Bolivia Travel: A Day in La Paz
Despite the difficult altitude and cold winds, La Paz has a lot to offer young travelers. Don’t just whiz by en route to Copacabana, Uyuni, or the Amazon– stop and explore. Visit the Wrestling Cholitas, browse the Witches’ Market, or learn to mountain climb. If you’re planning on spending some time in La Paz, make sure to check out our recommendations:
All in One Day: Daytrips from La Paz
La Paz offers a assortment of memorable day trips. Among the most popular is the infamous Death Road, where travelers seeking thrills and glory throw themselves into an adrenaline-packed downhill biking adeventure, racing through waterfalls, around takes you through waterfalls and along sharp curves with steep drops.
Active travelers can even tackle some of the the city’s surrounding peaks, from the icy but beautiful Willa Mankilisani, or the Pico Austria summit with its pristine mountain lakes and expansive views. More relaxed trips include a visit to the Ruins of Tiwanaku about 45 miles west of La Paz, horseback riding along the Muela del Diablo (Devil’s Tooth), and walks up to Chacaltaya glacier (for mountain climbers’ views without the actual climbing) together with the Valley of the Moon.
Eating, Drinking & Dancing in La Paz
La Paz offers a surprising amount of international fare alongside Bolivian food. Try the fixed-menu restaurants for a cheap and authentic lunch (under Bs10), but be sure to use common sense and choose notably clean sites. For a snack, salteño empanadas are a must. Another traditional choice are humintas, slightly sweet tamales based on ground fresh corn (rather than dried) and cheese.
Although it costs a little more than the fixed-lunch places try something different at Papaya’s Café in the Folkloric Museum on Calle Jaen and Sucre, where you can try llama burgers and homemade Saya beer. Vegetarians shouldn’t miss Namas Te, which is known for the city’s best vegetarian lunch menus. If you’re eager to try one of the fancier places in La Paz’s burgeoning dining scene, head down Prado, around the Isabel La Católica and Avaroa plazas. Whatever you’re dining on, try washing it down with the peanut drink known as Chicha de Mani, the sweet purple corn drink known as Api, or the local standard, Paceña Beer.
La Paz’s nightlife is varied. Music clubs known as peñas offer folkloric Andean music and dance (try notables like Huari on Calle Sagarnaga or Marka Tambo on Calle Jaen), while modern bar and dance club Mongo’s (Hermanos Manchego 2444) serves up a lively scene where you can meet both locals and travelers. A special mention should be made for the great drinks at Pomp Pomp Salty Man, because with a name like that it’s irresistible.
For affordable lodging, visit Pirwa La Paz, located 
just a 3-minute walk (a block and a half) from the La Paz Bus Terminal, the TAM airline office, and Plaza San Francisco, which boasts a variety of tourist attractions. Just a few minutes further and you’ll reach some of the city’s best museums as well as the main shopping area for souvenirs. Not only is Pirwa Hostel La Paz comfortable and centrally located, but Daniela and the rest of the staff would be pleased to help you plan your excursions throughout Bolivia, or even show you the town’s nightlife!