A Drink Tour Around Bolivia
NOVEMBER 2025
Today we’re diving into Bolivian drinks, mostly the alcoholic ones. Even if you’re not a big drinker (like me), Bolivia really surprises you on this side. There are so many great, locally made drinks that the rest of the world knows little, or nothing, about.
So let’s find out what’s waiting in your glass, because getting to know a country’s drinks is also a way to get to know the country itself. From Tarija’s high-altitude vineyards to La Paz’s cozy bars and creative cafés, every sip tells a story. And the best part? You don’t need to travel far, you can taste most of Bolivia’s signature drinks right here in La Paz, whether it’s a Singani cocktail at Tambo, a Tarija wine at La Tintorería, or a cold craft beer in Sopocachi.
This week’s post is your small guide, where to try them, what makes them special, and how every glass carries a bit of Bolivia's history.
Thanksgiving in La Paz
We’re getting close to Thanksgiving week, and we’re celebrating with delicious autumn-inspired desserts and our Thanksgiving Wall, where travelers can share what they’re grateful for while exploring the world.
Our Cholitas Tea this week is taking a special turn, it’s all about thankfulness, and how different (or maybe not so different) cultures express it, from small everyday moments to big celebrations.
And if you’re in La Paz right now, there’s even more to be thankful for, it’s also El Clásico week! The city’s two biggest football teams are facing off, and we’re heading there together for a night of cheers, colors, and local passion.
Bolivian Drinks — Taste the Altitude
Drinking in Bolivia isn’t just about what’s in the glass. It’s a mix of altitude, markets, and stories that stretch from Tarija’s sunny vineyards to the hidden rum bars deep in the jungle. Every sip carries a little of the country’s feeling, mixing old traditions with new generations and turning quiet evenings into stories shared long after the night ends.
Singani & the Chuflay — A Bolivian Original
If Bolivia had a drink flavor, it would be Singani. It’s not a wine or a brandy, it’s a grape spirit distilled from grapes grown high in Tarija’s valleys. Light and floral, it’s been part of Bolivian life for more than 500 years.Locals drink it during fiestas or mix it into a Chuflay, Singani, ginger ale, lime, and ice. Simple, refreshing, and everywhere.
Did you know?
Singani is a protected denomination, it can only be made in Bolivia. Even George Clooney helped export it to the U.S., calling it “the next tequila.”
Three Cool Bars to Try in La Paz — Each with Its Own Vibe
If you’re in La Paz and looking for a good night out, you’re in luck. The city has bars as diverse as its streets, from high-altitude views to hidden corners full of character.
Cielo Bar, The View from Above
High up on the 38th floor of Bolivia’s tallest building, Cielo Bar gives you the view of La Paz. The lights stretch out below, Illimani glows in the distance, and the cocktails are as polished as the skyline. Perfect for sunset drinks, a fancy night out, or that “wow” photo moment.
Diesel Nacional, Industrial and Cool
Diesel feels like a mix of an artist’s workshop and a secret club. Brick walls, dim lights, and creative cocktails make it one of La Paz’s most iconic bars. Come for the atmosphere, stay for the crowd, travelers, locals, and the occasional live DJ.
La Costilla de Adán, The Quirky One
Part bar, part museum, and completely unique. Every corner of La Costilla de Adán is filled with antiques, art, and curiosities. Grab a drink, sink into the cozy chaos, and you’ll probably end up chatting for hours.
Wine from the Roof of the World
Did you know Bolivia has amazing wine? It’s not as famous as Argentina’s or Chile’s, but the taste is amazing.
Bolivia’s vineyards grow between 1,800 and 2,400 meters above sea level, the highest in the world. The strong sun and cold nights give each bottle a rich, bold flavor you won’t find anywhere else. Most vineyards are around Tarija, a relaxed valley city with warm weather and friendly people.
You’ll find reds from Kohlberg, rosés from Campos de Solana, and award winning blends from Aranjuez. Many Bolivian families still bottle their own wine during grape season, keeping old traditions alive.
Fun Fact:
Because of the altitude, Bolivian wine ferments slower, keeping its natural sweetness and fruity flavor. Perfect with spicy food, salteñas, or cheese empanadas.
