What to do in El Alto

Activities, attractions and tours

Häusermeer von La Paz
Häusermeer von La Paz
Huayna Potosí mountain as seen from El Alto, La Paz, Bolivia. With an elevation of 6,088 m (ca. 20,000 feet),
La Paz panoramic view, Bolivia. La Paz is the worlds highest capital.
The cable car, opened on 30th May 2014, connects La Paz to the sprawling Metropolis of El Alto high above the city. Teleférico was inaugurated by Bolivia's current president, Evan Morales, in order to improve the commute to La Paz for residents of El Alto. Although only 11 kilometres as the crow flies, by road this is a long, arduous journey which can take well over an hour. Although built for the purpose of the city's commuters, it's also great news for visitors. A ride on the cable car (which will set you back 3 bolivianos for a one-way ticket) affords some stunning views of La Paz, and can transport you up to El Alto in around 10 minutes. El Alto is where the poorer residents of La Paz live, and for that reason it can be unsafe to wander around here without a guide (even with a guide, keep your valuables close to your chest). Red Cap Walking Tours run an extended city tour, which incorporates El Alto, as well as other city attractions not covered on their standard free walking tour.

Places to Visit in El Alto

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in El Alto, La Paz while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best El Alto attractions from NZ$5, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group El Alto tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 171 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular El Alto. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Witches' Market

Discover Aymara medicine and witchcraft at the lively Mercado de Hechicería, also known as the Mercado de las Brujas (Witches’ Market). Browse eclectic market stalls to find an array of herbal medicines, amulets, and handmade crafts and clothing from the Andes Mountains.
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Witches\' Market which includes markets

2. Plaza Murillo

Relax in the Plaza Murillo, see some of La Paz’s most majestic architecture and discover the political history of the city. Since the colonial years, this square has been the centre of Bolivia's political life and it remains the central place for town activities. Named after Pedro Domingo Murillo, an important figure in the war of independence, the plaza is symbolic of Bolivia’s fight for independence.
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Plaza Murillo showing a city and heritage architecture

3. La Paz Metropolitan Cathedral

The La Paz Cathedral (Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Paz), also known as Cathedral Murillo, is the central building in the Plaza Murillo. With neoclassical 19th-century architecture, stained-glass windows with images of former presidents and the tomb of a former Bolivian president, this cathedral pays tribute to a number of events in Bolivia's past.
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4. Valle de la Luna

The Valle de la Luna is an unusual geological terrain comprising clay spires and troughs. Erosion has worn down a mountain, creating a colorful and moon-like topography. Admire the reds, violets and browns of this fascinating landscape just outside of La Paz.
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Valle de la Luna showing tranquil scenes

5. Plaza San Francisco

Plaza San Francisco is one of the liveliest squares in La Paz, where people gather to watch street performers, magicians and comedians, buy handcrafted goods and taste fresh local delicacies.
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Plaza San Francisco featuring shopping as well as a small group of people

6. San Francisco Church

The San Francisco Church (Iglesia de San Francisco) is a Catholic church and museum renowned for its displays of religious paintings and artefacts. Climb to the top of the tower to see the impressive views of the convent, the square and the city.
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San Francisco Church featuring a city

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Recommended things to do in El Alto

Number of things to do
171
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Walking city tour La Paz: NZ$5
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in El Alto

Discover the most popular places to visit in El Alto

Witches\' Market which includes food

Witches' Market

Step into the world of traditional Aymara medicines, where the smells of herbs fill the air, ritual treatments are performed and Andean crafts are sold.

Witches' Market
Plaza Murillo featuring heritage architecture, a city and a square or plaza

Plaza Murillo

Unwind in the heart of La Paz, where majestic buildings line the square and grand statues tell of a history of political unrest and independence.

Plaza Murillo
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La Paz Metropolitan Cathedral

Striking neoclassical architecture and impressive stained glass windows testify to the city’s turbulent political history.

La Paz Metropolitan Cathedral
Valle de la Luna which includes tranquil scenes

Valle de la Luna

Clamber around the spikes and trenches of this unusual topography and follow the circular paths for spectacular views of otherworldly scenery.

Valle de la Luna
Plaza San Francisco which includes street scenes

Plaza San Francisco

Admire historic architecture, enjoy street performers and magicians, buy arts, crafts and medicinal herbs and taste local delicacies at the food markets.

Plaza San Francisco
Aerial Drone Fly Above La Paz, Bolivia, Crowder Metropolitan City, Houses, Skyscrapers and Andean Cordillera Mountain Range in the Background

Estadio Hernando Siles

Catch an event at Estadio Hernando Siles during your trip to La Paz. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Estadio Hernando Siles
San Francisco Church which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a city

San Francisco Church

This historic church blends colonial and traditional architectural styles, ornate detailing, religious artworks and views of La Paz from the top of its tower.

San Francisco Church
National Museum of Art which includes a city, heritage architecture and street scenes

National Museum of Art

This remarkable collection of colonial paintings and contemporary artworks, housed in an historic mansion, showcase the art of renowned Latin American artists.

National Museum of Art
La Paz which includes a city

Mirador Killi Killi

Learn about the local history of La Paz with a stop at Mirador Killi Killi. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Mirador Killi Killi

 

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Day trip destinations from El Alto

La Paz which includes a city

La Paz

Frequently asked questions

Is El Alto worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in El Alto is explore La Paz Metropolitan Cathedral. Tick this top attraction off your itinerary, then experience more of the area's views and culture.
How do I spend a day in El Alto?
Mirador Killi Killi and Palacio Legislativo are two good places to kick-start your adventures. Remember to check out the dining and shopping options in El Alto while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in El Alto?
The top tourist attraction in El Alto is La Paz Metropolitan Cathedral, so make sure to include it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in El Alto?
You can easily tour popular attractions like Saint Gabriel Theatre, San Francisco Church and Plaza San Francisco with a three-day trip to El Alto. On average, many travellers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stay a little longer and venture to La Paz.
What are some activities to do in El Alto with kids?
Whether you're travelling with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a fun-filled itinerary is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in El Alto with kids.

What to do in El Alto for adults?
There are lots of things to do in El Alto, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Calle Jaen or Calle Comercio.
Are there free things to do in El Alto?
In El Alto, Plaza San Francisco is an unmissable spot for anyone wanting to experience the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask a local tour guide for ideas. It's a good way to explore the best free things to do in El Alto.