Where to Stay in La Paz – A Guide to the Bolivian Capital
La Paz, officially Nuestra Señora de la Paz, is the political, cultural, and financial capital of Bolivia. Along with the neighboring municipality of El Alto, the metropolitan area of La Paz is the most populated and fastest-growing city in the Andean country.
Nuestra Señora de la Paz is located in western Bolivia, 68 km southeast of Lake Titicaca, in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River and surrounded by the high mountains of the altiplano (high plains).
The imposing Illimani, one of the Andean peaks that surround La Paz, is the most important landmark of the city.
At an average height of 3650 meters above sea level, La Paz is the highest capital in the world.
Due to its high elevation, La Paz has a subtropical highland climate, with rainy summers and dry winters. The average annual temperature is about 16°C.
The main tourist attractions have a mix of prehispanic culture, colonial buildings, and nature that make it a unique city.
La Paz is also a popular stop to visit the nearby Lake Titicaca and the surrounding Andean mountains, as well as an almost obligatory stopping place on any South American route that crosses Peru.
La Paz is a large city consisting of several neighborhoods and a constantly growing metropolitan area, so choosing the best area to stay is of vital importance.
La Paz has an urban transport system consisting of buses. The city also has a system of cable cars that connect the lower parts with the neighborhoods in the hills.
As for the best areas to stay in La Paz, the City Center, with its beautiful colonial legacy, is our favorite neighborhood (See accommodation in La Paz City Center).
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in La Paz, Bolivia.
The best areas to stay in La Paz, Bolivia
1. Our favorite area: La Paz City Center
The City Center, also known as Old Town, is the best area to stay in La Paz.
La Paz City Center is the heart of the city and its founding place by the Spanish in 1548.
This area of La Paz is easy to navigate on foot. For the most remote neighborhoods, it is always possible to use public transport, the taxi or one of its picturesque cable cars.
La Paz City Center is where most of the attractions are located, such as the Mercado de las Brujas, the Basilica of San Francisco, Plaza Murillo, Calle Jaén or Killi Killi.
The City Center is, without a doubt, the most recommended area to stay in La Paz if you want to experience its enormous historical heritage and be close to all the attractions of the Bolivian capital.
La Paz City Center also has the largest hotel offer in the city, with dozens of options that range from backpackers to luxury hotels with spa included.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in La Paz:
- Pedestrian-friendly
- Mercado de las Brujas
- Heart of the city
- Close to the attractions
- Plaza Murillo
- Wide variety of hotels
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Rosario La Paz
Located in the heart of the museum district of La Paz, just 5 minutes walk from the train station, Hotel Rosario offers comfortable rooms in an old colonial house.
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Budget
Belmont Hotel
The Belmont Hotel is conveniently located in the center of La Paz, 1.9 km from the Cementerio cable car station. The Sopocachi cable car station is 2.6 km away and the Buenos Aires cable car station is 3 km away.
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Luxury
Stannum Boutique Hotel & Spa
Offering a gourmet restaurant, bar and fitness center, Stannum Boutique Hotel & Spa is located in a quiet and traditional area of La Paz, 5 minutes’ drive from the historic center and the financial district.
2. South La Paz
The area of South La Paz has turned, during the last couple of years, into one of the most important centers of the Bolivian city.
The south is a more exclusive area than the center of the city, with wide avenues, shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.
The neighborhoods of Calacoto, San Jorge, Achumani, Koani, Irpavi, and Obrajes are some of those that make up the Macrodistrito Sur, the new financial and commercial heart of La Paz.
This area is also the diplomatic quarter par excellence, as it hosts the delegations of Egypt, Iran, China, South Korea and Panama.
South La Paz is a vibrant area full of shopping centers, cinemas, theaters, restaurants and luxury hotels.
The south is an excellent area to stay in La Paz for those seeking a more refined environment than the center of the city.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in La Paz:
- Exclusive area
- Best area for shopping
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Qhini Hotel Boutique
Qhini Hotel Boutique is located in La Paz, a 2-minute walk from the Alto Obrajes cable car station. It offers a 24-hour reception and a solarium. There is a shared kitchen and free WiFi.
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Budget
Bolivian Rooms & Suites (Zona Sur)
Hotel Bolivian Rooms & Suites is located south of La Paz, just 1 km from the commercial and business district of San Miguel. All rooms have private bathroom, seating area, TV, bed linen and towels.
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Luxury
Atix Hotel
Located in La Paz, Atix Hotel offers luxury accommodation and features a modern façade built with Comanche stone and native Bolivian wood. It has restaurant and bar with cocktails.
3. Near the Airport
The Alto International Airport serves the city of La Paz.
This airport is located 14.5 kilometers northwest of downtown La Paz.
Located at an altitude of 4061 masl, El Alto International Airport is the highest international airport and the fifth highest commercial airport in the world.
This air terminal receives flights from the main cities of Bolivia thanks to the presence of a majority of domestic airlines. In addition, it has regular flights to several destinations in Argentina, Peru, Paraguay, Brazil, Chile and Peru.
The area surrounding the airport is a good area to stay in La Paz, as this district has hotels and budget accommodation.
It is a recommended area to stay in La Paz for travelers who need to be close to the air terminal, especially if they have an early flight.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in La Paz:
- Cheap hotels in La Paz
- Close to the airport
- Connected by bus
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