How Many Days In La Paz Is Enough?
3 days is the perfect amount of time in La Paz to see the highlights.
However, extending your time in La Paz to 5 days is a good idea if you want to enjoy more of the activities outside of the city such as hiking in the Valley of Souls or in the Andes.
Here’s my recommendations for how many days to spend in La Paz:
| How Many Days In La Paz | Activities | Perfect For... |
|---|---|---|
|
3 Days |
City Day, Cable Car Tour and Death Road |
Seeing the best of La Paz |
|
5 Days |
Same as above, hiking in the Andes or a day trip to Copacabana |
Hike and adventure lovers who want to see more of the region |
|
7 Days |
Same as above, Climb Huayna Potosi |
Travellers with lots of time, hike lovers who want to climb Potosi |
My Thoughts On How Long To Spend In La Paz
I spent 3 days in La Paz. This amount of time is ideal for first time travellers visiting the city,
You can see most of the inner city in one day, including the witches’ market and the historical centre, especially if you’re whizzing around on the popular cable cars. This also gives you a full day to experience Death Road.
Only extend your time if you are looking for more adventure activities like hiking in the mountains
La Paz 3-Day Itinerary
This 3-day La Paz itinerary is perfect for first time travellers visiting the city. It covers the very best of the city without killing yourself trying to fit everything little thing in:
| Day | Activities | Budget |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Free Walking Tour, Cable Cars, Witches Market |
💲 |
|
2 |
Death Road |
💲💲💲 |
|
3 |
Valle De La Luna |
💲💲 |
Day 1 - City Walking Tour And Cholita Wrestling
Book yourself on to a Red Cap Walking Tour to start exploring the city.
Red Cap offer tours of the city leaving at 11AM and 2PM from San Pedro Plaza.
The tour will tick off the major sightseeing destinations in the city centre including the Witches Market, San Francisco Plaza and Plaza Murrillo.
If you want an extended tour of the city they have a longer one which takes you on the cable cars and up to El Alto.
Then in the evening, you can go and watch the Cholita Wrestling – Bolivias very own WWE/Lucha libre style wrestling dominated by female wrestlers.
It’s one of the most popular things to do in La Paz for both locals and tourists, and the choreographed fights are incredibly entertaining and funny.
How to book Cholita Wrestling (Monday, Thursday & Sunday only)
The wrestling starts at 17:00 PM You can turn up yourself, book through your hostel or use Red Cap again to save yourself the admin.
Booking through Red Cap doesn’t cost any extra than it would if you went yourself.
To be honest, booking their extended city tour/cholita wrestling seems worth it to save the admin of doing it all yourself.
The El Alto area isn’t the safest either so being with a guide is better.
If you join the 11 AM walking tour followed by the extended tour at 2 PM you’ve seen the entire city centre and its highlights. Then chuck in the wrestling and you’ve seen most of what La Paz has to offer in one day!
“Joe turned our fragmented ideas into a seamless itinerary. His expert advice saved us time, money, and stress – making our 3-month trip feel easy.”
Sam & Amy – 3 Months In South America
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Day 2 - Death Road
- Cost: $80
- Timing: Full day (your pick up will be between 6-7AM in the morning and returning to La Paz around 6PM in the evening.
Death Road is one of Bolivia’s top tourist attractions.
The narrow winding road through the mountains used to be one of the world’s most dangerous roads and led to many fatal accidents over the years.
Fortunately, the government has built a new one for larger vehicles and Death Road is now used for tourism.
The top of the road starts at 4,650m (15,260 ft) descending to 1,200m (3,900 ft) at the town of Coroico. The first hour and a half riding is spent speeding down the new, safe asphalt road which is great fun!
Then you’ll have to navigate the bumpy, windy, wet old version of Death Road. This is an exhilarating experience but one that takes a bit of concentration.
Once you reach the town of Coroico, you’ll have a buffet lunch and can relax by the swimming pool for a while before returning to La Paz.
Which Is The Best Death Road Tour Company?
Gravity are the most well-known and longest running company with a great reputation for safety. However, they are the most expensive at over $120.
We looked online and found Barracuda Biking ($80) which had great reviews, was much cheaper and had lots of positive comments about the quality of the bikes.
For a full debrief of whether Death Road is worth it as well as more information on what to expect, check out our post here.
Day 3 - Valle De La Luna & City Viewpoint At Sunset
For your third day in La Paz, it’s time for a day trip to Valle de La Luna.
Valle de la Luna ( also known as Moon Valley) is a maze of jagged canyons and giant spires that looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.
