheapest and most scenic way to move between La Paz and El Alto.
How much does it cost?
La Paz is one of South America’s cheapest capitals; with a hostel or mid-range hotel, market meals and the cable car, budget around 30–55 USD a day.
Where to stay in La Paz
- Centro / San Francisco — The heart, with Plaza Murillo, the San Francisco church and the Witches’ Market.
- Sopocachi — A bohemian, residential neighborhood with cafés, restaurants and nightlife.
- Zona Sur — The lower, modern and well-off area, with malls and warmer air.
- El Alto — The twin city on the plateau, with the huge Thursday and Sunday market (16 de Julio).
Is it safe?
The tourist areas and Zona Sur are reasonably safe; take the usual precautions against pickpockets in markets, use only radio taxis or apps and beware of fake police or unofficial taxis.
Flights to La Paz from these cities
Frequently asked questions about La Paz
When is the best time to fly to La Paz?
The dry season (May–October) offers the best days for the city and trips like Uyuni. For better prices book 1–2 months ahead and avoid Carnival and the year-end holidays.
How long is the flight to La Paz?
From Santa Cruz the nonstop flight takes about 50 minutes and from Lima around 2h, the two most frequent ways into the city.
How do you get to the Uyuni Salt Flats from La Paz?
The most common options are an overnight bus (8–10 h) or a flight to Uyuni of just over an hour; given the airport’s 4,061 m altitude, rest on arrival before taking on any excursion.
How do I find cheap flights to La Paz?
Compare hundreds of airlines and agencies on Volar and pick the cheapest month to fly to La Paz. We send you to book on the official site, with no hidden fees.