Things to do & places to visit in La Paz Department, Bolivia

La Paz Department #1 destination in Bolivia 2023. The average rating score is 4.31 based on 25.8k traveler reviews, of 88 attractions. Timezone: America/La_Paz, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 3:54.

Top things to do (31)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Urban Rush Bolivia (497 reviews)
- Great staff, easy instructions, affordable price
Friday: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Sports Complexes

Urban Rush. Great name. I told myself I would do it. I went there to check it out first. Looks scary as hell from the top and I didn't think I could do it. But I made a promise to myself. Here's a video of my jump. http://bit.ly/1P0mx7q See more..
5.0 Huayna Potosi (342 reviews)
- Professional climber, amazing experience
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Mountains

A technical easy mountain over 6000m's, a good climb for beginners. Great for a first big mountain experience with great views of the Cordillera Real and mountains near La Paz. physically demanding, some acclimatization is need before attempting this trip. See more..
5.0 Illimani (201 reviews)
- This is La Paz
Mountains

When you take a ride from the airport towards the city center, at one point the vehicle arrives at the upper edge of the valley which is filled with the city. That alone is a sight to remember for the rest of your life. Then you add the mountain at the end of the valley, Illimani, over 6000 metres (over 20000 ft) and we are really talking about something special. On a clear day the view is out of this world. See more..
5.0 Stroll On Walking Tours (125 reviews)
- Walking Tour of Copacabana
Friday: 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM City Tours • Walking Tours

Great tour! The guide was really friendly and funny. Lake titicaca is amazing, you have really nice views! I recommend the tour. See more..
5.0 Awa Rafting (43 reviews)
- More than I expected!
River Rafting & Tubing

It was an amazing experience. Not only Ivar's services but also the canyoning activities. The place was other level. Waterfalls, river, adrenaline, etc. I absolutely recommend it do to the full day canyoning. For people who will do the dead road (my case) you can talk with your agency and finish your tour in Yolosita then take a bus to Caranavi. You should be in contact with Ivar and get off near to the Choro town (Ivar will help you, don't worry ) See more..
5.0 Valle de las Animas (41 reviews)
- Great hike
Nature & Wildlife Areas

The review by Franc C has all the info you need to get there and about the hike. Getting a mini bus there is much quicker! I was in Sopocachi and they go past it on Avenida 6 de Agosto. The yellow bus also goes down Avenida 20 de Octubre. On the hike, definitely turn right at the Eucalyptus trees to find the entrance to the canyon. Franc does talk about getting lost, but I don't think it's an easy thing to do. Follow the trickle of a stream coming down, eventually you come to a spire 3/4 of the way up, and you could possibly (but unlikely) mistake where the path is, but it is definitely to the right and around the spire and up the hill to the right again. There is a painted white vertical stripe at this "junction". The view from the top is really great. I walked on a bit further after the top of the canyon and it just seemed like rolling hills, so I decided to walk back down the canyon since it was that magical. I believe this canyon is what Franc was referring to when he said that is the best part of the hike. I did that route in 2hrs and 20 mins from the trailhead. See more..
4.5 Mi Teleferico (4.416 reviews)
- Great way to see La Paz
Friday: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is a fabulous way to see La Paz for a very reasonable price. There are lines that run all around the city and its only 3 bolivianos (about 30p) for each ride. Very clean and well organised. Take a face mask at the moment though as these are mandatory. See more..
4.5 Isla del Sol (2.155 reviews)
- Boat to Isla de Sol
Historic Sites • Islands • Hiking Trails

Fast boat takes about 1.5 hours. High elevation bring a big hat and long sleeve shirt if sunny. No sun screen. Why? Because sun screen is bad for pachamama. See more..
4.5 WMDR Yungas Road (1.996 reviews)
- Better go solo all the way
Spent More than 3 hours Scenic Drives

Most of the people who ride the Death road go there on an organized tour. I went solo cycling from La Paz. The descent starts at 4200 much higher than the entance. I chose to go down the dirt road instead of the asphalt and not only saw great views but as an added bonus it passes through a village with restaurans offering fresh delicious trout. It was raining during my descent on the actual Death road and the mist made the experience all the more thrilling. At the very end of the road there is a camping where you can sleep outside but under a roof and take a shower, then visit on the next day the animal refuge further down and take a minibus to La Paz if you want to continue cyclheing on the high plane. See more..
4.5 Lake Titicaca (1.554 reviews)
- Love it! One of Bolivia's main attractions...
Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water

This icy high-altitude lake is the legendary birthplace of the Inca civilization, and is also believed to hold precious Inca treasure. When Jacques Cousteau explored the lake for treasure, he discovered instead a large, colorful deep-water frog. See more..
4.5 Iglesia de San Francisco (1.018 reviews)
- Definitely worth a visit
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

This centuries-old church combines Spanish and native building styles. See more..
4.5 Mirador Killi Killi (597 reviews)
- Great workout and great views
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts

