La Paz & El Alto: Hidden Gems and Local Life
Tour description
Explore La Paz & El Alto beyond the beaten path on an authentic and thoughtfully curated local experience led by a passionate paceña who is deeply in love with her city.
This walking tour is ideal for travelers who want more than highlights — for those interested in understanding daily life, customs, quality of life, history, and the social dynamics that shape La Paz and El Alto today. Expect context, stories, and insights you won’t find in guidebooks.
We’ll begin at Plaza España in Sopocachi, La Paz’s bohemian neighborhood, starting from one of the city’s most scenic viewpoints. Along the way, you’ll hear local stories, historical context, and practical insights that will help you orient yourself in the city — especially useful if you’ve just arrived.
Next, we’ll ride the iconic Mi Teleférico cable car, an essential part of everyday life in La Paz and one of the most impressive urban transport systems in the world. From above, we’ll enjoy breathtaking views while learning about the relationship between La Paz and El Alto, stopping to explore less-visited areas and hidden gems that reveal the city’s true character.
📍 Cable car ticket: 9 BOB in small change (total).
On Thursdays and Sundays, we’ll also take a short walk through El Alto’s famous flea market, adding approximately 10 extra minutes to the tour.
After the cable car ride, we’ll continue through La Paz’s historic center, focusing on architecture, late history, and current social and political context. To truly enjoy this city, you need to understand how it works — just like a local.
We’ll conclude by walking through the touristic district, where, beyond souvenir shopping, you’ll learn about Andean beliefs, traditions, and rituals, and how paceños keep their culture alive in modern urban life.
⏰ Please note: We wait 5 minutes at the meeting point before starting. If you arrive late, contact the guide to receive the group’s live location.
