Things to do in La Paz Bolivia: 2-3 Day Itinerary

Things to do in La Paz Bolivia are plentiful. While travelers often base themselves in the bustling Bolivian city prior (or after) a visit to the Salt Flats in Uyuni, La Paz certainly deserves more than an overnight stay. Check out these suggestions on things to do during a two or three day visit. (I personally stayed three nights, but recommend extending depending on your interests).

In addition to things to do in La Paz, this article includes:

• Recommendations on where to stay in La Paz including best hotels, apartments, and hostels.
• A word on safety in La Paz.
• Activities you may enjoy in La Paz (especially if solo traveling).
• Helpful resources for planning your trip.
• Items you may wish to add to your La Paz packing list.
• Answers to FAQs on traveling to La Paz.

A full day will allow you to see much of the city centre area in La Paz. Here’s how to plan your day. Note: This may seem like a lot! However majority of the sites I have listed are within a 10-15 minute walk. But if you prefer to spend more times in certain places, especially museums, you can break this itinerary into two days. Alternatively, you can take a walking tour that covers most of these places.

• Start in Plaza Mayor de San Francisco, the busy plaza where you will find Basillca de San Francisco and Mercado Lanza, a local food market.
• Then, located nearby is the busy tourist street, Calle Sagarnaga. Here you will find the usual tourist stuff: souvenir shops, tour guide offices, etc.)
• Afterwards, approx. 10 minutes away is Witches Market (Mercado de Las Brujas). This market filled with some unusual finds (potions, dried llamas, and more). It is super fascinating!
• Finally, another 10 minute walk will get you to Plaza San Pedro. The notable “site” here is the prison, which is quite fascinating as it is known to be a society of its own. For example, the prisoners run elections, have jobs, must pay for accommodation, and even have family members living with them.

If you are looking for a fascinating read, I recommend “Marching Powder”, a non-fiction book that tells the story about a man who was incarcerated at the San Pedro prison.

• Next up is a 15 minute walk to Plaza Murillo. This is the central plaza where you will find the Presidential Palace, National Congress of Bolivia, and the Cathedral of La Paz. 
• Further, nearby the plaza is the Museum of National Art. Although this a small museum that I personally enjoyed visiting.
• Then take a walk 15 minutes to Calle Jaén, a quaint, cobble-stoned street where you will find five small museums. These are Museo Costumbrista Juan de Varga, Museo del Litoral Boliviano, Museo Casa de Murillo, Museo de los Metales Preciosos, Museo de los Instrumentos Musicales. (And if you intend to visit one or more, double check the opening day/times).
• Finally, if you have time this day (if not, save it for Day 2), I recommend heading to Mirador Killi Killi for sunset. It is about a 30 minute walk (or you can of course cab) from the city centre. However keep in mind if you are walking, that you will be heading uphill. The area is a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

You can visit these two sites nearby La Paz by booking a tour or renting a car. (I personally did a tour which was great as it included transportation and a guide). You can book in advance or upon arrival to La Paz. So, what exactly are these sites?

Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) is about a 30 minute drive from the city center. It is a natural phenomenon of rocky formations. And you can walk through the formations to see the pretty neat landscape. Meanwhile Chacaltaya is an hour and a half drive from Valle de la Luna. It is an amazing mountain sitting at 5,421m above sea level! Furthermore, the tour takes you to a pretty incredible viewpoint. Be prepared for some uphill climbs!

Although I spent 2 days in La Paz, you can certainly add more. That being said, if you would like to add a 3rd, there is plenty to keep you busy. Here are a few options which I did not personally visit, but came across in my research:

• The Death Road (The Yungas Road): This is a major tourist attraction (which I skipped since I’m not one to bike!). But if you are up for the adventure, it is a steep and narrow road most popular for mountain biking.
• Muela del Diablo (Devil’s Tooth): Approx. a 30 minute drive outside of the city centre is a hike up to this mountain area. And the view is gorgeous.
• Mururata: Another mountain you can hike about two hours from the city centre. From my research, it is described as not too difficult.
• Tiwanaku: An archaeological site about two hours from the city centre with a pretty incredible landscape. Furthermore, it is a UNESCO Heritage Site.
• And if you opt to stay in the city centre, I recommend a cable car tour.