Yes you can have a car take you up to the very top but if you can, I would suggest walking because it really gives you a physiological appreciation of the altitude and how the people maneuver around. Beautiful panoramic views from the top and I would suggest stopping by the HB bronze coffee bar on the way down for a nice cup of Joe as a treat for the workout. There are options for paid bathrooms at the top also See more..
4.5 Cerro Calvario (520 reviews)
- Must see in Copacabana
Lookouts • Religious Sites

If you're in Copacabana this is a must see, my wife and I did the climb in about 45 minutes. It is strenuous and steep. The views were spectacular, there are some vendors at the top that will sell you drinks, anything from water, soft drinks and even beer. They will sell you some snacks as well. We went up for the sunset so it ended up getting quite cool so maybe pack a sweater. Definitely a must see. See more..
4.5 Chacaltaya Ski Resort (319 reviews)
- Amazing View - Avoid the Bus
Ski & Snowboard Areas

First of only do this tour if you are willing walk up a few hundred meters at high altitude. The mountain coverd in snow is beautiful, the walk up can be challenging with the altitude (but fun), and the views you get from there are simple amazing with La Paz in the background. Take warm cloth as it can get very cold and windy. Avoid at all costs going by bus. Ask your agency if they use bus or van, of they say bus DONT GO. Seriously, it is ridiculous that they even consider using a bus on bumpy, rustic road with a cliff at the side, and the road barely wid enough for the bus. Some people went crying as the driver manouvered on the difficult spots. We paid 80 bs (entrance included) to go only to Chacaltaya. See more..
4.5 National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore (307 reviews)
- A culture visit
Friday: 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The museum has among its exhibitions, a collection of textiles, hats and pottery from the different regions of Bolivia. The higlights are for sure the masks display and the feather art collection. Finally, you can see a basketry, coins and metals exhibitions. See more..
4.5 Monte Chacaltaya (245 reviews)
- Short but fantastic view!
Mountains

The hike started from the parking lot which is close to the peak; just another 140m hight difference to reach. The parking lot is 2540m about sea level and the first peak is 5351m high and the last peak is 5388m above sea level, according to our GPS. ;-) While getting closer to the peak, look around and the views are fantastic!! The hike is short but the altitude is high so watch out and don't take too hard from the begining. See more..
4.5 Museum of Musical Instruments - Museo Instrumentos Musicales de Bolivia (194 reviews)
- Best in the world!!
Speciality Museums

Especially fun for children, this museum lets them try playing the assortment of ancient instruments, all made from natural elements, like wood, bone, turtle shells and toucan beaks. See more..
4.5 Muela del Diablo (153 reviews)
- Great place with some of the best views of La Paz
Lookouts • Geologic Formations

You can drive up or hike, just be aware some taxi drivers may not take you to the very top or come all the way up to pick you back up. Once you get to the base you can climb all the way to the very top which makes you feel like an extreme rock climber when really you're just mildly terrified of falling to your demise. If you go at night, you can make a fire with your friends and tell ghost stories and see the lights of La Paz. 10/10 would most likely recommend. I would suggest not going by yourself though because there can sometimes be creepers up there. Just be aware. See more..
4.5 Puma Punku (52 reviews)
- Boggles your mind
Spent 1-2 hours Ancient Ruins • Mysterious Sites

I combined my visit here with Tiwanaku. I was hoping to understand this mysterious place better, but when I left, I had more questions than when I started. What is clear at Puma Punky is the skill and precision by which these stone monoliths have been built without the benefit of modern machinery. Truly awe inspiring. There are many theories about this place but no definitive explanation by scholars. Even at the site, there was poor signage and no answers to my personal pressing question of WHY? Will not take you long to see and experience. But, do so, even if it “boggles your mind”. See more..
4.5 Takesi Trail (46 reviews)
- Where to take the bus and other tips
Hiking Trails

Ventilla - Takesi (day 1) - Kacapi (day 2) - Yanacocha (day 3) 1. Transportation You can find the bus to Palca / Ventilla in La Paz at the intersection of Romualdo Herrera and Benancio Burgoa. Ask the driver to leave you in Ventilla (1.5h, 10Bs), don't go to Palca, the way is going to be longer. The bus leaves at 7am. Some online DIY guides mention taxi that you can take to Mina San Francisco. Well, you are really lucky if you see any. Expect the price of 60-100Bs for the ride, but if you finally take one, you save 2-3 hours of a steady and slow hike uphill (around 600m). 2. Accommodation Never expect to find a place to sleep during the whole trek. Bring a tent and be ready to use it for both nights. We spent our first night in Takesi, the second one in Kacapi. There are two touristic refuges in Kacapi, both were closed, however, when we were right about to put the tent next to the second refuge (down the hill, next to the Kacapi sign), its host was passing by and opened the dormitory for us. Pure luck. 25Bs per person 3. Food and water Never expect to have any extra food on the way either. Bring all meals with you. The only place you could find food in is the last destination of the trail - Yanacachi. You can drink water from the rivers (up to Chojlla) with prior filtration for your safety, even though the water looks perfectly clean. 4. Weather Be ready for any type of weather from 5'C BELOW zero (our first night) to 20'C above zero the third day. The highest point of the trek is super windy and cold, make sure you are fully equipped to cover your freezing hands, face and neck. It's better to start early every day - there is a big chance of fog in the second half of the day, so no view. 5. Back home There is a bus from Yanacocha at 4pm every day (Takesi Tours, 2 blocks up from the main Plaza). Locals are really active about this bus, so better if you arrive to the village earlier to book your place (around 1pm). See more..
4.5 Museo de Textiles Andinos Bolivianos (46 reviews)
- Tiny gem high up in La Paz
Friday: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM Speciality Museums

