Discover the Best Viewpoints Around the City
September 2025
Hello, and welcome back to La Paz, Bolivia, for more travel ideas and inspiration! Today, before the rainy season arrives, I want to give a special shout out to the amazing viewpoints around the city. Each one shows La Paz from a different angle, and the views are simply unforgettable.
When you’re standing at around 3,600 to 4,000 meters (that’s about 11,800 to 13,100 feet!), it’s powerful to see not only the city around you but also the mountains rising above you. So today, let’s explore some of the very best viewpoints in La Paz, some are famous, others are incredible hidden spots between the mountains. You choose your mood, and I’ll help you find the perfect view! In this week’s podcast, I rate this viewpoint based on its wow factor, accessibility, and share a few extra tips to make your visit even more amazing.
The Night Tour
We’ve already talked about it before, both in the blog and in the podcast, the beauty of exploring a city twice: once in the day, and again at night. Because night always brings something different, a touch of mystery, and in this case, it completely transforms La Paz, Bolivia.
So here’s another shout out to our Night Tour, an unforgettable way to discover the city after dark. Together we explore some of the coolest bars, taste the best street food, enjoy incredible pizzas, and even find our way into hidden corners and the trendiest nightclubs. And the best part? We do it all on foot, walking through the streets and enjoying the real atmosphere of La Paz at night.
If you’re in the city on a Thursday, reach out to us and join in. It’s always an amazing moment together, full of flavors, music, and new stories.
Beyond the Cable Cars, Discover the City from the Hills
La Paz is famous for its cable cars, and they really do give some of the best views of the city. But today, let’s leave the cabins in the sky and focus on the viewpoints on the ground, or at least the traditional ones up on the hills. From well known spots like Killi Killi and El Montículo to hidden corners that only locals talk about, each one shows the city from a different angle. Let’s explore where they are, how to get there, and why each viewpoint has its own special charm.
Classic City Viewpoints
Some viewpoints in La Paz are simply classics, the ones every traveler should see at least once. They’re easy to reach, they give you the “wow” view of the city, and each has its own personality depending on the time of day you go. Whether it’s the clarity of a crisp morning, the glow of sunset, or the sparkle of night lights, these spots are unforgettable.
Mirador Killi Killi
Probably the most famous viewpoint in La Paz, Killi Killi offers a panoramic view over the entire city. From here you can see how La Paz stretches over the valleys, with the mountains standing tall in the background. It’s perfect for photos and a great place to really understand the scale of the city. Sunset and night are especially beautiful, when the lights begin to shine and the city feels like it’s glowing.
El Montículo
Up on a hill in Sopocachi, El Montículo has a very different vibe. It’s more like a romantic little park than a viewpoint, with tree-lined paths and benches where locals come to relax. From here you see the south side of La Paz, and if the day is clear, Illimani rises in the distance like a postcard backdrop. Go in the evening for a peaceful stroll, or at night when the park feels cozy and calm.
Mirador La Paz
This is one of the newer viewpoints and already a favorite. Built high above the city, it gives you a modern, open space to take in the view with plenty of room to sit and look out over the city and the mountains. It feels less crowded than Killi Killi, but just as impressive, especially at night when La Paz is lights up from El Alto down to the most southern parts of La Paz. It’s also a great spot to bring snacks or just pause for a while, away from the busy streets below.
Hidden & Local Corners
Beyond the famous viewpoints, La Paz has plenty of spots that are less known to travelers but loved by locals. These are the places where families go for a weekend walk, students hang out with friends, and couples bring snacks to share while watching the sun go down. They don’t always make it into guidebooks, but they give you a more authentic feel of everyday life in La Paz. Some are easy to reach, while others are better visited with a local friend or guide, but all of them are worth discovering.
Niño Kollo
A viewpoint that not many tourists visit, Niño Kollo is tucked away in a more local area. From here you get a dramatic perspective of the city built into the hills. It’s not hard to see why locals love it, the view feels raw and real.
27 de Mayo
This viewpoint offers incredible views, but it’s in an area where it’s best to go with a guide or someone who knows the neighborhood well. If you do, you’ll be rewarded with a wide open panorama and a chance to see a side of La Paz that most visitors miss.
Virgen Blanco, El Alto
On the El Alto side, Virgen Blanco is another spot that surprises many travelers. Standing here, you see La Paz from above in a way that really shows its size and shape in the valley. It’s a place locals use for reflection and community, and it’s even more special if you go during the late afternoon when the lights of the city begin to glow.
Day Trips for Stunning Views
If you want to go beyond the city itself, La Paz is surrounded by some of the most dramatic landscapes in Bolivia. Within just a short drive, you can find yourself in valleys of strange rock formations, standing on top of a snowy peak, or hiking high into the Andes for endless panoramas. These day trips are perfect if you’re looking for nature, adventure, and views that will stay with you long after.
Valle de las Ánimas
Just outside La Paz, the Valley of the Souls feels like stepping into another world. Towering rock formations rise like tall, thin spires, creating a dramatic landscape that looks almost unreal. The hike here is flexible, you can take short walks for easy views or go deeper into the valley with a guide. For a truly special experience, head to Alaxpacha, a viewpoint hidden in the valley. Go with a guide for the most amazing sunset view as the last light turns the spires golden and the city glows in the distance.
Muela del Diablo
For a hike that’s equal parts mysterious and thrilling, head to Muela del Diablo, “Devil’s Tooth.” This striking rock formation stands like a giant tooth against the skyline and is one of the most iconic silhouettes around La Paz. It’s close enough to be a half-day trip but adventurous enough to feel like a small escape.
Chacaltaya
Once home to the world’s highest ski resort, Chacaltaya is now better known for its breathtaking views. At over 5,400 meters, you can actually drive most of the way up, making it one of the most accessible high peaks around La Paz. From the top you’ll see Huayna Potosí, Lake Titicaca in the distance, and endless mountain ranges. The air is thin, but the view is unforgettable.
Best Times & Tips for Visiting
When visiting viewpoints in La Paz, timing makes a big difference, mornings give you the clearest skies, while evenings and nights bring golden sunsets and the sparkle of city lights. It’s always smart to stay on well-known paths and, if you go out after dark, explore with friends to make the experience both safer and more fun. Even in summer, the high altitude means evenings can get chilly, so bringing a jacket is a must. To make the most of your outing, combine a viewpoint with a stop at a nearby café, market, or street food stall. That way, you not only enjoy the view but also get a taste of local life around it.
Also, download our freebie with ratings from people born and living in La Paz, Bolivia, plus a few extra hidden spots. And don’t miss this week’s podcast, where I rate the viewpoints from a traveler’s perspective.
That’s it for today, friends! I hope these ideas inspire you to explore La Paz from new angles and maybe even find your own favorite viewpoint.And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for special deals, weekly inspiration, and your free e-book about traveling in La Paz and Bolivia. Hope to see you here soon!
