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location.beaches.districts
location.beaches.districts_subtitle
Historic Centre
sightseeingColonial center with Plaza Murillo and Witches Market.
Zona Sur
localUpscale southern area with restaurants and nightlife.
El Alto
cultureHigh-altitude city with Thursday market and cable car views.
faq.title
faq.subtitle La Paz
Many countries visa-free 30-90 days. US citizens need visa ($160, apply in advance or on arrival). EU, UK, Canada mostly visa-free. Check requirements - varies by nationality. Entry straightforward once sorted.
3650m is serious! Most people feel it - shortness of breath, headaches, fatigue. Acclimatize 1-2 days before activities. Drink coca tea. No alcohol first day. Some need diamox. Take it very slow. Zona Sur is lower if struggling.
Mercado de las Brujas - Aymara traditional medicine and ritual items. Dried llama fetuses (for offerings), potions, amulets. Indigenous spirituality meets tourism. Fascinating but respectful viewing. Buy souvenirs, not actual ritual items.
Complicated! Sucre is constitutional capital. La Paz is seat of government (executive, legislative). Most embassies, all government offices here. Functionally the capital. Sucre has Supreme Court only. La Paz is where everything happens.
Travel Tips
Useful tips for visiting La Paz
Ride Mi Teleférico - world's longest cable car network! 10 lines, amazing views. See city from above. Very cheap (3 BOB). Red line sunset views spectacular. Essential La Paz experience. Buy rechargeable card.
Take altitude seriously - 3650m! Rest first day, drink coca tea, no alcohol. Walk slowly. Most adapt in 1-2 days. Diamox if needed. Don't underestimate - even fit people struggle. Zona Sur lower if desperate.
Visit Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) - indigenous Aymara medicine and rituals. Dried llama fetuses, potions, amulets. Fascinating cultural window. Near San Francisco church. Free to wander, photos usually ok.
Try salteñas (morning empanadas - national obsession!), anticuchos (beef heart skewers), api con pastel, silpancho. Bolivian food hearty and cheap. Markets best for local food. One of cheapest countries in South America.
Weather
Average temperature by month
Now
8°
8°67%11 м/с
Today15°3°
15°3°Tomorrow15°3°
15°3°Wed
14°3°
14°3°Thu15°2°
15°2°Fri15°3°
15°3°Sat14°3°
14°3°Sun
10°6°
10°6°19°
7°Jan
19°
7°Feb
19°
7°Mar
19°
6°Apr
19°
5°May
18°
3°Jun
17°
3°Jul
18°
4°Aug
19°
5°Sep
20°
6°Oct
20°
7°Nov
20°
8°Dec
location.transport.title
location.transport.subtitle
location.transport.bus
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Prices
Cost of food, accommodation and services
Cafes & Restaurants
Budget meal
15 - 35 BOB
~25.0 $
Mid-range
50 - 120 BOB
~85.0 $
Fine dining
150 - 350 BOB
~250 $
Street Food
Local dish
5 - 20 BOB
~12.5 $
Drinks
Coffee
8 - 20 BOB
~14.0 $
Local beer
10 - 25 BOB
~17.5 $
Groceries
Water 1.5L
3 - 8 BOB
~5.5 $
Prices are approximate and may vary by season and area.
Accommodation
Hotels and rental prices
Hostel dorm
35 - 80 BOB / night
~57.5 $
Guesthouse
100 - 200 BOB / night
~150 $
Hotel 3★
250 - 500 BOB / night
~375 $
Hotel 5★
600 - 1,500 BOB / night
~1,050 $
Prices are approximate. Book in advance during high season.
location.payment.title
location.payment.subtitle
location.payment.accepted_cards
VisaMastercard
location.payment.atms
common
location.payment.cash
Cash dominant! Boliviano local currency. Cards in hotels, upscale restaurants. Markets, street vendors, cable car cash-only. Highest capital city - very affordable.
location.payment.currency_exchange
Boliviano (BOB). World highest administrative capital (3,640m)! Cash economy. Mi Teleférico cable car system - cheap transport but CASH ONLY for tokens. Witches Market (Mercado de las Brujas) cash. Banco Nacional de Bolivia, Banco Mercantil ATMs on Prado avenue. USD sometimes accepted but poor rate. Bring bolivianos. Very affordable - cheapest in South America. Altitude sickness common - bring coca tea money! Gateway to Uyuni Salt Flats.
location.payment.tipping
10%
10% appreciated in restaurants. Not mandatory. Hotel staff 10-20 BOB. Tour guides 50-100 BOB per day.
Safety
Medium safety level
Follow standard precautions
La Paz reasonably safe for South America. Petty theft exists - watch belongings in markets, buses. Altitude 3650m is bigger concern than crime. Some protest roadblocks. Use radio taxis. Tourist areas generally safe day and night.