Capital city, Bolivia
La Paz for solo travelers
Is La Paz good for solo travel?
Dramatic high-altitude capital in a canyon, with a cable-car commuter network, witches' market, cheap food and Andean day trips. Altitude, steep streets, protests and petty crime are the trade-offs.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 4/5 · Very good for solo travel |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Limited |
| Safety | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Solo women | Catcalling is common, and assaults have occurred in hostels and clubs. Use radio taxis at night, lock your room and watch your drink. |
How to meet people in La Paz
Social hostels on Sagárnaga and in Sopocachi run tours, bike trips and bar crawls; Spanish schools and climbing and cycling groups suit longer stays.
Good things to do alone
- Ride Mi Teleférico over the city
- Cycle Death Road with a reputable operator
- Walk the Witches' Market and Calle Linares
- Hike in Valle de la Luna
- Catch a cholita wrestling show in El Alto
Where to stay in La Paz
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Sopocachi | Cafés, bars, a calmer feel and good restaurants |
| Calacoto and San Miguel | Safer, upscale southern zone; lower altitude |
| Centro (Sagárnaga, Linares) | Hostels, markets, tours; busy and rougher at night |
| Miraflores | Residential, hospitals and cable-car access |
Solo travel across Bolivia
| Place | Solo | English |
|---|---|---|
| La Paz | 4/5 | Limited |
| Sucre | 4/5 | Limited |
| Copacabana | 4/5 | Limited |
| Rurrenabaque | 4/5 | Limited |
| Uyuni | 3/5 | Limited |
| Santa Cruz | 3/5 | Limited |
| Potosí | 3/5 | Limited |
Quick answers
Is La Paz good for solo travelers?
Very good for solo travel (4/5). Dramatic high-altitude capital in a canyon, with a cable-car commuter network, witches' market, cheap food and Andean day trips.
How do you meet people in La Paz?
Social hostels on Sagárnaga and in Sopocachi run tours, bike trips and bar crawls; Spanish schools and climbing and cycling groups suit longer stays. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in La Paz?
Limited.
Is La Paz safe for solo female travelers?
Catcalling is common, and assaults have occurred in hostels and clubs. Use radio taxis at night, lock your room and watch your drink.
More about La Paz
Going to La Paz solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in La Paz meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.