La Paz, Bolivia

The Basilica of San Francisco in La Paz, Bolivia is a Catholic church that can be found right in the center of the city. It was originally founded in 1549, but the church took nearly thirty years to build and was finally completed in 1772. The Andean Baroque, or baroque mestizo, style architecture of the building is a visual display of the artistic movement that appeared and spread around the 17th century. A part of the church and convent was converted into a museum and is filled with exhibits and artifacts for visitors to peruse and learn about the history of the church as well as La Paz.

Basilica of San Francisco, Address: Sagarnaga 173, La Paz, Bolivia, Phone: +591-69-86-37-49

Cholitas Wrestling is a one-of-a-kind event that has become popular with locals and tourists in more recent years. The sport of Bolivian women battling it out in colorful costumes and displaying enthusiastic acrobatic antics is loosely based on the World Wrestling Federation as well as Mexico’s famous Lucha Libre. The unusual attraction is often bizarre and crazy but can also be empowering and hilarious. The shows are so entertaining, and the audience is often pulled in to be a part of the act. You won't be disappointed so be sure to check it out when in La Paz.

Cholitas Wrestling, Address: Calle 4 Villa Dolores entre y, M, Sempertegui, La Paz, Constantino D. Medina, El Alto, Bolivia, Phone: +591-77-29-45-90

Recommended Activities for Families

Teleferico La Paz-El Alto is a gondola lift that was built as part of La Paz’s public transit system but is often used by tourists as a way of seeing a stunning aerial view of the city and its surroundings.

The aerial cable car system began operating in 2014 and has grown to have over 10 lines and 30 stations. At one point it was considered the longest aerial cable car system in the world and has won several awards over the years including in the category of “Sustainable Urban Development and Mobility”. The teleferico is a great way for you to avoid traffic, get around the city, and take in some breathtaking views of La Paz. Map

Plaza Murillo is the central plaza within the center of La Paz. It has a strong political presence for the entire country of Bolivia and is surrounded with prominent buildings such as the National Congress of Bolivia, the Cathedral of La Paz, and the Presidential Palace. While there, be sure to keep an eye out for the clock on the National Congress of Bolivia as it uniquely runs anti-clockwise. The plaza was designed by Juan Gutierrez Paniagua in 1558 and still displays several key decor and architectural aspects that reflects that time. It’s a wonderful place to explore and definitely worth stopping by during your vacation in Bolivia.

Plaza Murillo, Address: Socabaya, La Paz, Bolivia

Attractions for Couples

Mirador Kili Kili is best known for having one of the best viewpoints of the city. It is a common rendezvous point for couples looking for a romantic space to spend a few hours taking in the view and maybe enjoy a picnic. Though the view is amazing in the daytime, it is even more breathtaking at night; the panorama of the city lights up brilliantly against the backdrop of the towering mountain and the night sky. If you go with a guide, you’ll be able to learn all about Kili Kili’s historic past as a place once used by the indigenous people of Bolivia to keep track of the Spanish settlement of La Paz. You’ll also be able to see famous landmarks such as the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace or the Hernando Siles Olympic Stadium from there.

Mirador Kili Kili, Address: Av. la Bandera, La Paz, Bolivia

Experience the rush of your life with Urban Rush in La Paz, Bolivia. These rope adventures provide an exhilarating experience that you will treasure forever. You can scale down the wall of their building, Spider-Man style, or use a traditional rappel/ abseil seated method in a Mission Impossible-like stunt. No experience is necessary as the highly-trained guides put you in state-of-the-art equipment, train you, and take you through practice runs to prepare you for your adventure. You’ll be able to jump off the building from the 17th floor, where you can take in the spectacular views of the city as you plunge toward busy traffic below.

Urban Rush, Address: Potosi #920, La Paz, Bolivia, Phone: +591-76-29-72-22

Take the most perfect panoramic view of La Paz from Mirador Laikakota. The popular lookout point and park is visited often by locals as well as tourists because of all there is to see and do. It is one of the oldest parks in the city and you can get to it by either walking along a series of boardwalks or riding a cable car from the center of the city. Once you get there, you’ll be amazed by the view before you of the city of La Paz and the towering snow-covered mountain of Illimani behind it. After admiring the views of downtown La Paz, the surrounding neighborhood, and the gorgeous mountainous backdrop, then spend some time checking out some of the other features and amenities at the lookout point. These include children’s parks, numerous rides, a giant chessboard, a cafe, walking and jogging paths, bike lanes, sports fields, an open-air theater, and much more.

Mirador Laikakota, Address: La Paz, Bolivia, Bolivia

Calle Jaen is one of the most finely conserved colonial streets in all of La Paz. It is located near Plaza Murrilo and is so full of charm and details which represent historic La Paz. You’ll see the cobblestoned streets lined with colorful plastered houses which date back to the 18th century. Each of these are filled with architectural details which add to the quaint charisma of the neighborhood. Calle Jean is also home to a number of restaurants, bars, shops, and museums; be sure to visit interesting museums such as the Museo de Instrumentos Musicales, the Museo Casa de Murillo, and the Museo de Metales Preciosos.

Calle Jaen, Address: Jaén, La Paz Zona 10, Bolivia

Where to Eat

The Gustu Restaurant in La Paz provides their patrons with a daring and provocative gastronomic menu that will surely make your taste buds dance with delight. Your best option is to try out one of their tasting menus which is filled with all of the chef’s greatest culinary concoctions. All of the dishes are created using authentic ingredients, unusual products, and an array of flavors. One of the restaurant’s sommelier pros can expertly pair your tasting menu with a delicious drink option that will accompany it perfectly. Try something completely unique off of their ala carte menu such as the ostrich tartar, the llama with Andean tubers, or the trout with sriracha.

Address: Ave Costanera 10, La Paz, Bolivia, Phone: +591-22-11-74-91

Try delicious creations showcasing the best of Swiss tradition from the expert kitchen staff at Chalet La Suisse. The restaurant has been open for over thirty years, welcoming local and visiting patrons in La Paz who want to have an intimate dinner with their loved ones. The Swiss owner, Markus Ruegg, wanted to show the people of Bolivia the gastronomic side of his country. Some of their popular main courses are the homemade Swiss pasta sautéed with mushrooms and vegetables, lobster tail served with gourmet cumin potatoes, and the flavorful pig with a potato and carrot puree.

Chalet La Suisse, Address: Av Muñoz Reyes, La Paz, Bolivia, Phone: +591-22-79-31-60