What's Happening in La Paz This June? Festivals, Events & Travel Updates 2026

Travel Update: Road Blockades and Protests in Bolivia

This month of May did not turn out the way any of us hoped, not for Bolivians, not for people living in Bolivia, and not for travelers either.

Unfortunately, May is normally one of the most beautiful months to visit this country. Instead of simply sharing everything happening around us, we have been dealing with road blockades and protests since the beginning of the month. This is something that happens in Bolivia from time to time, a way for people living far from cities like La Paz to make their voices heard. 

Of course, the closed roads have affected everyone, including travelers moving around by land. Many travelers found ways to continue their trips by flying instead, allowing them still to visit places like La Paz, Sucre, and Uyuni. Others, unfortunately, were not able to travel here at all, which has been very sad to see.

We have also had a few days of protests inside La Paz. Normally, the city feels very calm, but this time things became a little more intense than usual, which affected travelers wanting to explore the city. Thankfully, those protest days were limited.

At Cafe del Mundo, our highest priority during all of this has been to stay open and continue being a welcoming space. We will be honest, though,  there have been some complicated days trying to find all the products and ingredients we normally serve. Being located in the center of the city has also meant that, for safety reasons, we have occasionally needed to close our entrance during demonstrations.

What has honestly touched us the most is how calm and understanding the people inside the cafe have been. Instead of frustration, we have seen curiosity. Travelers asking questions, wanting to understand the situation, wanting to learn more about Bolivia, and everything happening around them. And I think that is a really beautiful way of embracing a situation that is not always comfortable.

At the same time, we have tried our best to keep up with supplies. It has been very important for us not only to serve food but also to be a safe meeting point. A place where travelers can connect, feel calm, exchange information, and still find ways to enjoy their time in La Paz, even if plans have changed a little.

Because of the protests and blockades, some of the biggest and most beautiful events of May in La Paz had to be postponed. The good news is that they now have new dates in June, and we really hope there will not be any more changes.

La Paz Events, Festivals & Travel Updates 2026

Museum Night is one of the most anticipated cultural events in La Paz, with museums, galleries, and cultural spaces opening late into the night with exhibitions, live music, performances, and special activities. We have the beautiful Museum Night on June 13th, followed by the Pre-Entrada of Gran Poder on June 14th, and then the incredible Gran Poder Festival itself on June 20th, something you truly should not miss if you are in the city. Gran Poder is the largest cultural festival in La Paz and one of Bolivia’s most important celebrations. Thousands of dancers and musicians fill the streets with traditional costumes, brass bands, and folkloric dances that showcase Bolivia’s rich cultural heritage.

Photo: Alvaro Poma

But June is not only about rescheduled events. The Aymara New Year takes place on June 21 and marks the beginning of a new Andean cycle. Many visitors travel to Tiwanaku before sunrise to witness ceremonies welcoming the first rays of the winter sun. Followed by the coldest night of the year in La Paz on June 23rd,  celebrated this year with a giant hot dog festival. Yes… only in La Paz.

So despite everything, there is still so much happening.

At Cafe del Mundo, we will also have offers, fun events throughout the month, and of course, we will be showing the World Cup games as well.

Wow… what a month.

More than anything, we hope the blockades find a solution soon so we can all enjoy these moments together again.

And don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group, where we share weekly updates about events, discounts, happenings around the city, and important travel information.

See you soon,

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest festival in La Paz?

Gran Poder is the largest cultural festival in La Paz, attracting thousands of dancers, musicians, and visitors every year.

Is June a good time to visit Bolivia?

Yes. June is part of the dry season, offering sunny days, clear skies, and excellent conditions for exploring Bolivia.

When is the Aymara New Year?

The Aymara New Year is celebrated every year on June 21.

What happens during San Juan in Bolivia?

Families and friends gather on the coldest night of the year to share food, hot drinks, and winter traditions.