La Paz is the kind of city that throws you straight in at the deep end. It’s colourful, chaotic, and sitting at 3,600m above sea level, literally breathtaking. But once you settle into the madness, it’s one of the most fun, and fascinating places you’ll ever visit. Whether you’re here for adventure or simply to soak up the culture, here are 5 things to do In La Paz.
1. Go On a Walking Tour
We always try to take a walking tour when visiting a new city, and Red Hat Walking Tours was one of the best we’ve done. It started at the fruit and vegetable market, where our guide picked up local fruits for us to try. Then we headed to the Witches Market, learning about Bolivia’s deep-rooted superstitions, from love potions locals swear by to offerings made to Pachamama (Mother Earth). The final stop was San Pedro Square, home to the infamous San Pedro Prison, which is entirely run by its inmates. Prisoners pay rent for their cells, with prices ranging from $80 to $1,500, the high end getting you an apartment with a flat-screen TV and even a hot tub. By the end, we felt so much more connected to the city – a perfect way to spend your first day in La Paz.
2. Cycle Death Road
If you’re interested in a slightly terrifying but immensely fun once in a lifetime experience then we recommend cycling Death Road. The ride starts high in the Andes, where it’s misty and cold, before dropping down into the humid Amazon rainforest. Along the way, you’ll navigate narrow, winding roads with sheer drop-offs, all while trying not to think about how this used to be one of the most dangerous roads in the world. We booked our tour with Gravity and they were brilliant – solid bikes, safety gear, and guides who made sure no one went flying off the edge. The ride itself is mostly downhill, so it’s not as physically demanding as you might expect, and the experience is unforgettable.
3. Watch Cholita Wrestling
This one is absolutely bonkers, but in the best way possible. Cholita Wrestling is part wrestling, part theatre, and part cultural statement, featuring indigenous Aymara women (cholitas) in their traditional layered skirts and bowler hats absolutely launching each other across the ring. It’s over-the-top, completely ridiculous, and so much fun to watch. The crowd gets really into it, cheering on their favourites, and booing the villains. We booked with Búhos Tours, and we’d definitely recommend them. They sort out transport (which is handy because the venue is a bit out of town) and even throw in a drink, snack, and souvenir. Even if wrestling isn’t usually your thing, the sheer energy, drama, and uniqueness of the event make it well worth going – we couldn’t stop smiling the whole time.
4. Wander the Witches Market
The Witches Market is one of the most fascinating places in the city. Lining the narrow streets are stalls overflowing with handmade potions, dried herbs, and mysterious-looking trinkets. From dried llama fetuses (for Pachamama offerings) to herbs and potions believed to have magical properties, you’ll find no shortage of treasures. Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it’s a must-see for anyone wanting to learn about the local culture and dive into the country’s more superstitious side.
5. Visit Valle de la Luna
A half-day trip that will leave you speechless, Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) is just outside the city. We recommend self-guiding yourself, because it’s really easy to get to, and the tours often add on activities that aren’t quite as exciting to stretch out the day. Instead, you can easily take the cable car and a local bus, which will get you here in around 30 minutes. This geological marvel was formed by millions of years of erosion, which was only possible due to the fact that the soil was clay instead of rock. It’s a peaceful and magical spot – perfect for an afternoon of exploring.
La Paz is one of those cities that completely takes you by surprise. One minute you’re dodging traffic and squeezing through bustling markets, the next you’re cycling down a jungle road or watching cholitas body slam each other in a wrestling ring. It’s fun, chaotic, and absolutely unforgettable.