La Tintorería, A Wine Bar in La Paz
La Tintorería is a newly opened wine bar in the southern part of La Paz, dedicated entirely to wine and Bolivian flavor. With more than 300 labels to choose from and guided tastings by professional sommeliers, it’s the perfect stop for travelers who want to explore Bolivia’s growing wine scene.
Beer and the Everyday Cheers
Beer in Bolivia isn’t fancy, it’s part of daily life. You’ll see bottles of Paceña at every gathering, football game, and barbecue. Huari, brewed in Oruro, is the go-to beer with food, while smaller brands like Niebla, Macabra, Bock, and Matraca show Bolivia’s growing beer culture. Each one has its own personality, from light to dark and strong, just like the regions they come from.
Did you know?
Potosina comes from Potosí, home to the world’s highest brewery at over 4,000 meters above sea level. Even beer here comes with altitude, and this one is really good.
Traveler Tip:
You can visit the Paceña beer factory in La Paz for a short tour and tasting, a fun way to see how Bolivia’s most famous beer is made.
Extra Hot Tip:
Try a coca beer or quina beer, two local craft versions made with traditional Andean ingredients. They taste earthy, a bit herbal, and are the real highland deal.
Three Cool Beer Spots in La Paz
If you want to explore La Paz through its beers, here are three great places to start, each with its own mood, crowd, and flavor.
Prost Bierhaus
In the center of La Paz, this brewpub mixes Bolivian craft beer with a German twist. Expect cold pints straight from the tap and a lively crowd that makes every night feel like Oktoberfest.
The Dubliner
Down in the southern part of La Paz, this Irish pub brings a warm, international vibe with live music, sports, and that easy mix of travelers and locals sharing stories over a Guinness.
Reineke Fuchs
A hidden gem in Sopocachi with a German touch, dim lights, creative cocktails, and great local beers. The kind of place where one drink easily turns into three.
Jungle Flavors — Bolivia’s Tropical Side
Travel east from the Andes, and the cold mountain air turns to humid jungle heat. Here, drinks change character, all fruit and sunshine.
Passion fruit, lime, tamarind, and copoazú (a creamy white fruit, cousin of cacao) are blended with Singani or rum, creating sweet, strong, tropical flavors. In this region, it’s less about producing the alcohol and more about the delicious, exotic, and often unknown fruits that can be mixed with it.
Every drink feels like a celebration of what grows wild here, juicy, colorful, and full of life.
In towns like Rurrenabaque or Trinidad, bars serve colorful mixes full of Amazonian energy. Even mocochinchi, the dried-peach drink from the highlands, sometimes gets a jungle twist with rum or Singani.
Street Drinks & Warm Traditions
Before fancy cocktails, Bolivia already had its own street-corner classics, drinks born from tradition, patience, and a bit of improvisation. Each one tells a story about place, people, and climate.
The Classics
Chicha – Ancient fermented maize drink, sometimes with quinoa or mixed grains. Shared from clay jars, always with a few drops spilled for Pachamama.
Té con Té – Strong mountain mix of black tea, Singani, sugar, and cinnamon, perfect for cold nights.
Bicervecina El Inca – A dark beer often mixed with a whipped egg or egg white for extra “power.” Strange? Yes. Very Bolivian? Also yes.
Bonus Sip — Killa Whisky
Killa is Bolivia’s first locally distilled whisky, made by Andean Culture Distillery in La Paz at 3,600 meters. It’s produced from maize and chicha-based fermentation, and its name comes from the Quechua word for “moon.”
Final Toast — Taste the Altitude
Before leaving Bolivia, there are a few drinks you simply have to try, save this checklist so you don’t miss out on any.
Chuflay – Singani, ginger ale, and lime. Light, crisp, and perfect for La Paz’s cool evenings.
Wine from Tarija – From the world’s highest vineyards; try an Aranjuez Tannat or Campos de Solana Rosé for a true Bolivian taste.
Potosina Beer – Brewed in Potosí, home to the highest brewery in the world — pure Andean character in every sip.
Té con Té – Strong black tea with Singani, sugar, and cinnamon — the perfect mountain “warm-up.”
Coca Beer or Quina Beer – Craft brews made with traditional Andean ingredients; earthy, herbal, and full of character.
You can try many of these at Tambo Restaurant, or join our Night Tour in La Paz to experience them all. Also, don’t forget to download our freebie for delicious Bolivian cocktail recipes. Questions? Write to us anytime, and join our newsletter for weekly travel stories and special offers.
