La Paz is a city unlike any other. Nestled high in the Bolivian Andes at over 3,500 metres above sea level, it quite literally takes your breath away. But beyond the altitude, it’s a place that captivates with its culture, history, and one of the most incredible urban transport systems in the world the Mi Teleférico cable cars.
We only had a couple of days in La Paz, but if time had allowed, we could have easily stayed longer. Between soaring above the city in its famous cable cars and diving into the history and traditions on foot, our time in Bolivia’s de facto capital was short but unforgettable.
La Paz’s cable car system isn’t just a tourist attraction, it’s the world’s highest and largest network of urban cable cars, transforming the way people move around this chaotic yet beautiful city. For a few Bolivianos, literally pence you can hop in a gondola and glide above sprawling markets, colonial buildings, and the dramatic Andean landscape.
We rode several lines, each offering a new perspective on the city. The Red Line took us over the tightly packed houses of El Alto, where markets sprawled endlessly below. The Yellow Line provided breathtaking views of the snow capped Illimani Mountain, a constant guardian over La Paz. The efficiency, affordability, and sheer fun of this transport system make it a must do experience. Plus, it’s an easy way to get around without battling the chaotic streets below.
While the cable cars gave us a bird’s eye view, our walking tour brought La Paz to life at street level. Our explained the Witches’ Market (Mercado de las Brujas), where stalls overflowed with medicinal herbs, talismans, and the infamous dried llama fetuses offerings for Pachamama (Mother Earth). Here, traditional Andean beliefs merge seamlessly with Catholicism, a reminder of Bolivia’s deeply blended spiritual history.
We also learned about the way Bolivian women dress to impress fertility. The cholitas, indigenous women dressed in wide skirts (polleras), embroidered shawls, and bowler hats, wear their attire with pride and purpose. Their bowler hats, originally introduced by the British in the 1920s, are positioned at different angles to signal relationship status perched straight for married women, tilted for those who are single. It’s a fascinating expression of culture, history, and identity.
La Paz is a city where the past and present coexist in a way that seems unnatural but it works for them. Spanish colonial influences blend with deep rooted Andean traditions, and you see it everywhere from the architecture to the street art, to the way people greet each other with a mix of Catholic and indigenous blessings.
Our time in La Paz was short, but it left a lasting impression. The combination of soaring above the city in cable cars, walking through its vibrant streets, and discovering its cultural layers made it one of the most intriguing places we’ve visited.
If you’re planning a trip to Bolivia, don’t make the mistake of thinking La Paz is just a quick stopover. Give it time, breathe in the altitude (slowly), and let the city’s magic unfold around you. We certainly wish we had more time here.