The Museum exhibits a broad variety of textiles and clothing from the Bolivian Andes, which allow visitors to appreciate the richness and experience the magic of understanding a weaving by reading in its colors and figures the stories and myths of women and men, and their cultures. See more..
4.5 Ruta de la Muerte (40 reviews)
- Ruta de la muerte: what a kind of emotion!
Biking Trails

Incredible. This is the only thing we can say about this experience. If you want a suggestion consider Gravity company what maybe can solve your doubts about “ruta de la muerte” tour. High professionality; great assistance during ALL the ride; bycicle in perfect conditions. So I suggest you to call them. They made our experience “wild and safety” at the meantime. Thanks thanks thanks. See more..
4.5 El Choro Trail (27 reviews)
- Vagary Adventure Travel highly recommended
Hiking Trails

We did a wonderful trip with George, what a incredible guide! Very strong, funny and helpful and always taking good care for us. Normally we were with four tourists but we were lucky enough to have a private tour. We learned some Qechua from Goerge and communication, although our Spanish is not very good, was easy! Best memories of our trip. Greetings the Dutch couple See more..
4.5 Cafe Munaipata (22 reviews)
- Wow!!!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Coffeehouses

Somos productores de café de altura y de especialidad en Bolivia nuestra finca de producción se encuentra en la comunidad Munaypata, municipio de Coroico-Nor Yungas (1.800 msnm.) del departamento de La paz. Hemos planificado ademas, distintos recorridos en la finca para que los amantes del café y amantes del buen proceso de producción puedan vivir la experiencia de conocer desde el cafeto hasta la taza de café Munaipata, contamos también con una delicada gastronomía con base cafetera,los esperamos con los brazos abiertos . See more..
4.0 Valley of the Moon (2.220 reviews)
- Cool side trip out of La Paz
Parks • Geologic Formations

I would suggest skipping a tour (unless this was already part of a bigger package)- you can get to Valle de La Luna on your own for about 30 bolivianos from San Miguel which is about a 20 min drive. Or you can also walk which would be about an hour. Entry fee is 15Bs. It’s a cool placed formed by erosion, wind, etc and reminded me of hiking around New Mexico. There’s a nice loop but not good for people with any mobility issues since there are lots of stairs. It’s a good 2 hour excursion if you’re looking for something to do. You can flag down a taxi to take you back and enjoy some local juices across the way while you wait. See more..
4.0 Tiwanaku (1.727 reviews)
- TIWANAKU RUINS
Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Ancient Ruins

This is one of the most mysterious ancient ruins in South America. See more..
4.0 Mercado de Las Brujas (1.298 reviews)
- Thumbs Up!
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

We lucked out as we stayed close to the 'Witches' Market'. If you're in the market for Llama fetuses, Bolivian armadillos, aphrodisiacs, turtles, frogs, snakes and magic potions then this is the place to explore and get your fix. According to ancient beliefs most of the merchandise are used in rituals to bring love, health, wealth, longevity, happiness, and many more positiveness into your lives. Regarding the Llama fetuses, they don’t actually kill the baby llamas but collect them from the miscarriages. The Llama fetuses are to be buried under the foundation of homes/houses for protection, good luck and prevent mishaps while under construction. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here. There are a few artisan stores selling unique handicrafts and souvenirs and then there's those run-of-the-mill stores. Well worth a visit although it takes up only a small part of this touristy area. Recommended! See more..
4.0 Plaza Murillo (983 reviews)
- amazing square
Points of Interest & Landmarks

plaza murillo is one of the best sqaures in la paz. it's very picturesque and quaint and a very good spot for your camera See more..
4.0 Calle Sagàrnaga (932 reviews)
- Intriguing cultural experience
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

I made a fortune shopping here in the 1970's. Other people did as well. The famous New York shop, Putamayo started their operations here with knitted sweaters. I turned $2000 into $200,000, and that was 45 years ago, so it was really a lot of money then. More like $5 million today. I used to go to La Paz for three or four months, buy stuff, ship it to NY, and go back to the States to sell it. After 3 years of that, I branched out to Asia as well. See more..
4.0 Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana (773 reviews)
- Beautiful Church
Religious Sites

This cathedral’s central attraction is its statue of the Virgin Mary, a local phenomenon said to grant wishes and give blessings for safe travel, healthy children and even automotive reliability. See more..