18 recommended spots in La Paz! Sightseeing in the de facto capital of Bolivia, South America

La Paz is the de facto capital of the Plurinational State of Bolivia (commonly known as Bolivia), where the executive and legislative branches are located. Bolivia is one of only two landlocked countries in South America, and although it does not have a sea, La Paz is surrounded by a variety of natural scenery, including the Andes Mountains and savannah.

The beautiful townscape of La Paz, which spreads out in a distinctive bowl-shaped topography, never ceases to fascinate tourists. In recent years, the number of tourists has also been increasing in La Paz, the de facto capital of Bolivia. In addition to the recommended tourist spots in La Paz, we will also introduce "Mi Teleferico," an urban cable car that is a convenient means of transportation within the city!

1. Mi Teleférico

Mi Teleférico is an urban cable car operated by El Alto, a city adjacent to La Paz to the west.

It opened in May 2014. It now operates 10 routes with a total length of over 30 km and has become an essential form of public transportation for residents and tourists.

Mi Teleférico serves as a means of transportation for the local residents, but many tourists also use it as a place to get a panoramic view of the mortar-shaped cityscape of La Paz, which shrinks as the ropeway ascends.

The roofs are all the same color, creating a beautiful, unified look in the cityscape! Another secret recommendation is that it passes close to steep cliffs and private homes, giving you a little thrill. It's also a good idea to ride it at times when the cityscape gradually changes from dusk to night. If you come to La Paz, be sure to take it for a ride and enjoy the scenery as you travel.

2. Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is a popular tourist destination near La Paz, which also straddles neighboring Peru. Lake Titicaca is 3,890 meters above sea level, making it the highest lake in the world that commercial ships can navigate. It is also believed to be the birthplace of the Inca Empire and is worshiped by local people.

On the Peruvian side, the Uros Islands tour, a floating island made of stacked reeds called totora, is famous, but on the La Paz side, tours to the Island of the Sun (Isla del Sol) are common. After landing on the Island of the Sun, you can tour traditional houses, or go trekking while looking at terraced fields, which is a great way to feel the atmosphere.

If you have time to spare, why not stay at an atmospheric hotel on the Island of the Sun and enjoy the starry sky that spreads over the lake?

3. The Yungas Trail

The Yungas Road, which has the dreaded nickname "Road of Death," is popular among some tourists. This mountain road stretches from La Paz city to the Yungas region to the northeast, and almost every section of it is right next to a steep cliff, with the road width barely allowing cars to pass each other. In the past, it was known as a dangerous road where accidents frequently occurred, but with the completion of a new road in 2006, local residents were relieved that they no longer had to pass this road.

Although the Yungas Road no longer serves as a necessary road for daily life, it has started a high-risk activity for tourists, where they can enjoy amazing views along the way, and ride mountain bikes down a 3,400m difference in altitude. Just imagining it makes me shiver. It is dangerous and requires physical strength, so it is not recommended for everyone, but once you complete it, you will have a memory of your visit to La Paz that you will never forget.

4. Valley of the Moon

The Valley of the Moon was formed over hundreds of years by erosion caused by rain and wind. The name comes from Apollo 11 Commander Armstrong's comment that it looks like the surface of the moon. It is a popular spot among tourists, as it is reminiscent of Cappadocia in Turkey.

There are many ups and downs, so if you are not confident in your physical strength, please do not push yourself too hard. Tours of the rugged terrain are also available.

It is about 40 to 50 minutes by taxi from La Paz Airport. It is a tourist destination that can be reached in about 15 minutes from the new town.

5. Tiwanaku Ruins

When you hear about mysterious ancient ruins, doesn't it somehow make you excited? About 70km west of La Paz, there is the Bolivian World Heritage Site, the Tiwanaku Ruins, so let's go and check it out!

It originated around 200 BC. It is said to have been home to a maximum of 50,000 people at an altitude of about 3,970m. Excavations are still ongoing and it has not yet become a tourist destination, but it is characterized by its high-quality stone processing and stonework techniques. The stone blocks that are laid out tightly are like art.

The "Gate of the Sun" is a monolithic gate located in Calasasaya, the center of the ruins.

Look closely at the diverse and mysterious ruins, including the "Semi-Underground Temple" with faces poking out of the walls in various places, and the "Akpana" pyramid with a seven-tiered base.

Tiwanaku has also been pointed out to be related to the Wari culture, the predecessor of the Inca civilization. When sightseeing, we recommend taking a guided tour. With a thorough guide, you can efficiently tour the ruins.

6. Huayna Potosi

Huayna Potosi is a 6,088m mountain that can be reached in just over an hour, about 20km north of La Paz. It is called "the easiest 6,000m mountain in the world" because it is easily accessible from La Paz, there are few routes that require skilled techniques, and it can be reached in as little as one night and two days.

