La Paz is not just any city. Located over 3,600 meters above sea level in a deep valley surrounded by majestic mountains, the Bolivian capital offers everything a traveler might be looking for. If you’re seeking natural wonders like the Valley of the Moon or ancient ruins like Tiwanaku for your next adventure, Nuestra Señora de La Paz is the place for you. But that’s not all: this city has many more reasons to captivate its visitors.
Flying Over the City on the Longest Cable Car in the World
Among the city’s great attractions is its famous cable car network. Mi Teleférico is a public transportation system connecting the main neighborhoods of La Paz and El Alto — a city once considered an extension of the capital, but today surpassing it in population and asserting its own identity rooted in indigenous resistance. It’s no surprise people say: “In La Paz sits the government, but in El Alto, the people rule.”
From above, you’ll admire breathtaking views of the urban landscape and Illimani, the sacred snow-capped mountain guarding the horizon.
Discovering the Political and Historical Soul of Plaza Murillo
Plaza Murillo is home to the Palacio Quemado (the presidential palace), the Congress, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. This square holds not only the country’s political power but also a significant part of its colonial and republican memory, with buildings reflecting centuries of history. Walking through the heart of the historic center, you’ll feel Bolivia’s civic pulse while admiring a blend of colonial and modern architecture.
Strolling Through Streets That Tell Stories
Every street in this city offers a surprise. The Paseo del Prado, a wide avenue lined with modern skyscrapers and offices, contrasts with the surviving historic buildings. This promenade reflects the dynamic evolution of a city growing between altitude and memory. Nearby is Jaén Street, where beautifully preserved colonial houses host museums narrating La Paz’s rich artistic and cultural history.
Tasting a Freshly Baked Salteña
Gastronomy is also part of the journey, and in La Paz there’s one snack you can’t skip: the salteña. This juicy, slightly spicy and sweet empanada is traditionally eaten in the morning. Filled with meat, chicken, or a vegetarian mix, and accompanied by a hot coffee, it’s the perfect breakfast to start your day.
Exploring One of the Largest Markets in the World
In El Alto, every Thursday and Sunday, the Feria 16 de Julio stretches for kilometers. This is where you can literally find everything: clothes, appliances, car parts, traditional handicrafts, and curious items you never imagined existed. It’s an authentic portrait of urban life in Bolivia and an excellent opportunity to mingle with locals.
Immersing Yourself in the Cultural Scene
A must-see: the National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore (MUSEF). Housed in the former Palace of the Marquises of Villaverde, it contains over 28,000 pieces showcasing traditions, textiles, masks, and indigenous art from across Bolivia.
Another, more unconventional cultural experience is watching the cholitas wrestlers — Aymara women dressed in traditional polleras, long braids, and bowler hats. Their performances are not only entertaining but also a powerful act of reclaiming identity and breaking stereotypes.
You can see them most Sundays at the Coliseo Multifuncional in El Alto or at cultural centers like Centro Cultural Mamani Mamani.
Our article: The Bolivian Bowler Hat: From European Roots to Andean Tradition
Breathtaking Viewpoints (And Not Just Because of the Altitude)
In a city that winds through mountains, viewpoints are true balconies over the Altiplano. From these heights, La Paz appears like a living postcard: houses clinging to hillsides, cable cars floating through the air, and in the distance, the imposing silhouette of Illimani.
The Killi Killi viewpoint, for instance, is one of the most popular, offering spectacular panoramic views — especially magical at sunset. It’s the perfect spot to understand the city’s unique geography and watch the Andean heights glow gold in the evening light.
Marveling at Otherworldly Landscapes
The surroundings of La Paz offer dreamlike scenery. The Valley of the Moon, shaped by wind and water erosion, creates a lunar-like landscape. The Valley of the Souls, with its stone columns rising like petrified spirits, is especially striking at dawn or dusk. Both sites are ideal for hiking and surreal photography.
Diving into Ancient History in Tiwanaku (and Climbing a 6,000m Peak)
Just 70 km from the city lies Tiwanaku, one of South America’s most important archaeological sites. Its temples and sculptures — including the famous Sun Gate — bear witness to a civilization that predated the Inca Empire.
For adventurers, the nearby Huayna Potosí, at over 6,000 meters high, offers one of the most accessible climbs at that altitude. It requires proper physical preparation and gear but promises an unforgettable journey through ice, rock, and sky.
La Paz, a City That Changes How We See the World
La Paz invites us to see the world differently — literally and figuratively. It’s not just the altitude that takes your breath away, but the constant contrast between ancient traditions and contemporary life, between the silence of the mountains and the vibrant pulse of urban energy.
It’s a city to walk, breathe, taste, observe… and above all, feel.
Photos: Snowscat | David Torres | Rodrigo Gonzalez | D.R.
