La Paz, Bolivia 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of La Paz

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Mercado de Las Brujas: Start your day with a traditional Bolivian breakfast at this iconic witches’ market. Try salteñas, a spicy pastry filled with meat and vegetables.
  • Cable Car Ride (Teleferico): Take a cable car ride to get panoramic views of the city and the Andean Altiplano. It’s also an affordable and efficient way to travel across La Paz.
  • Museo de la Ciudad: Visit this museum located in the historical center of La Paz to learn about the city’s history and culture.

Afternoon:

  • Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley): Head to the outskirts of La Paz for a unique experience. The valley offers stunning landscapes with strange rock formations, resembling a lunar landscape.
  • Lunch at Mercado Rodriguez: This local market offers a variety of food stalls serving traditional dishes like chuño soup and silpa.

Evening:

  • Mirador Killi Killi: Watch the sunset over La Paz from this viewpoint. It’s a great spot for photos!
  • Dinner at Zona Sur: Head to the trendy Zona Sur area for dinner. Restaurants like Bartolina Sisa and Calle Jaen offer modern takes on traditional Bolivian cuisine.

Night:

  • Stay at Luna Downtown: This hotel offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop bar with city views, and is centrally located.

Things to Know:

  • La Paz is located at a high altitude (3,640 meters), so remember to drink plenty of water, rest, and avoid strenuous activity upon arrival to acclimatize.
  • Bolivian currency is the Boliviano (BOB). Major credit cards are accepted in most tourist areas, but it’s always good to have cash on hand.
  • Taxis are cheap, but agree on the price before getting in. Uber also operates in La Paz.

Day 2: Ancestral Culture and Scenic Wonders

Morning:

  • Tiwanaku Ruins: Take a day trip to visit these ancient ruins, one of Bolivia’s most important archaeological sites. It’s about an hour and a half drive from La Paz.
  • Lunch at Tiwanaku: There are several local restaurants near the ruins where you can have lunch.

Afternoon:

  • Cholita Wrestling (Lucha de Mujeres): Head back to La Paz and watch this unique Bolivian spectacle. Cholita wrestling is a local version of Mexican Lucha Libre, featuring female wrestlers dressed in traditional Aymara attire.
  • Mercado de Hechiceria: Visit this witches’ market where you can find traditional medicines, charms, and learn about Aymara beliefs and practices.

Evening:

  • Dinner at Gustu: End your trip with a dinner at Gustu, a restaurant that focuses on using local ingredients to create innovative Bolivian dishes. It’s one of the top restaurants in South America.

Night:

  • Stay at Palacio de Sal: For a unique experience, spend your last night at this hotel made entirely of salt. It’s located near the Uyuni Salt Flats and can be reached with a 2-hour drive from La Paz.