How to Fall for La Paz
(Even If You Don’t at First)
july 2025
Welcome back to another week, and another blog post! This time, I want to share five small but powerful reasons to experience La Paz a little differently. Ways to see the city more deeply, so you don’t leave with just that “I didn’t really get it” feeling. Because let’s be honest, not everyone does get La Paz right away.
This isn’t a city that fits into all travel expectations. It’s not always easy. It’s not always Instagram-perfect. But it is very real, full of stories, contrasts, challenges, beauty, and soul.
La Paz isn’t about ticking off sights or taking the perfect photo. It’s about how you meet the city. Are you rushing through, or are you stopping to listen, taste, ask, and understand? That’s when La Paz starts to open up. That’s when it shifts from chaotic to meaningful and from confusing to unforgettable.
And if you want to dive even deeper, don’t miss this week’s podcast episode, where I share more stories, reflections, and reasons why this wild, beautiful city might just steal your corazón, if you let it.
Café News!
Before we dive into the blog, I just want to share some weekly updates from Café del Mundo, and today, I’m extra excited! Just in time for the celebrations of La Paz, we’re launching our brand-new Night Tour, and I absolutely love it.
La Paz turns into a whole different story when darkness sweeps over the city, and trust me, it’s a good story. Other legends come alive, the streets change mood, and places light up that you might not even notice during the day. Being part of this night rhythm gives you a deeper connection to the city.
The idea? To explore La Paz through local bars, delicious drinks, street food, myths, stories, and even some traditional dancing, for the bold ones! It’s a journey full of flavors, surprises, and nighttime magic.
And if you’re not subscribed to our newsletter yet, now’s the time! Subscribe today to get the best deal on our brand-new Night Tour and be the first to hear about new adventures, travel tips, blog posts, and special surprises from Café del Mundo and Travel del Mundo.
👉 [Join the travel circle here] — we save the best for our people.
If You Want To Feel Real La Paz Magic, Read This
As I’ve mentioned before, and as I hear all the time when I talk to travelers, La Paz often brings out strong reactions. It’s usually one or the other: you love it, or… you really don’t. But here’s the thing: we all travel differently. We all carry our own expectations, pace, and ways of connecting with a place.
And I’ve seen it so many times, people who didn’t quite “get” La Paz at first, but slowly changed their minds after a little guidance, some context, and a few special moments. That’s exactly what we try to share at Café del Mundo and through Travel del Mundo, not just where to go, but how to experience it. With a bit of curiosity, a more open perspective, and a few insider tips, this city can turn into something truly unforgettable.
When I talk to travelers, most are amazed by this place. But today, I want to pause on the voices that weren’t. The ones who didn’t feel the connection, who maybe only saw the surface. I get it, some things here can be intense, unexpected, or hard to understand at first.
So after hundreds of travel chats, I’ve picked out the five most common reasons travelers feel confused or disconnected in La Paz. And that’s exactly why I’m writing this: to give you a little insight, some perspective shifts, and maybe help you see what this city is really about, once you go just a bit deeper.
It’s full of stories and myths
In La Paz, traditions run deep, and they’re not always what you expect. You might see llama fetuses, skulls with names, or people offering coca leaves to the earth. At first glance, it can feel strange or even uncomfortable.
➡️ But here’s the truth:
These aren’t scary things. They’re part of powerful spiritual beliefs that have existed for centuries, honoring Pachamama (Mother Earth), asking for protection, or saying thank you.
🌱 How to meet it:
Ask questions. Go with a guide. Listen to the stories behind the objects. When you understand the meaning, the market transforms, from strange to deeply sacred.
Option 1: Peru & Bolivia
Hike Machu Picchu, explore La Paz by cable car, and cross the Salt Flats in a 4x4 jeep.
Option 2: Argentina & Brazil
Dance through Buenos Aires, stand in awe at Iguazú Falls, and end with sunsets on Ipanema beach.
1 Month: The Perfect Loop
With a month, you can create an unforgettable loop across 3–4 countries.
Start in Peru, go through Bolivia, then fly to Argentina, pass by Iguazú Falls, and finish in Rio.
.Or start in Colombia, head through Ecuador and Peru, then end in Chile — from jungle to volcanoes to desert skies.
This gives you a mix of mountains, culture, jungle, and beach, without rushing too much.
few favorite long-trip loops:
Andes + Amazon + Coast (Peru–Bolivia–Chile–Argentina–Brazil)
North to South (Colombia to Patagonia)
Deep Dive in Bolivia, Ecuador, or Argentina
2 Months or More: The Big Adventure
If you’re lucky enough to have more time, go slow, get curious, and let the continent surprise you.
You’ll have time for spontaneous detours, local buses, jungle lodges, new friends, and lazy days in hammocks.
🎒 What Kind of Trip Do You Want?
Match your route with your travel style
South America has something for everyone, but knowing what kind of experience you're after makes planning a lot easier. Are you here for adventure, culture, beaches, or food? Pick your vibe!
🏔️ Adventure & Nature
For mountain lovers, adventure people, and nature fans.
Hike the Andes in Peru or Bolivia
Explore the wild beauty of Patagonia in Chile or Argentina
Feel the power of Iguazú Falls from both the Argentina and Brazil sides
Explore the Amazon from Bolivia, Peru, or Brazil
🧙♀️ Culture & History
For curious minds and slow travelers.
Dive into Andean traditions in Bolivia, Peru or Ecuador
Visit ancient ruins like Machu Picchu or Tiwanaku
Learn about colonial cities in Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia
Join local festivals, take a street art tour, or visit a traditional market with a local guide in Ecuador
🌴 Beaches & Relaxation
For sun, sea, and slow days.
Chill on Brazil’s beaches (Ipanema, Bahia, Ilha Grande)
Island hop along Colombia’s Caribbean coast
Watch the sunset over the Pacific in Máncora, Peru or Montañita, Ecuador
🍷 Food & City Life
For café lovers, foodies, and nightlife explorers.
Discover the steak, wine, and tango scene in Buenos Aires
Eat your way through Lima, one of the world’s top food cities
Try salteñas and street food in La Paz
Sip caipirinhas and dance samba in Rio
🧳 My Favorite First-Timer Route (5 Weeks)
A mix of mountains, cities, waterfalls, and beaches, without the stress
If it’s your first time in South America and you’ve got around 5 weeks, this route is one of my absolute favorites. It’s packed with variety, mountains, salt flats, big cities, waterfalls, and beaches, without feeling too rushed.You’ll experience a little bit of everything, and each stop connects easily to the next.
👉 Want the full itinerary with travel tips, times, and must-dos?
[Download it here]
🌟 Ready to Start Your Adventure?
South America is waiting, and your trip doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Contact Travel del Mundo (here) to plan your route, visit us at Café del Mundo in La Paz for tips and travel talks, and subscribe to our newsletter to get a free travel eBook with hidden gems and smart tips.