There are several trails running through the area with the longest one taking up to an hour to walk.
Then in the evening, head to one of the many viewpoints in the city for the best views of La Paz.
Depending on where you are based in the city, Kilikili viewpoint and Parque Mirador Laikakota are great options.
You’ll have close to 360 views of La Paz with Illimani Mountain providing the perfect backdrop for those Instagram photos.
How To Get To Valle De La Luna
- Public transport: Take the Teleferico (cable car) green line to the end, Irpavi. Then take a taxi to the entrance, or you can walk to 8th street of Calacoto and take a minibus to Mallasa. The entrance to Valle de la Luna is just before Mallasa — tell the driver that’s where you’re going and they’ll drop you at the entrance.
- By taxi: Moon Valley is about 15-20 minute drive from the southern zone of La Paz by taxi. 40BOB on uber.
- Tour: I wouldn’t recommend a tour as it’s easy and cheap to get to. However, if you prefer having a tour guide for things like this, this is the cheapest tour I’ve found.
Or, try this tour which takes you to Moon Valley, Valle De La Animas and the Killi Killi Viewpoint. This is a great deal and ticks off 3 great sights all in one day!
La Paz 5-Day Itinerary
This 5-day La Paz itinerary is perfect for travellers wanting to do a deep dive and see more of the city.
It covers the very best of the city from the city center to the cables cars, and then with the extra two days you can escape from the city and explore the incredible nature La Paz has to offer.
| Day | Activities | Budget |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Free Walking Tour, Cable Cars, Witches Market |
💲 |
|
2 |
Death Road |
💲💲💲 |
|
3 |
Valle De La Luna |
💲💲 |
|
4 |
Valle De Las Animas |
💲💲 |
|
5 |
Day trip to Copacabana |
💲💲 |
Day 4 - Valle De La Animas
Valle de las Ánimas, or Valley of the Souls, is a stunning canyon famous for its eerie rock formations and beautiful natural scenery.
Legend has it that the valley is haunted by the spirits of the dead.
It’s worth a visit because of its unique landscape and cultural significance. The valley offers breathtaking views, opportunities for hiking, and a chance to connect with Bolivia’s rich history and folklore.
Plus, taking a trip to Valle de las Ánimas allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in Bolivia’s stunning nature.
How To Get To Valle De Las Animas
There are the three options to visit Valle de las Ánimas from central La Paz:
- Public Transport: Take a mini-bus (locally known as a “micro”) heading towards Mallasa from Plaza San Francisco. Get off at the Valle de las Ánimas stop. From there, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the entrance of the valley. This is the best option if you prefer to explore the trails and hike on your own terms.
Uber: Uber is cheap in Bolivia and the best thing about this option is that the taxi will drop you off at the entrance of the valley.
Guided Tour: Book a guided tour through one of the tour agencies in La Paz. They usually offer transportation from your accommodation to Valle de las Ánimas, along with a knowledgeable guide who can provide information about the area’s history and significance. It’s a hassle-free way to explore the valley. Check out Kanoo Tours for a good option or the previous tour linked above that takes you here and to Moon Valley.
“Joe saved us so many hours of research and planning. His expertise turned our stress into a clear, custom itinerary we could actually enjoy.”
Maeve & Martin – 6 Weeks In South America
Planning a trip to
Struggling with any of this?
✔ Don’t know where to start planning
✔ Unsure how to pick the best route
✔ Spending hours researching… and still feeling stuck
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo.
I help travellers like you plan custom South America trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
Day 5 - Day Trip To Copacabana
- Cost: $47
- Timing: Full day
If you don’t have enough time whilst in Bolivia to spend a couple of nights in Copcabana, a day tour is a must.
Copacabana is a small but pretty place filled with local markets and artisan restaurants, but it’s Lake Titicaca itself that is the must-see.
Sitting at 3,810 metres above sea level, it’s the highest navigable lake in the world.
Fun activities include walking up to the summit of Cerro Calvario to get beautiful views of the lake and taking a boat tour to Isla del Sol, the largest island on the lake.
The best way to see it in a day is via a tour. Peru Hop run a tour which includes time in the town, a speedboat on the lake and hiking on Isla del Sol.
La Paz 7-Day Itinerary
This 7-day La Paz itinerary is perfect for adventure travellers who want to do some hiking.
