La Paz

ProvinceBolivia, South America

La Paz is a STATE in Bolivia, South America.

La Paz Province, anchored by the world's highest administrative capital, offers an extraordinary blend of dramatic landscapes, indigenous culture, and colonial history. The city of La Paz itself, nestled in a canyon at over 3,600 meters, is a breathtaking spectacle of cable cars crisscrossing the sky and vibrant markets spilling down steep streets. Beyond the urban energy, the province reveals the otherworldly Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna) with its eroded clay formations and the serene Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake on Earth, home to ancient Tiwanaku ruins and traditional Aymara communities on the Sun and Moon Islands. Travelers can experience the famous Yungas Road, known as the 'Death Road,' for mountain biking thrills, or explore the snowy peaks of the Cordillera Real. The province's unique appeal lies in its stark contrasts: from the modern metropolis to timeless villages, from high-altitude plains to subtropical valleys, all infused with a rich tapestry of Aymara and Quechua traditions visible in colorful festivals, intricate textiles, and bustling witch markets selling ceremonial offerings.

Best time to visit La Paz

April to October (dry season) is ideal. Days are sunny and clear with minimal rain, perfect for outdoor activities, hiking, and sightseeing. May to July offer the coolest, most comfortable temperatures. The rainy season (November to March) brings afternoon showers, muddy trails, and potential travel disruptions. Major festivals like Alasitas (January) and Gran Poder (May/June) offer incredible cultural immersion but also mean crowded accommodations.

October

Now

Right now

Condition
Overcast
Temperature
9°
Feels like
8°
Humidity
87%
Wind
2 km/h
Precipitation
0 mm

Typical for October

Weather
Rainy 21-27°C

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Low

Wettest month

Weather from Open-Meteo

Know before you go

Getting there

TGU

Toncontín International Airport

International

80 km away

SAP

Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport

International

150 km away

Getting around

"The city's extensive network of cable cars (Mi Teleférico) is the most scenic and efficient way to traverse the city's dramatic topography, connecting key zones. Public minibuses (micros) and shared vans (trufis) are cheap but crowded and confusing for non-Spanish speakers. Official radio taxis (with phone numbers on the roof) are recommended; agree on a fare before departure or use the meter. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt operate reliably. Renting a car is not advised for navigating the chaotic city traffic and complex, steep roads."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

15 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Available in hotels and cafes in city

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Calling code

+591

Stay safe

Overall

7/10

Petty crime exists; use common sense.

Night safety

6/10

Petty crime exists; use common sense.

Transport

8/10

Scam risk

5/10

"Exercise increased caution due to petty crime. Be vigilant in crowded areas like markets, bus terminals, and on public transportation. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. Use registered radio taxis or ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt) rather than hailing cabs on the street. Common scams include fake police, distraction thefts, and overcharging taxis. The Sopocachi and Zona Sur neighborhoods are generally safer for tourists. Political demonstrations can occur; avoid large gatherings."

Entry and health

Health information

"Altitude sickness (soroche) is the primary health concern. Acclimatize for 1-2 days upon arrival, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and consider medication like acetazolamide. Public hospitals in La Paz city are available but private clinics (e.g., Hospital del Sur, Hospital Metropolitano) offer higher standards for travelers. Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date; Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever (if visiting lowland areas) are recommended. Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or purified water. The high UV index requires strong sunscreen."

Culture

Local customs

"Greet people with a handshake and a polite 'buenos días/tardes.' Respect is paramount; address elders and authorities formally. When visiting rural communities or markets, ask permission before taking photographs of people. Dress modestly, especially when entering churches. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated: 10% in sit-down restaurants if service isn't included, small change for taxi drivers, and a few bolivianos for guides and porters. Participate in or observe local festivals respectfully; they are deeply religious and cultural events."
SpanishAymaraQuechua

Costs and practicals

Currency

Bolivian Boliviano (BOB) · Bs

Cost level

Budget

Meals

$5 | a cheap local meal costs around $5

Hotels

$30-60 | budget hotels range $30-60/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

La Paz is affordable; mid-range options available.

Timezone

America/La_Paz -04:00 (GMT)

More facts

Population

2,900,000

Area

133,985 km²

Government

Departmental government with provinces and municipalities

ISO code

LP

Type

Province

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Ла Пас, லா பாஸ், Lapaz, Paxia, Ла Паз, Chuqiyapu, ลาปาซ, ላፓዝ, La Pasas, Λα Παζ, ला पाझ, La-Pazo, ლა-პასი, 拉巴斯, ला पास, لاباز, Ла-Пас, Municipio Nuestra Señora de La Paz, לא פאז, ラパス, La Pas, Nuestra Señora de La Paz, Լա Պաս, Lapasa, 라파스, Chuquiago Marka, לה פאס, لاپاز, لا پاز, La Paz, Viaca, Viacha, Viača, Vijacha, Wiyacha, bi ya cha, biacha, viacha, Вијача, ვიაჩა, ビアチャ, 比亞查, 비아차

Major HubHistoric CityHikingWaterfallsCulturalAdventureNature