Hi people, travelers, and all of you, and welcome back to a new blog post, directly from Café del Mundo in amazing La Paz, Bolivia.

I’ve talked about the mornings here before and I just love them. Maybe even more now, when it’s winter outside. It’s kind of freezing, and people come in, ordering their hot coffee and filling breakfasts, wrapping themselves in blankets, talking in low voices, and planning their adventures.

And that’s where we are coming in today, planning 24 hours in La Paz. Because honestly, that’s not easy. There’s so much to do, see, and feel. If you’re staying longer, amazing. But if you only have one day, I’m here to help with travel tips and inspiration to make the most of it.

Also, don’t forget to check out our podcast, where we dive deeper into this 24-hour adventure, with more details, stories, and cool tips.

Come to a Travel Talk! Our New Favorite Moment of the Week

As always, here’s a little weekly update, and this time, it’s all about something we’ve totally fallen in love with: our Travel Talks. If you’re in La Paz on a Tuesday or Friday morning, come join us at 11 a.m. in Café del Mundo. It’s cozy, relaxed, and one of our favorite ways to connect with travelers from around the world.

We sit down over good coffee (your first mimosa is on us!) and share ideas, answer your questions, clear up travel doubts, and give our best local tips so you don’t leave La Paz without truly feeling it.

Whether you’re planning your first day or your next big adventure, this is the space to get inspired, meet new people, and feel part of the journey. Hope to see you there!

WATCH OUR VIDEO!

What Do We Travel For, Really?

Whenever you have 24 hours, or more, in a place, you want to explore and experience as much as possible. You want to understand it, feel the joy of it, and take something meaningful with you when you leave. Last week, we did a little poll on social media asking: What gets you most excited when you travel?

The winner, by far: nature. Incredible, amazing and I totally agree. But my personal favorite? The one that got the least votes: the people. There are few things that inspire me more than meeting incredible people, hearing their stories, learning from them and seeing how the world opens up while, at the same time, you become a little more humble in front of it.

So, in today’s blog post, we’re diving into the same sections we used in that poll: Nature, food, people, culture, and traditions, sharing my best tips.

And at the end, I’ll give you a free download of my personal 24-hour itinerary in La Paz, so you can feel this place in a real, beautiful way. Let’s dive in!

Nature, Feel the Heights and Breathe the Views

La Paz is surrounded by nature! Thanks to its crazy altitude and dramatic mountain backdrop, nature isn’t something you have to search for, it’s all around you, always close.From almost anywhere in the city, you can look up and connect with the mountains around you!. Whether you ride the cable cars, stand at a viewpoint, or just turn a corner and spot Illimani shining in the distance, La Paz constantly reminds you how close you are to nature, even in the middle of city life.

Here’s where to feel it:

Cable Cars (Teleférico) → See La Paz from above (Yellow, Red and purplelines recommended)
Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) → Strange, beautiful rock formations just outside the center
Viewpoints (Montículo, Killi Killi) → Perfect for sunrise or sunset views
Illimani Mountain → The city's protector — visible from almost everywhere

Food, Taste the Local Flavors

Food is everywhere in La Paz, from street stalls to cozy restaurants. Every bite tells a story, and you should try as much as possible in 24 hours.Bolivia’s cuisine is simple but rich, built on local ingredients and recipes passed down through generations. From a quick salteña on the street to a steaming bowl of sopa de maní, food here brings you closer to the culture. Whether it’s sweet, spicy, or something completely new, every taste will make you feel part of daily life in La Paz.

Try these:

Morning street food → Salteñas, buñuelos, api with pastel
Markets → Mercado Rodríguez for juices and small bites
Lunch → Amazing Popular Cocina Boliviana or Mercado Lanza for traditional lunches to enjoy with the locals
Dinner → Try Tambo restaurant and traditional dishes like pique macho, trout, anticuchos on the street late at night

Afternoon break → Traditional tea with empanadas or baked things

Culture and Traditions, Feel the Soul of La Paz

Traditions are part of daily life here. You don’t need a museum to see them, just look around and be curious. From the colorful skirts of the cholitas to small rituals honoring Pachamama, culture is everywhere in the city. It’s in the way people celebrate, cook, and even gather with friends and family. La Paz holds on tightly to its roots, and if you pay attention, you’ll find that tradition is woven into every street, market, and smile.

Where to see it:

Cholitas → See them in markets and around the city in traditional dress (Cholitas wrestling).
Witches’ Market → Discover Andean spiritual traditions and offerings for Pachamama.
Try Cholita clothes or play traditional games if you get the chance (at Tambo restaurant).
Tambo restaurant → Live music and traditional dances some nights.
Soccer → Watch a game at a local bar or the stadium (football is big here!).
Street food → Anticuchos at night as part of local life and culture.

People, Where the Real Connections Happen

Meeting people in La Paz happens naturally. Locals are friendly and happy to share their traditions and stories if you take the time. You don’t need a big plan or special event, just a little curiosity and an open attitude. A simple chat at a market stall, a question about a dish, or even sharing a bench at a viewpoint can turn into a real connection. These small moments are often what travelers remember most long after they leave.

Where it happens:

Markets → Talk to vendors and caseritas in Mercado Rodríguez.
Street stalls → Connect with the vendors if they have time. They normally like to talk about their food, dishes and secrets.
Travelers → Connect in cafés, especially at our Travel Talks at Café del Mundo (Tuesdays and Fridays).
Nightlife → Bars and live music spots in Sopocachi.

Still not sure what to do in this few hours?
👉 Download My Best 24 Hours in La Paz Itinerary

And This Is Just La Paz!

And remember, everything we talked about here? This is just the city of La Paz. No hikes, no mountain climbs, no treks, no biking, and none of the amazing nature spots waiting just outside the city. That’s a whole other adventure for another day. So yes, 24 hours will give you a good taste, but it’s only the beginning.

La Paz has layers, and the more time you give it, the more it will surprise you.

If you have questions or want help planning your time, just write to us HERE or even better, stop by Café del Mundo and say hi. We’re always here to help travelers, share tips, and of course inspire you for what’s next.

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