←Bolivia travel guide
La Paz Department, Bolivia
La Paz
The world's highest seat of government, cradled by Andean peaks
AdventureCultureScenic Views
La Paz sprawls across a dramatic canyon carved into the Bolivian Altiplano at over 3,500 metres, its terracotta rooftops spilling down steep hillsides towards a modern city centre of wide boulevards and bustling markets. Cable cars thread between the canyon floor and the satellite city of El Alto above, offering sweeping views of the snow-capped Illimani volcano that watches over the city to the south.
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Best time to visit
April to October (dry season)
Region
La Paz Department
Main airport
La Paz (LPB)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from La Paz
UNESCO World HeritageHistory
Tiwanaku
Located roughly 70 kilometres west of La Paz near the southern shore of Lake Titicaca, Tiwanaku is a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised as the spiritual and political centre of the pre-Columbian Tiwanaku civilisation, which reached its height between 500 and 900 AD. Monumental stone structures including the Kalasasaya temple compound, the Akapana pyramid, and the iconic Gate of the Sun with its carved solar deity attest to a sophisticated urban culture that once dominated a wide swathe of the southern Andes. The on-site museum houses ceramics, textiles, and stone carvings that bring the civilisation's scale and artistry into focus.
Nature
Madidi National Park
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around La Paz
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Bolivia
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Bolivia page at Yoogo.
Bolivia's currency is the boliviano (BOB), and US dollars are also widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels, and larger restaurants. Card payments are becoming more common in cities such as La Paz, Sucre, and Santa Cruz, but cash remains essential in smaller towns, markets, and rural areas, so it is advisable to carry a supply of bolivianos.
Bolivia is generally a rewarding destination for travellers who take sensible precautions, with the majority of visits passing without incident. Petty theft and opportunistic crime occur in busy markets and city centres, and some regions see periodic political demonstrations that can disrupt transport. Check your government's current travel advisory before departure for the most up-to-date information.
Bolivia has an extensive network of long-distance buses connecting major cities, and domestic flights between La Paz, Santa Cruz, Sucre, and Cochabamba save considerable time on long routes. In cities, taxis and ride-hailing apps such as InDriver are widely used, while cable cars (teleferico) provide a useful and scenic alternative in La Paz.
The dry season from May to October is generally the most popular time to visit, offering clear skies, stable road conditions, and the best conditions for trekking, visiting the salt flats, and exploring Lake Titicaca. The wet season from November to March brings lush landscapes and the famous mirror-effect on the Salar de Uyuni but can make remote roads impassable, particularly in the Amazon lowlands.
Spanish is the dominant language spoken by around 84 per cent of the population and is the most useful language for travellers. Quechua and Aymara are widely spoken across the Andean highlands, and you will frequently hear them alongside Spanish in markets and rural communities. English is limited outside upmarket hotels and specialist tour operators, so a working knowledge of basic Spanish makes a significant practical difference.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers aged one year and older entering Bolivia, particularly if visiting lowland areas below approximately 2,300 metres east of the Andes. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine immunisations are also widely recommended, and malaria prophylaxis is advised for travel to Amazonian lowland regions. The high altitude of the Andean cities, including La Paz at over 3,500 metres, means that acclimatisation time and awareness of altitude sickness symptoms are important considerations, so consult a travel health specialist well before departure.