It covers the very best of the city and then the extra days allow you to climb Huyana Potosi, one of the easiest 6000m summits in the world!
| Day | Activities | Budget |
|---|---|---|
|
1-5 |
Same as above itineraries |
💲💲💲💲 |
|
6-7 |
Climb Huayna Potosi |
💲💲💲💲💲 |
Day 6-7 - Huayna Postosi
Regarded as one of the easiest 6,000m summits in the world and accessible to beginners, this is a great expedition for experienced climbers or beginners looking to earn their crampons.
You do need a high level of fitness for this though, just be aware.
Here’s a look at the two days:
- Day 1: La Paz > Paso Zongo – the day starts with a drive for 1.5 hours from La Paz to Paso Zongo, reaching 4,700 meters. You’ll have lunch at Paso Zongo, then trek for 3 to 4 hours to high camp at 5,150 meters. Here you’ll prepare your gear for the next day, rest, eat dinner, and sleep early at the refugio.
- Day 2: High Camp > Summit > High Camp > La Paz – it’s an early start for a 9-13 hour climb. Gear up and head to the glacier. Conquer two steep sections including Pala Chica at 5,600 meters. Follow the trail to 6,000 meters and reach the summit at 6,088 meters where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of La Paz. After, you’ll descend to High Camp, rest, pack, then return to base camp for a 1-hour drive back to La Paz.
The Best Huayna Potosi Trekking Companies
Climbing South America have 5 stars from 34 reviews on Trip Advisor.
You can book with them via their website or through a platform if you prefer:
La Paz FAQ's
Is 2 Days Enough In La Paz?
2 days is enough in La Paz to see the city centre and enjoy one other full day activity such as Death Road.
However, it will be a busy couple of days and you’ll miss out on some of the other thing La Paz has to offer such as it’s beautiful nature and scenery just outside of the city.
Here’s how I would spend two days in La Paz:
- Day 1 – Walking tour, cable cars to El Alto in the morning / Cholita wrestling in the evening
- Day 2 – Death Road tour
Be sure to check out our month-long itineraries to see how a stop in La Paz fits in with travelling through the rest of this amazing country:
Is La Paz Worth Visiting?
Hell yeah La Paz is worth visiting!
It’s such a unique city, set high in the Andes and surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Exploring the city center via the cable cars is a must. And then visiting places like El Alto, the Witches Market and going to watch Cholita wrestling are all memorable experiences.
One of the top reasons why La Paz is worth visiting is the infamous Death Road!
If you’re an adventure traveller looking for a thrill then riding down this road can’t be missed.
Where's The Best Place To Stay In La Paz?
The two best areas for travellers to stay in La Paz are Downtown (also known as Centro) and Sopocachi.
- Downtown is closer to the bus station and popular tourist attractions such as the Witches Market. You will also have a wealth of food options and backpacker accommodations available.
- Sopocachi is the wealthier area where most of the bars, clubs and restaurants can be found along with a couple of backpacker hostels.
The two areas are a 15-minute walk from each other.
What Are The Best Hostels In La Paz?
You have two options for great hostels: Wild Rover and Selina
If you want to party, stay at Wild Rover.
The hostel is in a central location and the dorms are clean and comfortable. However, it will be livelier than other places. Once the evening starts, the hostel bar staff will organise a host of party games, mainly beer pong and free shots.
If you want somewhere a little quieter then try Selina. Selina is in the Sopocachi area and you’re close to lots of great restaurants here.
“We ended up with a better itinerary than anything a travel agent suggested – and without the hefty price tag!
Jerry & Maria – 5 Weeks In South America
Planning a trip to
Struggling with any of this?
✔ Don’t know where to start planning
✔ Spending hours researching… and still feeling stuck
✔ Want freedom, not a rigid tour
✔ Don’t want to spend $5,000+ on a travel agent
You don’t have to figure it out solo.
I help travellers like you plan custom South America trips that are efficient, affordable, and totally personalised.
How To Get To La Paz
Bordering five countries, there are multiple ways of getting to La Paz.
Most people will be flying in, however, if you’re doing an extended South America trip you may be taking the bus from Peru.
Flights To La Paz (Bolivia)
International flights will fly in to El Alto International Airport.
It’s a small airport, and upon leaving baggage, you will see a few coffee houses and restaurants.
I tried Uber from the airport but couldn’t find any cars so just jumped in a taxi. Outside the airport, you will see the official taxis waiting in line.
I paid 70BOB for a 45-minute journey to our hostel. When we had to return for our flight to Rurrenbaque, we took an Uber back as there are more cars in the city centre and this was slightly cheaper.
Buses From Cusco To La Paz
If you are taking the overnight bus from Cusco to La Paz, make sure you book with Busbud.
Book with Cruz Del Sur as they have the best ratings and the nicest buses!
