How to Plan Your First Trip to La Paz: Districts, Altitude, and Transit

Understanding the Canyon Layout

La Paz sits inside a steep valley bowl beneath Mount Illimani. El Alto occupies the high plateau at the canyon rim. Below lies the historic core around El Centro and San Pedro. Further down and noticeably warmer, Sopocachi offers a green, bohemian neighborhood, while Zona Sur sits at the lowest elevation in the valley.

Getting In and Around

Flights arrive at El Alto International Airport (LPB) on the plateau. Take an authorized airport taxi directly down into the city to reach a lower sleeping altitude. For getting around, use Mi Teleférico, the aerial cable car system connecting El Alto, Centro, and Zona Sur above street traffic. For surface trips, rely on dispatched radio taxis rather than flagging unmarked cars.

First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid

• Pushing through altitude sickness: Arriving at high elevation strains your body. Dedicate your first day to rest, stay hydrated, and sleep in lower districts like Sopocachi or Zona Sur.
• Walking uphill: Steep streets will quickly exhaust you. Use cable cars to ascend and save walking for flat or downhill routes.
• Drinking untreated tap water: Use sealed bottled or filtered water, even when brushing teeth.

A Sensible Trip Sequence

Spend your first 48 hours resting and taking in views from the cable car lines. Explore flat areas around Plaza Murillo and the Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) at an easy pace.

Leave strenuous day trips—such as Tiwanaku, Valle de la Luna, or Lake Titicaca—for later in your visit once your body has adapted to the thin air.