El Alto

Travel Guide

The cable car, opened on 30th May 2014, connects La Paz to the sprawling Metropolis of El Alto high above the city. Teleférico was inaugurated by Bolivia's current president, Evan Morales, in order to improve the commute to La Paz for residents of El Alto. Although only 11 kilometres as the crow flies, by road this is a long, arduous journey which can take well over an hour. Although built for the purpose of the city's commuters, it's also great news for visitors. A ride on the cable car (which will set you back 3 bolivianos for a one-way ticket) affords some stunning views of La Paz, and can transport you up to El Alto in around 10 minutes. El Alto is where the poorer residents of La Paz live, and for that reason it can be unsafe to wander around here without a guide (even with a guide, keep your valuables close to your chest). Red Cap Walking Tours run an extended city tour, which incorporates El Alto, as well as other city attractions not covered on their standard free walking tour.
The cable car, opened on 30th May 2014, connects La Paz to the sprawling Metropolis of El Alto high above the city. Teleférico was inaugurated by Bolivia's current president, Evan Morales, in order to improve the commute to La Paz for residents of El Alto. Although only 11 kilometres as the crow flies, by road this is a long, arduous journey which can take well over an hour. Although built for the purpose of the city's commuters, it's also great news for visitors. A ride on the cable car (which will set you back 3 bolivianos for a one-way ticket) affords some stunning views of La Paz, and can transport you up to El Alto in around 10 minutes. El Alto is where the poorer residents of La Paz live, and for that reason it can be unsafe to wander around here without a guide (even with a guide, keep your valuables close to your chest). Red Cap Walking Tours run an extended city tour, which incorporates El Alto, as well as other city attractions not covered on their standard free walking tour.
Market Santos Mamani, El Alto, Bolivia. #market #colorful #elalto #bolivia #southamerica #urbanjungle
Bustling city! Could you spot the few Shamanik settlements in the first row of the bend? ... there are settlements from where you could see smoke coming out. #highestcapitalcity #lapaz #visitbolivia #Culture
Clouds came in and then inundated the city! #erracticeweatheroflapaz #highestcapitalintheworld
Onkel Inn Airport Sleepbox

Onkel Inn Airport Sleepbox

1 out of 5
Aeropuerto Internacional El Alto El Alto Departamento de La Paz
Stay at this capsule hotel in El Alto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Cementerio General and Saint Gabriel Theatre ...
5.6/10 (31 reviews)
Efficient in-airport sleeping arrangements
This does not pretend to be nor is it a normal hotel. This place is the only game in town when you have a 3:20am departure and you want to make sure you are sleeping at the airport. It did the job for us. It is very Spartan, and they make no claim to be anything else. The staff were very friendly ...

Reviewed on 4 Mar 2025

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Onkel Inn Airport Sleepbox
Gran Copacabana Hostal

Gran Copacabana Hostal

2.5 out of 5
Calle 5 Villa Dolores #400 El Alto La Paz
Stay at this hostal in El Alto. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Cementerio General and Lucio Perez Velazco Square ...
Decent stay, good price
Busy hostel in busy part of El Alto. Very convenient for the airport, and the hotel arranged a pick up and also got me a tasty food take away delivered. The bed was also really comfortable. Only downside was check in was a bit clunky until the person with a bit of English rocked up.

Reviewed on 5 Dec 2020

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Gran Copacabana Hostal
Hotel Ensueños

Hotel Ensueños

2 out of 5
Av. 6 de Marzo Nro. 540 entre calles 4 La Paz La Paz
Stay at this hotel in El Alto. Popular attractions Cementerio General and Lucio Perez Velazco Square are located nearby.
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Hotel Ensueños
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ritz Apart Hotel

Ritz Apart Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Plaza Isabel La Catolica Nro. 2478 La Paz
Stay at this luxury aparthotel in La Paz. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (258 reviews)
Beautiful rooms, friendly staff, great area!

Reviewed on 3 Jan 2026

Ritz Apart Hotel
Minimalist Apartment

Minimalist Apartment

3 out of 5
Calle 24A, No. 88, Calacoto, Zona Sur. La Paz La Paz
Stay at this apartment in La Paz. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Nuna Theater and Galería PURO are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Review of Apartment
It is an excellent apartment with very good facilities.

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2018

Minimalist Apartment
Céntrico y Acogedor

Céntrico y Acogedor

2 out of 5
La Paz Departamento de La Paz
Stay at this apartment in La Paz. Enjoy laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sopocachi Market and Plaza Abaroa are located nearby.
Céntrico y Acogedor
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Witches\' Market showing food

Witches' Market

Browse the stalls of the curious Mercado de las Brujas to discover traditional Bolivian herbal and ritual treatments while you shop for Andean handicrafts.

Witches' Market
Valle de la Luna showing tranquil scenes

Valle de la Luna

Clamber around the spikes and trenches of this unusual topography and follow the circular paths for spectacular views of otherworldly scenery.

Valle de la Luna
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La Paz Metropolitan Cathedral

Admire the neoclassical architecture and impressive stained-glass windows of La Paz’s main cathedral, one of the striking colonial-era buildings on Plaza Murillo.

La Paz Metropolitan Cathedral
Plaza San Francisco featuring street scenes

Plaza San Francisco

See historic architecture, watch street performers and browse the stands of handicraft and food markets at this lively central square.

Plaza San Francisco
Plaza Murillo which includes heritage architecture, a square or plaza and a city

Plaza Murillo

The historical heart of La Paz is home to impressive colonial buildings, statues of prominent national figures and a museum colonial art.

Plaza Murillo
San Francisco Church which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a city

San Francisco Church

Marvel at the range of architectural styles and intricate artwork of this centuries-old church, spot religious paintings in its convent then enjoy views of La Paz from its tower.

San Francisco Church

Things to do

Cholitas Wrestling/Cholitas Luchadoras

Cholitas Wrestling/Cholitas Luchadoras

€20
per adult
Cholitas Wrestling/Cholitas Luchadoras
La Paz City Tour and Moon Valley

La Paz City Tour and Moon Valley

€34
per adult
La Paz City Tour and Moon Valley
La Paz: Cholitas Wrestling Tickets and Transfer

La Paz: Cholitas Wrestling Tickets and Transfer

€21
per adult
La Paz: Cholitas Wrestling Tickets and Transfer
La Paz: Tiwanaku Archeological Ruins Guided Tour

La Paz: Tiwanaku Archeological Ruins Guided Tour

€25
per adult
La Paz: Tiwanaku Archeological Ruins Guided Tour
Chacaltaya & Valle De Luna. 2 For 1 Special Tour.

Chacaltaya 5,435m & Valle De Luna. 2 For 1 Special Tour.

€32
per adult
Chacaltaya 5,435m & Valle De Luna. 2 For 1 Special Tour.
La Paz: Charquini Mountain Guided Hike

La Paz: Charquini Mountain Guided Hike

€33
per adult
La Paz: Charquini Mountain Guided Hike
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