Why visit
La Paz is Bolivia's seat of government at 3,640 m, where the Mi Teleférico cable-car network doubles as public transit and sightseeing. Witches' Market stalls, cholita wrestling, and Valle de la Luna sit inside city limits.
How to use this result
Use it as a travel-city prompt
La Paz is included because it has traveler appeal beyond being a dot on the map. Use the themes, neighborhoods, notes, and season guidance to decide whether it fits a weekend, longer route, or writing prompt.
Build a realistic route
For a real trip, check how La Paz connects with nearby cities, airports, rail or bus routes, local costs, weather, and entry rules for Bolivia.
La Paz at a glance
City population
770k
Metro: 2.0 million
Elevation
3,640 m
11,942 ft
Time zone
UTC-4
America/La_Paz
Airport
LPB
El Alto International (4,061m: one of the world's highest)
Founded
1548
Getting around
Mi Teleférico (10 lines, world's longest cable-car urban transit system) + minibuses
Signature dish
Salteña, anticucho, pique macho, silpancho, api morado (drink)
Neighborhoods for travelers
SopocachiSan PedroZona SurPlaza MurilloMercado de las Brujas
Bolivia at a glance
Country center
-17.0°, -65.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
1,098,581 km²
424,164 mi²
Country population
12.4 million
11/km²
Subregion
South America
Currency
Bolivian boliviano (Bs.)
BOB
Dial
+591
Languages
Aymara, Guaraní, Quechua
Demonym
Bolivian
Internet
.bo
UN
Member state
ISO code
BO / BOL
Where in the world
-17.0° - -65.0°
Bolivia
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- La Paz is the highest capital city in the world: the administrative center sits at 3,640m.
- El Alto, La Paz's twin city, has the world's highest commercial airport at 4,061m.
- Mi Teleférico, the urban cable-car system, is the world's longest urban cable transport: a necessity, not a tourist attraction.
- Bolivia has two capitals: Sucre (constitutional) and La Paz (seat of government).
- La Paz is the highest capital on earth: 3,640 m. It is higher than the summit of Mt. Washington.
Bordering Bolivia
Traveler notes
- Ride the red and yellow teleférico lines for the full canyon panorama
- Acclimatize a day or two before any trek. The altitude is real
- Day-trips reach Valle de la Luna and Chacaltaya
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about La Paz
What currency is used in La Paz?
La Paz uses the Bolivian boliviano (Bs.), ISO code BOB.
What languages are spoken in Bolivia?
The primary languages are Aymara, Guaraní and Quechua.
What is the international calling code for Bolivia?
The calling code is +591.
When is the best time to visit La Paz?
May–Oct (dry season). Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves La Paz?
El Alto International (4,061m: one of the world's highest) (IATA: LPB).
Is La Paz at high altitude?
Yes, La Paz sits at 3,640 m (11,942 ft). Give yourself a day or two to acclimatize.
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