According to tourists who visited the Department of La Paz, the must-do activities on a first visit are: 1. Visit the city of La Paz, known as the 'Wonderful City' for its unique geography, with recommended access via its cable car network (Mi Teleférico) and an average altitude of 3,650 meters. 2. Explore Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, at an altitude of 3,810 meters, accessible by bus to Copacabana and then by ferry to the islands. 3. Discover Tiwanaku, a pre-Columbian archaeological site and cradle of Andean civilizations, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, accessible by bus or organized tour. 4. Stroll through the Valley of the Moon, a desert landscape with unique clay and sandstone geological formations, accessible by public transport or taxi. 5. The suggested itinerary is to dedicate the first day to the city of La Paz, the second to Tiwanaku and the Valley of the Moon, and if time allows, a day to Lake Titicaca. It is recommended to take precautions against altitude sickness.
The top-rated activities by tourists in the Department of La Paz are: 1. Ride the Cable Car (Mi Teleférico), an urban system that offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and the mountains, being the longest in the world. 2. Bike down the Death Road, a route of approximately 64 km with a significant drop, very popular among adventure tourists. 3. Explore the Witches' Market, a traditional market in downtown La Paz where herbs, amulets, and traditional Andean medicine objects are sold. 4. Go trekking in the Royal Mountain Range, including peaks like Huayna Potosí (6,088 m) and Illimani, a destination for climbers and hiking enthusiasts. 5. Visit Copacabana and Lake Titicaca, an important pilgrimage center and the highest navigable lake in the world.
From the Department of La Paz, the following day trips can be made: 1. Tiwanaku: 72 km away (about 1.5 hours), an archaeological site considered the cradle of Andean civilizations, accessible by organized tours or buses. 2. Valley of the Moon: 10 km away (about 30 minutes), a desert landscape with unique clay and sandstone geological formations, accessible by public transport or taxis. 3. Copacabana and Lake Titicaca (Isla del Sol): 150 km away (about 3.5 - 4 hours by bus), exploring the town, its basilica, and navigating the lake considered the highest in the world. 4. Coroico: 110 km away (about 3 hours by bus or car), a town in the Yungas known for its subtropical climate, green landscapes, and waterfalls, offering a climatic contrast to La Paz.
To visit the main attractions of the Department of La Paz, it is recommended to spend between 3 and 7 days. A minimum visit of 3 days allows you to see the essentials of the city and a nearby excursion. 5 days allow for a more relaxed exploration of the city, visiting Tiwanaku, the Valley of the Moon, and having an experience at Lake Titicaca. A stay of 7 days or more allows for including adventure activities like the Death Road or trekking in the Royal Mountain Range, as well as exploring the Yungas. Altitude and distances between attractions are factors to consider.
The high season is from June to August, with dry, sunny, and cold weather (temperatures between 0°C and 15°C), ideal for outdoor activities but with high prices. The low season is from December to March, with rainy weather and milder temperatures (5°C to 18°C), offering prices up to 30% lower. The ideal season is from April to May and from September to October, with a balance of good weather (2°C to 17°C), lower tourist influx, and moderate prices.
Traveling to the Department of La Paz has a moderate cost level. The local currency is the BOB (approximately 6.9 BOB per 1 USD). A daily budget for backpackers ranges from 25 to 40 USD, for a mid-range traveler from 50 to 80 USD, and for a comfort traveler from 100 to 150 USD. Reference costs are: average restaurant meal between 6 and 10 USD, budget meal between 2 and 4 USD, public transport between 0.29 and 0.72 USD per trip, average attraction entry between 4 and 15 USD, budget accommodation per night between 7 and 15 USD, and mid-range accommodation per night between 29 and 72 USD. An estimated budget for 5 days is 250-400 USD per person.
Free attractions include Plaza Murillo, the Witches' Market, Killi Killi Viewpoint, and a stroll through the Old Town (Calle Jaén). Free Walking Tours are offered in the historic center with voluntary tips. The ride on the Cable Car (Mi Teleférico) costs 3 BOB (approximately 0 USD) per trip. Entry to the Valley of the Moon costs 30 BOB (approximately 4 USD). Entry to Tiwanaku for foreigners is 150 BOB (approximately 22 USD). For guided tours, Tur.com highlights: Paseo en Teleférico (Mi Teleférico) from USD 0.43, Entrada al Valle de la Luna from USD 4.35, Entrada a Tiwanaku from USD 21.74, Tour de Aventura en Bicicleta "El Camino de la Muerte" from USD 55.
