What to Do in La Paz, the City in the Clouds

With its high altitude, La Paz is a certainly a shock, but it isn’t only the altitude which will leave you breathless. Most people first see the city from its suburb El Alto, which sits at the rim of the valley in which the city sits, offering expansive views overlooking La Paz. The modern and colonial buildings of the city center and the colorful shantytowns climbing up the canyon slopes are hemmed in by magnificent snow-covered peaks. While you can visit various lookouts, especially the well-known Killi Killi Lookout, a cable car ride down into the city is enough to enjoy stunning views.

In La Paz, you’ll find all of the modern conveniences you need coexisting alongside vibrant street markets and pre-Columbian Aymara dress and traditions. The city is hectic and colorful, with cars and people overflowing in the streets and plenty to see. Make sure to visit Plaza Murillos to see the city’s main cathedral and presidential palace. There are plenty of benches in the square where you can people watch and feed the pigeons.

The steep and narrow cobblestone street Calle Jaen is a popular stop as well, due to the colorful colonial buildings which line its and its abundance of touristy shops and restaurants, as well as small museums including the Gold Museum, Casa Murillo, and Folkloric Museum. Nearby, you’ll find the famous Witches Market, where local ladies in petticoats and bowler hats hawk Aymara charms and cures alongside artisan goods. The dried llama fetuses are popular with travelers, but for photographing rather than for buying!

Don’t skip Plaza San Francisco and its San Francisco Cathedral, which boasts an intricately carved façade integrating religious and indigenous symbols. Tours of the Cathedral end with a visit up to the bell tower and along the roof, which allows for great views of the tiled rooftops of La Paz and the surrounding area.

Finally, if you’re looking for a half-day excursion, take a short taxi ride to Moon Valley, located just outside the city. Heavy erosion has carved this landscape into a bizarre lunar scene complete with jagged stalagmites. Walking the trails of Moon Valley is a pleasant way to spend the afternoon if you have time to spare in your itinerary.