La Paz Bolivia 7 Day Itinerary

La Paz, Bolivia - 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

  • Morning: Arrive in La Paz and check-in to your hotel (see recommendations below)
  • Afternoon: Visit the Witches’ Market (Mercado de las Brujas) for a glimpse into local culture and try some traditional snacks
  • Evening: Head to the top of Mount Illimani, the highest peak around La Paz, for stunning sunset views (weather permitting)
  • Where to Eat: Try some local street food at one of the many stalls near the Witches’ Market or enjoy a dinner at La Casona de la Abuela, a cozy restaurant serving Bolivian cuisine
  • Accommodations:
    • Budget: Hostal El Mural (starts at $20/night)
    • Mid-range: Hotel Presidente (starts at $60/night)
    • Luxury: Hotel LP Los Atahualpa (starts at $150/night)

Day 2: City Exploration

  • Morning: Visit the Plaza Murillo, a historic square in the heart of La Paz, and see the nearby Palacio de Gobierno
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Museum of Ethnography and Folklore to learn about Bolivian culture
  • Evening: Head to the trendy neighborhood of Sopocachi for shopping and dining
  • Where to Eat: Enjoy dinner at El Olivo, a modern restaurant serving international cuisine
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for altitude sickness (La Paz is 3,650m above sea level)
    • Don’t drink tap water
    • Learn some basic Spanish phrases

Day 3: Death Road and Valley of the Moon

  • Morning: Take a guided tour to the infamous Death Road (Camino de la Muerte) and ride a mountain bike down this treacherous road
  • Afternoon: Visit the Valley of the Moon, a surreal landscape created by erosion over millions of years
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Casa de los Abuelos, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Bolivian dishes
  • Where to Eat: Try some street food or snack on some local fruits and vegetables

Day 4: Lake Titicaca and Uros Floating Islands

  • Morning: Take a guided tour to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world
  • Afternoon: Visit the Uros Floating Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can see traditional islanders living on reeds
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Chullpa, a restaurant serving local cuisine with a focus on seafood
  • Where to Eat: Try some local delicacies such as cuy or alpaca

Day 5: Tiwanaku and the Cordillera Real Mountains

  • Morning: Visit the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (approximately 2 hours from La Paz)
  • Afternoon: Explore the stunning Cordillera Real mountains, with breathtaking views of glaciers and peaks
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at La Casa de los Abuelos, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Bolivian dishes
  • Where to Eat: Try some local street food or snack on some local fruits and vegetables

Day 6: La Paz’s Markets and Cultural Centers

  • Morning: Visit the Mercado Central for a glimpse into local culture and try some traditional snacks
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby cultural centers, such as the Centro Cultural or the Museo de la Cerveza
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at El Olivo, a modern restaurant serving international cuisine
  • Where to Eat: Try some local delicacies such as cuy or alpaca

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend your last morning in La Paz exploring any last-minute sights or doing some shopping
  • Afternoon: Depart for the airport and head back home

Transportation

  • Airport Transfer: Book a private transfer or take a taxi from the airport to your hotel (approximately $10-$20)
  • Public Transportation: Use the city’s public buses (colectivos) to get around La Paz (approximately $1-$2 per ride)

Tips and Reminders

  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions
  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate with locals
  • Don’t drink tap water
  • Bring sunscreen and layers for altitude sickness

Note: This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can adjust it according to your preferences and interests.