La Paz, Bolivia 6 Day Itinerary

La Paz, Bolivia: 6-Day Travel Itinerary

(Please note this itinerary is a suggestion and may require adjustments based on personal preferences and local conditions.)

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

  • Arrive at El Alto International Airport. Take a taxi (approximately $6 USD) or shared ‘micros’ (minibuses) to La Paz city center.
  • Check-in at your accommodation, ideally in the city center for convenience. Recommended: Hotel Rosario La Paz, Casa de la Ciudad, or Hostal Partagás.
  • Spend the day acclimatizing to the high altitude (La Paz is at 3,600 meters above sea level). Rest and hydrate, especially in the first 24 hours.
  • Visit Mercado de las Brujas for some local artisanry or wander around Jaén Street for souvenirs.
  • Dinner: Zona Sur (Southern Zone) has many dining options such as El Taller, Andina Restaurant, and Chicharroneria Roca Perdida.

Day 2: City Tour & Moon Valley

  • Breakfast at your accommodation or local café. Try a traditional Bolivian breakfast: salteñas (empanadas) or chuño soup.
  • Morning: Explore La Paz’s indigenous neighborhoods like El Alto and Chacaltaya, visit the Witches’ Market (Mercado de Brujas), and take a cable car ride to the Teleférico Red and Yellow lines for panoramic city views.
  • Afternoon: Head to Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) in the afternoon. Take a taxi or join a tour group ($10-15 USD per person). Enjoy the stunning landscapes, rock formations, and sunset.
  • Dinner: CasaMama La Paz offers organic, locally sourced dishes. Alternatively, try La Paz Brewing Co. for international cuisine and craft beer.

Day 3: Tiwanaku & Death Road

  • Early morning: Depart for the archaeological site of Tiwanaku (approximately 1-hour drive from La Paz). Explore the ruins and learn about the ancient civilization that once thrived here.
  • Return to La Paz and have lunch at a local eatery like Mercado Lanza or El Fogón del Mallasa.
  • Afternoon: For thrill-seekers, opt for a downhill bike ride on the World’s Most Dangerous Road (Yungas Road) with a professional guide and safety equipment. This activity requires physical fitness. Alternatively, visit the Tiahuanaco Museum or relax in one of La Paz’s hot springs, like Laguuni or Lago Calacala.
  • Dinner: Casa Crespo offers traditional Bolivian cuisine with a modern twist.

Day 4: Yungas Road & Zona Sur

  • Morning: If you didn’t do the Death Road activity on Day 3, explore La Paz’s neighborhoods like Miraflores and Sopocachi or visit the Iglesia de San Francisco.
  • Afternoon: Head to the Yungas region for a coffee plantation tour (Finca de la Cumbre is a popular choice) or visit the Tiahuanaco Museum again if you missed it on Day 3.
  • Evening: Zona Sur offers various dining and entertainment options. Try El Barri Jartan, La Casa del Pescado, or La Taberna del Alma.

Day 5: Tiwanaku & Cable Car Adventure

  • Morning: Revisit Tiwanaku to explore further and take the cable car (Teleférico Mi Teleférico) from El Alto to the city center for a unique perspective of La Paz.
  • Afternoon: Spend some leisure time exploring Jaén Street or Mercado de las Brujas again, or visit the Museo Nacional de Arte (National Art Museum).
  • Dinner: Try Andean Grill & Wine at the top of Calle Jaén for panoramic city views and a fine dining experience.

Day 6: Departure

  • Breakfast at your accommodation or local café.
  • Spend your final hours shopping for souvenirs, exploring any remaining sights, or simply enjoying La Paz’s vibrant atmosphere.
  • Head to El Alto International Airport for your departure flight.