However, if you do not have the proper equipment or a guide, you may be in danger, so be sure to gather information before heading out.

The beauty of the starry sky at night, the sense of accomplishment when you reach the summit, and the panoramic view from the top will remain in your memory forever as irreplaceable memories of your trip to La Paz. If you are motivated, be sure to prepare well and try climbing the mountain!

7. San Francisco Church

Located a short distance from the old town of La Paz, San Francisco Church is a popular tourist spot in La Paz, attracting many locals and tourists alike. Its majestic exterior is magnificent, and when you consider the difficulties involved in building this building at an altitude of 3,800m, it becomes even more impressive.

It's unfortunate that photography is prohibited inside, but the altar, courtyard, and cloister are worth seeing, and you'll want to stay for a long time. Of course, it still functions as a church, and many La Paz residents visit it for mass, so it can be said that it is a church that attracts a lot of faith from the citizens.

The square in front of the church is always full of people, from those who are performing to entertain the audience, to those who are relaxing with friends and couples. Souvenir shops are also concentrated in this area, so you may visit this area several times during your trip to La Paz.

8. Mirador Killi Killi

Mirador Killi Killi is a popular park with a panoramic view of La Paz. If you visit during the day, you can see the snowy mountains outside the mortar, get a clear view of the mortar-shaped townscape, and take your favorite photos.

In the evening, as the sun gradually sets and the lights start to come on in the red-brown houses, you can take your time to enjoy the view, which will be deeply engraved in your memories of La Paz.

Mirador Killi Killi is a popular spot for viewing the night view, but the security situation at night is not very good, so it is best to avoid traveling alone. You can also walk up to the observation deck, but it is difficult to catch a taxi around Mirador Kirikiri, so we recommend that you secure round-trip transportation within La Paz before going out.

You can also enjoy the glittering night view of La Paz from the red and yellow lines of Mi Teleferico!

9. Sagarnaga Street

Sagarnaga Street is a tourist spot located in the old town of La Paz, also known as "Witches Street." In La Paz, folk beliefs that have been passed down since ancient times are still deeply rooted to some extent, and the materials used for these beliefs are sold on Sagarnaga Street, and the name was given because this was expressed as "witchcraft" in European values.

Stuffed baby llamas are often seen on this street. They are apparently used as offerings when praying for road safety and prosperity in business. Other items sold here include frogs and insects, which are likely to surprise tourists who visit without prior knowledge. Of course, there are also many accessories and miscellaneous goods for sale, so why not stroll down the street to find cheap, colorful, and cute souvenirs that are popular with tourists!

10. Murillo Square

"Murillo Plaza" is located in the center of La Paz, so it is the first place that many tourists who visit La Paz visit. It is also known as an area where political central functions such as the presidential palace and the National Congress are concentrated in the surrounding area. "
La Paz" means "peace" in Bolivia. There are many pigeons, which are symbols of peace, playing in the square. In the center of the square, Murillo, the hero of Bolivia's independence, for whom the square is named, is enshrined on a 3m pedestal, and his appearance is very impressive. It is also a place of relaxation for local people, so if you get tired of sightseeing, you can take a break and relax while looking at the surrounding historical buildings in a peaceful atmosphere.

11. Jaen Street

Jaen Street is a tourist spot perfect for a stroll around town. Bolivia's indigenous people are famous for wearing colorful costumes, and the houses lining this street are colorfully painted, and the colonial-style houses with their brightly painted exteriors are very impressive. When you first arrive in La Paz, you will not have yet acclimatized to the high altitude, so it is a good idea to take a leisurely stroll along the cute cobblestones to get used to the high altitude of La Paz.

This short street of about 50 meters is dotted with museums such as the Murillo House and the Gold Museum, as well as shops selling handmade leather products, making it an area where you can experience art. The Musical Instrument Museum in one corner displays many ethnic instruments and sometimes holds concerts. Add Jaen Street to your sightseeing list, where you can experience Europe while in La Paz.

12. Mount Illimani

Mount Illimani is located about 40km east-southeast of La Paz, with an altitude of 6,402m. Its presence can be clearly seen from the city of La Paz, so it is recognized as a special mountain by the people of La Paz and is known as a sacred mountain.

Unlike Mount Huayna Potosi, which even beginners can easily reach, the difficulty of climbing is high. It is not very well known among tourists, and only a few hundred people climb it each year. However, the deeper connection with the mountain is what people who love mountain climbing long for, and it can be said to be a secretly popular tourist spot.

The starry sky and shooting stars that can be seen from the base camp are very beautiful and will be an unforgettable memory. If you are interested in a slightly challenging La Paz tour, make sure you are well prepared!

