June in Bolivia:
Fire, Traditions & a New Year Sunrise
JUNE 2025
Welcome back to La Paz
A Cozy Catch-Up from La Paz
Hey there! it’s so nice to have you here, wherever in the world you might be reading from. Though, I have to admit… I really wish you were right here with us in La Paz, because June is one of those months when Bolivia feels extra magical and full of energy.
Today, I wanted to share a bit of June inspiration, not just because the city starts to feel colder and cozier, but because two truly special dates are coming up — and they speak volumes about the culture and spirit of Bolivia.
San Juan, often called the coldest night of the year, is all about fire, food, and warmth. And then there’s the Aymara New Year, best experienced at sunrise in Tiwanaku — a powerful, sacred site where tradition, spirituality, and community come together to celebrate the start of a new cycle.
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But first, a little weekly update on what’s been going on in La Paz and around!
We’ve just finished celebrating Gran Poder, the biggest dance festival in the city, and wow, what a weekend! The streets were full of color, music, energy, and endless dancing. If you happened to be in La Paz during this time, I hope you soaked it all in.
Also, just a quick reminder, our Travel Talks happen every Tuesday and Friday at 11:00 AM in the Café del Mundo lounge. It’s a relaxed space where you can ask questions, get travel tips, or just chat with other travelers. Whether you’re planning a big loop around Bolivia or deciding between jungle and mountains, we’re here to help.
A New Sun, A New Cycle: The Aymara New Year in Bolivia
About the Aymara People in La Paz
If you spend some time in La Paz, you’ll quickly feel the strong presence of the Aymara culture, in the streets, the markets, the language, and the rhythm of daily life. Almost half of the population in the La Paz department identifies as Aymara, making it one of the most visible and alive indigenous cultures in Bolivia today.
The Aymara people have lived in the highlands of Bolivia, Peru, and northern Chile for thousands of years, long before the Incas. Their traditions, worldviews, and deep connection to Pachamama (Mother Earth) are still part of daily life, especially during ceremonies, family rituals, and seasonal events.
You’ll see Aymara women, cholitas,dressed in their layered skirts and bowler hats, selling herbs, guiding buses, or leading their families. You’ll hear the language in markets and around on the streets. You’ll taste it in the food. And if you’re in La Paz in June, you’ll feel it strongly during one of the year’s most important days…
Welcoming the Sun: Aymara New Year in Bolivia
Every June 21st, Bolivia celebrates Willka Kuti, the Aymara New Year, also known as the “Return of the Sun.” It marks the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, and the beginning of a new cycle, both cosmic and agricultural.
It’s a spiritual moment full of reflection and gratitude. Before sunrise, people gather in sacred places, light fires, offer coca and food, and raise their hands to greet the first rays of sun.
The most powerful place to experience this is Tiwanaku, where thousands come together to welcome the light. But even in La Paz, you’ll find early morning ceremonies in parks and plazas, filled with music, meaning, and a sense of renewal.
A peaceful, powerful reminder to start fresh, and let the sun back in.
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From Sunrise to Bonfires: The Night of San Juan
San Juan is very different from the Aymara New Year, but it also carries deep meaning.
It falls just after the winter solstice, when the cold hits its peak and the nights feel endless. Traditionally, Bolivians lit bonfires to “burn away the cold” and to symbolically cleanse the home and spirit. People would gather in neighborhoods, share food, play music, and jump over the flames to bring luck.
These days, big fires are no longer allowed in cities like La Paz due to air pollution laws, but the spirit of San Juan is still alive. Instead of fire, people now turn to fireworks, warm drinks, parties, and music. It’s a night to celebrate, connect, and enjoy life during the heart of winter.
You’ll find events in bars and cafés, families staying in with hot chocolate and canelita, or some friends gathering around backyard grills or small legal fire pits. You might even hear fireworks echoing across the hills of the city.
Don't forget to check our travelzine this week to see what is going on in the city!
Wrapping Up — June in Bolivia Is Something Special
Whether you’re standing in the dark at Tiwanaku with your hands lifted to the first light, or just sipping a warm drink while fireworks pop in the distance during San Juan, June in Bolivia has this beautiful mix of tradition, energy, and celebration, even if you’re freezing your toes off. If you’re around this month, don’t miss out on some of our favorite June travel deals from early morning Aymara New Year moments to chill winter escapes around La Paz and beyond. Make sure you’re signed up for the newsletter so you get all the offers, local tips, and inspiration, and check out the TravelZine each week to see what’s happening in La Paz like night hikes, street festivals, live music, or just something fun at the café.
We hope to see you out and about, maybe at a market, a viewpoint, or wrapped in a blanket at Café del Mundo with a cappuccino in hand, talking about your next adventure.
And if you’re not here just yet, no worries, write to us anytime. We’re always happy to help with travel questions, planning ideas, or finding a tour that fits what you’re looking for.
