The Amazing Natural and Cultural Experiences of La Paz

Any Bolivian Travel Experience has to include a trip to La Paz, the cultural and political capital of Bolivia. At an altitude of 3600m, this city will take your breath away both literally and for the travel experiences it offers. The city offers fantastic natural and cultural experiences. There are amazing mountain views, Andean cultural events and many interesting foods to try. Visiting La Paz is a unique experience which you won’t forget!

Start your Experience in Central La Paz

Start your La Paz experience in central La Paz, at the Plaza Mayor de San Francisco. The grand public square is a meeting place for the citizens of La Paz. Many food stalls are set up here cooking many of Bolivia’s traditional foods. Also, many street performances are presented here. It serves as a great starting place to explore La Paz. Many important tourist sites are located close proximity and are easily walkable.

Discover the Basilica of San Francisco

Located adjacent to the Plaza lies the Basilica of San Francisco, one of La Paz’s most famous landmarks. Building commenced around 1743, and by 1758, the main structure was completed. Later in 1885, construction of the tower began which built what we see today.

The basilica can be entered as regular mases are celebrated here. However, at times it gets overcrowded during important religious dates. It also has a museum inside which has preserved several pieces of historical art. The museum showcases the history of La Paz and its important events.

It is open Monday to Saturday, 0900 to 1800, closed Sundays. Tickets are 20 bs for foreigners, 10 bs for Bolivian citizens and 5 bs for children and the elderly.

Explore the Witches Market (Mercardo de las Brujas)

Just a short walk and a little bit uphill you will find the Witches Market, a vibrant display of local Aymara traditions and spiritual beliefs. From the plaza of San Francisco enter Santa Cruz Street until you arrive at the Calle de las Brujas (on your left side).

You can also enter Sagarnaga Street from the Plaza of San Francisco. The Witches Market will be the second street from the plaza (on the right side).

Of particular interest would be baby llama fetuses that are offered for sale. On face value this may seem inhumane, but they are deeply connected to Andean cultural beliefs. The fetuses are used in rituals honoring ‘Pachamama’ or Mother Earth. Ch’alla ceremonies take place to ask for blessings from Pachamama. Locals perform these ceremonies when building a new home, starting a business or when generally seeking good luck for the future.

Delve into the History of the Coca Leaf

Adjacent to the Witches’ Market lies the Coca Museum. This museum delves into the history and cultural significance of the Coca plant. The coca plant can be legally grown in Bolivia and the coca plant leaves are widely used in Bolivian society. Coca tea is consumed often with the leaves adding flavor.

It is very common for Bolivians to chew coca leaves. They form a ball inside their mouth touching their cheek and suck on the leaves. Many Bolivians believe chewing coca leaves helps to deal with altitude sickness and fatigue whilst working long hours.

The museum is open from Monday to Saturday 1000 to 1800, closed Sunday. There is also an associated cafe where you can drink coca tea and eat food. The cafe is open from 1000-1230 and from 1330 to 1900 Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday.

Immerse Yourself at the Heart of the Bolivian Government

Centrally located, just a short 10-minute walk from the plaza de San Francisco you will encounter the core of Bolivian political system. Surrounding the plaza is Bolivia’s political establishment, most notably the Government Palace (Casa Grande del Pueblo), Cathedral of La Paz and the Legislative Assembly of Bolivia.

Plaza Murillo is Bolivia’s most famous plaza and is a great place to relax and reflect on your Bolivian Travel Experience. The plaza is also great for people watching, as it is filled with locals and tourist alike. Sharing the plaza are the numerous local pigeons which can be fed by buying seeds from nearby vendors! They also sell drinks and food that are available for yourself!

The centerpiece of the plaza is a statue honoring the legacy of Pedro Domingo Murillo, a Bolivian independence revolutionary. Murillo was seen as the voice of the Bolivian Independence movement against the Spanish in the early 19th Century. For his actions he was hanged in the Plaza Murillo in 1810 by the Spanish loyalists. Once Bolivia gained its independence from Spain, this statue was built in his honor.