13. National Museum of Ethnology

The National Ethnographic Museum is popular among tourists for its systematic display of the lives, culture, and history of ethnic groups living in La Paz and other parts of Bolivia. In the corner near the entrance where ethnic textiles are introduced, you can compare and touch the designs and colors of the textiles, which differ greatly even between ethnic groups living in close proximity. You can gain a deeper understanding by listening to the staff's detailed explanations.

Most of the pottery on display in the pottery corner is practical, but some of the pottery offered to the earth goddess Pachamama during religious ceremonies has unique designs. This is an interesting tourist spot in La Paz where you can learn deep knowledge about La Paz and Bolivia as a whole through ethnic costumes and masks used during festivals, as well as coins and photographs. Be sure to check it out!

14. Musical Instrument Museum

This is a musical instrument museum that exhibits musical instruments from around the world, not just those from around La Paz. It is located along Jaen Street in La Paz. The best thing about this museum is that you can actually pick up and play musical instruments, not just look at them. It's great for tourists to have an experience that is unique to La Paz. Why not try out the sound of an instrument that catches your eye for yourself!

The charango, a traditional instrument in Bolivia, is a stringed instrument in the shape of a guitar, and this museum also exhibits charangos made from the shells of turtles and armadillos. Be sure to check out the unique instruments.

Concerts are also held here on an irregular basis, so be sure to check the flyers in the museum.

15. Bolivian Presidential Palace

Bolivia's Presidential Palace faces Plaza Murillo in the center of La Paz. There are guards standing in front of the palace, and they look brave in their red jackets. You can often see tourists taking commemorative photos with them.

Every evening at 6 pm, the flag is lowered with the sound of trumpets, and you can feel the air tightening. Many tourists gather at this time, and it is known as one of the major attractions of La Paz tourism.

Also, during the Christmas season, a Christmas tree is decorated in the nearby Plaza Murillo, creating an even more lively atmosphere than usual. Be sure to include the Presidential Palace, located in the heart of downtown La Paz, in your plans.

16. La Paz Cathedral

Historical buildings surround Plaza Murillo, and one of the most prominent colonial buildings is La Paz Cathedral.

First, take note of its exterior, which combines neoclassical and baroque styles. The interior is simply decorated, and the beautiful stained glass behind the altar and the chandeliers hanging from the high ceilings catch your eye. It is carefully crafted with detailed designs, and the light that pours in adds to its solemn atmosphere.

Also noteworthy is that the tomb of Calaumana, Bolivia's president in the 19th century, is placed inside the cathedral. As many tourist attractions are concentrated around La Paz Cathedral, it may be a wise plan to visit them all at once if time allows.

17. Coca Museum

Coca leaves are deeply rooted in the lives of people living in the Andean region of Bolivia and South America. The Coca Museum is a tourist facility where you can learn about the history and medicinal properties of coca leaves. Cocaine, which is made from coca leaves, is considered a narcotic drug, but it has a history of being drunk as a tea and taken as a medicine to prevent altitude sickness.

In addition, the museum explains how coca leaves are used in religious ceremonies and the historical fact that miners were given coca leaves to help them endure long hours of work, along with photos and exhibits. Museum staff can also teach you the correct way to consume coca leaves.

You can enjoy coca tea, coffee containing coca leaves, beer, cakes, and more at the attached cafe. Learn the correct knowledge about coca leaves at the Coca Museum, a hidden tourist attraction in La Paz.

18. National Museum of Art

If you want to take a closer look at the history of Bolivian art, we recommend this National Museum! This museum, renovated from a luxurious 18th-century residence, displays artworks from Bolivia and Latin America throughout the centuries.

Spanning three floors, it is divided into areas such as colonial-era religious themes and contemporary art, and each area is lined with impressive works. The contemporary art area also features sculptures influenced by the indigenous Aymara people, and the distinctive works that combine the culture and history of the La Paz area with Western culture are worth a visit! Be sure to take a tour of La Paz to experience art.

◎Summary of recommended sightseeing spots in La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz, the capital of Bolivia, is a city located at an altitude of 3,800m. From beautiful natural scenery to various museums, there are plenty of tourist spots worth seeing. It is also interesting to see how the culture that arrived with Spanish colonization is reflected in the cityscape.

In La Paz, where Indigenous peoples such as Aymara and Quechua make up the majority of the population, folk beliefs, and other cultures remain more prominent than in other South American countries, and you may see them in the city's markets. It is a good idea to travel to explore ancient ruins or to devote time and passion to mountain climbing. When visiting La Paz, be sure to refer to the tourist spots introduced here. We hope you have a wonderful trip!