La Paz
Go to La Paz for a city built into a canyon at about 3,600 meters, with street markets, a cable car network and mountain views over the Andes.
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La Paz is the seat of government of Bolivia, in the western part of the country, where the Andes drop into a deep canyon. The city sits at about 3,600 meters (11,800 feet), so the air holds less oxygen and the first day is usually harder. The neighborhoods climb the canyon walls. Above the rim, El Alto is a separate city linked to La Paz by a cable car network. Within the city, the Witches' Market sells dried llama fetuses, herbs and charms used in Andean rituals, and the Plaza Murillo area holds the main government buildings and the cathedral.
La Paz suits travelers who want street markets, Andean food and easy day trips, such as to the Moon Valley on the edge of town. Plan at least two or three days, and give yourself a slower first day to adjust to the altitude. The dry season, roughly May to October, brings clearer skies and better views of the peaks, while December to March is the rainy season, with afternoon storms.
La Paz in five
- Rest the first day at altitudeAt about 3,600 m, altitude often causes breathlessness or a headache on day one. Walk slowly, drink water and skip alcohol until you have adjusted.
- Ride Mi Teleférico across the steep cityThe cable car lines link El Alto with the city center and cut out long climbs between the hilltop districts and the center.Getting around
- Carry small bolivianos in cashMicro buses, market stalls and small cafés often cannot change large notes. Keep coins and small bills for fares and snacks.Money and costs
- Set up an eSIM before you landMaps, ride-hailing and bank apps are easier with mobile data from the airport. Set one up before you leave home so you are not hunting for a shop at altitude.Phones and eSIM
- Dress in layers for sun and coldThe sun is strong at this height, but nights are cold and temperatures drop quickly after dark. Pack a warm layer and a hat that shades your face.
Things to do in La Paz
See all attractions in La Paz
Need to know
- Currency
- Boliviano (BOB)
- Entry
- Visa rules depend on passport; check before you book
- Emergency
- 110 police, 119 fire, 118 ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected; rounding up is welcome
- Time
- UTC-4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Rainy days
- Days with storms
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryRain24 rainy daysHigh13°Low5°Heavy rainJanuaryRain
Poor
- High
- 13°
- Low
- 5°
- Precipitation
- 161 mm
- Rainy days
- 24
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Heavy rain
- FebruaryRain23 rainy daysHigh12°Low4°Heavy rainFebruaryRain
Poor
- High
- 12°
- Low
- 4°
- Precipitation
- 146 mm
- Rainy days
- 23
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Heavy rain
- MarchRain25 rainy daysHigh12°Low4°Rains easingMarchRain
Mixed
- High
- 12°
- Low
- 4°
- Precipitation
- 155 mm
- Rainy days
- 25
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rains easing
- AprilRain15 rainy daysHigh13°Low3°Rains endingAprilRain
Mixed
- High
- 13°
- Low
- 3°
- Precipitation
- 70 mm
- Rainy days
- 15
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Rains ending
- MayPartly cloudy7 rainy daysHigh13°Low2°Dry, sunnyMayPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 13°
- Low
- 2°
- Precipitation
- 33 mm
- Rainy days
- 7
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, sunny
- JuneClear3 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh12°Low0°Dry, cold nightsJuneClear
Best
- High
- 12°
- Low
- 0°
- Precipitation
- 10 mm
- Rainy days
- 3
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 1
Dry, cold nights
- JulyClear3 rainy daysHigh12°Low0°Dry, cold nightsJulyClear
Best
- High
- 12°
- Low
- 0°
- Precipitation
- 11 mm
- Rainy days
- 3
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Dry, cold nights
- AugustPartly cloudy5 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh13°Low1°Dry, sunnyAugustPartly cloudy
Best
- High
- 13°
- Low
- 1°
- Precipitation
- 20 mm
- Rainy days
- 5
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 1
Dry, sunny
- SeptemberRain12 rainy days2 days with stormsHigh13°Low2°Dry, warmingSeptemberRain
Best
- High
- 13°
- Low
- 2°
- Precipitation
- 47 mm
- Rainy days
- 12
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 2
Dry, warming
- OctoberRain17 rainy days2 days with stormsHigh14°Low3°Dry, warmerOctoberRain
Good
- High
- 14°
- Low
- 3°
- Precipitation
- 76 mm
- Rainy days
- 17
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 2
Dry, warmer
- NovemberRain16 rainy days2 days with stormsHigh14°Low4°Rains beginNovemberRain
Mixed
- High
- 14°
- Low
- 4°
- Precipitation
- 83 mm
- Rainy days
- 16
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 2
Rains begin
- DecemberRain23 rainy days3 days with stormsHigh13°Low5°Rainy seasonDecemberRain
Poor
- High
- 13°
- Low
- 5°
- Precipitation
- 132 mm
- Rainy days
- 23
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 3
Rainy season
Average daily high and low in La Paz, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in La Paz
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
18
- Feels like
- 13°
- Humidity
- 31%
- Wind
- 16 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 94%
La Paz
04:37 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today19°1°94%Monday: Drizzle. High 19°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 94%.
- Tue18°5°100%Tuesday: Rain. High 18°, Low 5°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed19°4°65%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 19°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 65%.
- Thu20°3°55%Thursday: Rain. High 20°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 55%.
- Fri18°4°67%Friday: Drizzle. High 18°, Low 4°. Chance of rain 67%.
- Sat19°2°75%Saturday: Drizzle. High 19°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 75%.
- Sun17°3°76%Sunday: Drizzle. High 17°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 76%.
Updated 12:56 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 12.1 BOB
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Tiwanakuabout 1.5 hours by roadPre-Inca ruins with large carved stone monoliths and temple mounds.
- Copacabanaabout 3 to 4 hours by roadA lakeside town on Lake Titicaca with a basilica and boats to the islands.
- Valle de la Lunaabout 30 to 40 min by taxiEroded clay pinnacles on the edge of the city, easy to reach for an afternoon.
Before you go to La Paz
Rules for La Paz, checked
- Coca leaves are legal in Bolivia, but many countries ban them. Do not pack coca leaves or products for a flight out; check the rules of your next destination first.
- Visa rules depend on your passport. Check entry requirements with the Bolivian consulate or foreign ministry before you book.
- Dial 110 for police, 119 for fire and 118 for an ambulance anywhere in Bolivia.
- Check with Bolivian cultural authorities before you buy archaeological objects or antiques, since exporting cultural property is restricted.
Plan around La Paz
Routes, regions and the wider country around the capital
Read the guideGetting around La PazCable cars, buses, taxis and airport transfers
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, cards and what a day in La Paz costs
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules to check for your passport before you book
Read the guideWhere to stayHotels and guesthouses by district, with what each one suits
Read the guideLa Paz FAQ
Is La Paz worth visiting?
Yes, for the markets, the cable cars and the views over a city built into a bowl of hills. Spend at least two days, and keep the first one slow at altitude.
How high is La Paz?
The city center sits at about 3,600 m, and El Alto airport is higher still. Rest the first day, keep water close and avoid heavy meals and alcohol until you feel settled.
How do you get from El Alto airport to La Paz?
Take a registered taxi or a bus, and ask your hotel what it recommends. The cable car network also links El Alto with the city, but it is slower with heavy bags.
How many days do you need in La Paz?
Two to three days cover the center, the markets and the Valle de la Luna, with time to acclimatize. Add a day for Tiwanaku if you want the ruins.
Is Tiwanaku worth a day trip from La Paz?
Yes, if you like archaeology. The road trip is long, so plan a full day and allow time to walk the site rather than rushing through it.