When you think of La Paz, Bolivia, your mind might immediately conjure images of high-altitude cities nestled between towering mountains, vibrant local culture, and a mix of modern and historical architecture. For many, a stopover in La Paz is often just a quick layover to catch a bus or flight onward to somewhere else. However, after spending 2 Days in La Paz, Bolivia, we found that the city offers far more than a mere pit stop – it’s a destination full of surprises, hidden gems, and unique experiences. Money Left For Travel shares our journey, exploring La Paz, a city that defies expectations and leaves an indelible mark on every traveler.

Discovering La Paz: The Unexpected Delight

La Paz might not always make it to the top of the typical tourist itineraries, but for those who venture beyond the surface, this city is filled with character. We had heard from fellow travelers and read travel guides that one day in La Paz would be sufficient, but we were determined to see it all in 2 Days in La Paz, Bolivia.

From the moment we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness of the city, the impressive development, and the abundance of things to see and do. It quickly became apparent that La Paz deserved more than just a fleeting glance; it was worth exploring in depth.

Arriving in La Paz: A Scenic and Adventurous Journey

The journey from Copacabana to La Paz was an adventure in itself. Although we had booked our tickets with a well-known bus company, we ended up boarding a different bus with a much more basic setup. Despite this, the bus ride from Copacabana to La Paz offered some unique experiences, including crossing a lake via ferry. Our journey became a series of memorable moments that set the tone for our stay in La Paz.

We were also pleasantly surprised by the comfort of the bus despite its simplicity, and the amazing views of the Andean mountains as we descended into La Paz. After a quick taxi ride from the bus terminal, we were ready to explore this fascinating city.

Riding the Cable Cars: A Unique Perspective of the City

One of the must-do activities for anyone visiting La Paz is taking a ride on the teleférico or cable cars. La Paz’s cable car system, designed as a public transportation network, provides a unique way to explore the city while avoiding the heavy traffic. For just 3B (43 cents), we hopped on the cable cars and were treated to stunning panoramic views of the city sprawling below, nestled between mountains and valleys.

The system is impressively clean and well-maintained, which was a pleasant surprise for us. The solar panels on top of the cable cars were an added bonus, highlighting La Paz’s forward-thinking approach to sustainable transportation. The Yellow and Green lines offered the best views and conveniently stopped near the main attractions we wanted to see.

Exploring the Historic Old Quarter of La Paz

The Old Quarter of La Paz is a treasure trove of Bolivian history and culture, where colonial architecture blends seamlessly with the bustling streets. We decided to take a 30-minute walk from our hotel in Sopocachi to explore the historic downtown area, experiencing the local neighborhoods along the way.

We were immediately drawn to Plaza Murillo, the heart of La Paz, surrounded by government buildings and grand churches. The city has a rich political history, with security guards dressed in traditional Bolivian attire, standing guard over the seat of government. Although La Paz is not Bolivia’s official capital (that honor goes to Sucre), it is the political and administrative center of the country.

As we walked around the square, we were captivated by the lively atmosphere of the city, from the pigeons filling the skies to the street vendors selling everything from souvenirs to bird food. We also stopped by the artisanal market, where we picked up a small trinket as a souvenir.

The Valley of the Moon: A Martian Landscape

If you’re looking for a truly unique landscape, the Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna) should be on your itinerary during your 2 Days in La Paz, Bolivia. This geological wonder is a surreal desert-like landscape filled with spiky rock formations that resemble the surface of the moon. It’s a short drive from the city center, and after catching the cable car to the base, we took a collectivo (shared taxi) to reach the entrance.

Once inside, we paid a small entry fee and set off on a scenic walk through the rocky spires. The area is vast, and although there are two walking paths (a short one and a long one), we opted for the longer route to fully take in the otherworldly surroundings. The lack of shade made the heat quite intense, but the views made it all worth it. The rock formations were not as solid as we had imagined but had a more sandy, erosion-prone texture, similar to the Badlands in the U.S.

The Valley of the Moon is an ideal place to take photos, but we quickly realized that the large signs and ropes around the area somewhat detracted from the natural beauty. Nonetheless, the area was quiet and serene, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city.

Laundry Adventures in La Paz

While not a typical highlight of a trip, we had an amusing experience in La Paz with the laundry service. After a few days of travel, we needed to get our clothes washed, so we dropped off our laundry at a local service. When we picked it up, we were puzzled to find that our socks and underwear had been hand-sewn together with tags attached, each bearing a number. It was certainly an odd experience, but we learned to laugh about it and spent the evening cutting off the tags with scissors. This was just another example of the quirky, unpredictable moments that make travel so memorable.

A Taste of Bolivia: Food and Local Delights

While La Paz is more famous for its stunning landscapes and cultural landmarks, the food scene is not to be overlooked. We found several delicious places to eat, from street food vendors selling salteñas (Bolivian pastries) to local restaurants offering hearty dishes like pique macho (a spicy meat and potato dish). Exploring the local food scene was an essential part of our experience in La Paz, as it gave us insight into the Bolivian way of life and the importance of food in their culture.

Preparing for the Salt Flats Tour: The Ultimate Bolivian Adventure

For many travelers, the Salt Flats of Uyuni are the main draw to Bolivia, and after our brief stay in La Paz, we were ready to head out for our salt flat tour. After hearing horror stories about the long and uncomfortable bus ride from La Paz to Uyuni, we decided to opt for a short flight instead, ensuring our safety and comfort. The salt flats are one of the most stunning and unique natural wonders on Earth, and it was well worth the extra expense to experience them.

Although we had initially hoped to join a group tour, we ended up booking a private tour with Banjo Tours. It was a bit pricier, but the experience was incredible, and we got to explore the flats in a much more personalized and relaxed way.

Final Thoughts on Spending 2 Days in La Paz, Bolivia

Our 2 Days in La Paz, Bolivia exceeded all expectations. While many travelers might view La Paz as just a stopover, we found that it had much more to offer. From the breathtaking cable cars and stunning views to the rich cultural heritage in the old quarter and the surreal landscapes of the Valley of the Moon, La Paz is a city that leaves a lasting impression.

If you’re planning a trip to Bolivia, don’t overlook La Paz. It may not be as famous as other destinations in South America, but it’s a city full of surprises, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. We definitely recommend taking the time to explore this hidden gem and look forward to returning one day to discover even more of what this vibrant city has to offer.

Money Left For Travel hopes our experience will inspire you to spend more than just a day in La Paz. It’s a city worth savoring and fully experiencing!