La Paz is the city of Spectacular Views!
Being perched high up in the Andes mountains but also within a valley, La Paz offers the best and unforgettable lookouts in South America. The city center exists lower down in a large valley and the surrounding parts of the city are constructed on the elevated hillsides. La Paz feels like you’re in an amphitheater or stadium. This characteristic of La Paz offers travelers spectacular views of the city and the Andes mountains.
La Paz offers the best and unforgettable lookouts that should not be missed! The best way to climb to these lookouts would be to take the Teleferico cable car system or take a taxi. As these lookouts will be elevated and exposed to the wind, we recommend bringing a jacket, gloves and beanie! The best lookouts in La Paz are as follows.
The Best and Unforgettable Lookout of Killi Killi
Located close to the city center of La Paz, mirador ‘Killi Killi’ offers elevated panoramic and close views of La Paz. In our opinion, it’s the best lookout in La Paz and should not be missed! Mirador Killi Killi will give you insights about how the city of La Paz is designed and the lives of its residents.
The best way to get to the Killi Killi lookout would be to take a taxi. From the city center, near Plaza Murillo for example, a taxi would only take 10 minutes to arrive. There are no teleferico stations nearby in walking distance so a taxi would be best. This lookout is a public space so there’s no entrance fee.
In front of the lookout offers fantastic views of the city center. Looking further up offers views towards El Alto and the Altiplano (high tablelands). Looking to your left offers sensational views of Miraflores and Hernando Siles Stadium. Furthermore, on a clear day you will get an amazing view of La Paz’s most iconic snow-capped symbol, Illimani. Looking right will bring Plaza Murillo and the Bolivian Government buildings into view.
The Best time to View the Killi Killi Lookouts
In our opinion, the best time of day to come would be an hour or so before sunset on a clear day. This is what we did. Experience the best and unforgettable views during the last bit of sunlight. These conditions will highlight the contrasting colors of the modern city, the traditional red brick building on the hillsides and the majestic snow-capped Illimani. Then experience the transition from day to night. Watch the beautiful sunset colors make way for the city lights of La Paz take hold of the night!
Killi Killi lookout is also a great spot to launch a drone. From this elevated viewpoint, great shots can be made, offering spectacular insights into La Paz. There is restricted No-Fly Zone towards Plaza Murillo, where all the Government buildings are. Overall, Killi Killi lookout is a great place to relax and take in the broad perspective. It’s close to the city and in our opinion it’s a place you have to visit during your time in La Paz!
La Paz’s New and Unforgettable Hollywood Inspiration!
Recently opened in July 2025, the “Letters of La Paz” lookout offers sensational views of the city and surrounding mountain landscapes. Located high up in the Cotahuma district of La Paz, next to El Alto, the new lookout is one of the best and unforgettable views you can experience. It appears to have been inspired by the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles. It’s visible from various parts of the city below both in the day and illuminated in various colors by night!
One of the first observations I made about the lookout was the peace and serenity this unforgettable place offers. It’s a fantastic place to chill out and take a break from the hustle and action of the La Paz city below. Arriving at the lookout you will be standing right next to the letters. Stepping forward from here, the best and unforgettable panoramic view of La Paz will be presented. On a clear day of course, you can see the entirety of La Paz and its famous mountains like Illimani, Huayna Potosi and Cerro Mururata.
To the side of the lookout there’s a short track to a park where there’s alternative viewpoint. I found it to be very chilled and relaxed, If there are many people at the letters, it may be a better alternative to take in this unforgettable view.
I recommend you bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses as there is little shade at the lookout site. I found this out the hard way, as I got badly sunburnt on my visit! Being at a higher altitude than the city, it can get cold and windy here. Warm clothing is a must, especially at night. A digital camera with a telephoto lens would also be a great idea to bring. I brought my DJ mini 3 drone to the lookout. It provided some unforgettable shots of the city and its surrounding natural landscape. Be aware that El Alto International airport approach and take off path is close by. Be sure to abide by airspace restrictions when operating your drone.
Keep in mind about the opening hours of the lookout are from 10:00 to 20:00 each day. Some days the lookout may be temporarily closed for special events (this happened the first time I went). To get here, I strongly recommended getting a taxi as it’s not easy to find. There’s limited parking for cars as well. One option is to get on the yellow teleferico line and get off at “Buenos Aires” station. From here get a taxi to the lookout. Then you could return to the “Buenos Aires” yellow station and continue your journey on the teleferico to El Alto markets.
More Unforgettable Lookouts of La Paz
To enjoy more views to the South, head for a lookout called “Tupac Katari“. Its located higher and little further South of the Letters of La Paz. This lookout offers extended views to South. The best and most unforgettable views of Illimani can be found here on a clear day. You will also get an appreciation of LaPaz’s unique topography and its diverse colors. The best time to go would be in the late afternoon around 2 hours before sunset. La Paz’s natural colors are enhanced by the afternoon sun. Alternatively, if you’re an early riser, an unforgettable sunrise will present itself by looking towards the East.
Very close by there is another unforgettable lookout called “Virgen Blanca” (White Virgin). It offers very similar views of Illimani. It’s located on the fringes of El Alto in a pleasant park with several trees a giant white triangular statue of the Virgin Mary.
You will need a taxi to get to the Tupac Katari and White Virgin lookouts, so use Google maps to guide the driver.
Best Views at Bavillian Lookout
Another lookout that’s worth the effort to find is Ballivian Lookout. Located in more North-Westerly direction from central La Paz, it offers a different city perspective. The view looks down the valley over the La Paz city and simultaneously offers mountain views of Illimani and Mururata. Personally, this was my favorite view of La Paz and is well worth the effort! To get here you’ll need a taxi. Alternatively, you could get on the teleferico blue line and get off at “Plaza Libertad” station. From here it’s a 15-minute walk to the lookout.
There are many other lookouts in the La Paz area we are keen to discover. As we find more unforgettable lookouts, we will post the details here on this blog! Or feel free to post in the comments section about any lookouts you find!
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