La Paz Department

Best things to do in La Paz Department

Departamento de La Paz: Essential Experiences

This collection explores the high-altitude landscapes and historical landmarks of Bolivia's La Paz department. It features the UNESCO-listed Tiwanaku archaeological site, home to the monolithic Sun Gate and the ruins of Pumapunku. In the city of La Paz, the list includes colonial-era structures like the Basilica of San Francisco and the museums of Calle Jaén. Natural highlights include the snow-capped peaks of Illimani and Huayna Potosí in the Cordillera Real, alongside panoramic viewpoints overlooking the city basin.

Departamento de La Paz: Essential Experiences — Map

Clairette~commonswiki / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture

Tiwanaku is a Pre-Columbian archaeological site in western Bolivia, near Lake Titicaca, about 70 kilometers from La Paz, and it is one of…

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Museo Histórico Naval

This museum documents Bolivia's maritime history, focusing on the Pacific War and the country's ongoing claim to sovereign access to the sea.

Anakin~commonswiki / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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Basilica of San Francisco, La Paz

The Basilica of San Francisco in the city of La Paz, Bolivia, is a Catholic church under the advocation of Francis of Assisi.

Seges~commonswiki / Public domain

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Isabella I of Castile

Isabella I was Queen of Castile from 1474 until she died in 1504, reigning over a dynastically unified Spain jointly with her husband, King…

Jastrow / Public domain

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Ignatius of Loyola

Ignatius of Loyola, venerated as Saint Ignatius of Loyola, was a Spanish Basque Catholic priest and theologian, who together with Peter…

(WT-shared) Shoestring at wts wikivoyage / CC BY-SA 1.0

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Jaen Street

The picturesque street is a great place to go for a nice walk. There are numerous museums, shops, bars and restaurants with coloured houses.

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Museo Histórico Militar

Located in the Irpavi neighborhood, this museum exhibits military artifacts, uniforms, and weaponry detailing Bolivia's national army history and past armed conflicts.

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Museo Policial

A museum dedicated to the history of the Bolivian National Police, displaying uniforms, investigative equipment, and historical documents related to law enforcement.

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Museo Ferroviario

This museum preserves Bolivia’s railway heritage, featuring vintage locomotives and equipment that reflect the importance of rail transport in the nation's industrial development.

Micah MacAllen / CC BY-SA 2.0

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Coca Museum

The Coca Museum covers the history of the coca plant from the Andean region and related drug cocaine.

Lukáš Musil / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Plaza Murillo

The Plaza Murillo is the central plaza of the city of La Paz and the open space most connected to the political life of Bolivia.

Edgar Claure / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Mirador Killi Killi

A prominent viewpoint offering a 360-degree panorama of La Paz, including the downtown area, the soccer stadium, and the surrounding Andean peaks.

Elemaki / CC BY 3.0

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Killi Killi Viewpoint

The free-of-charge viewpoint provides the most impressive panorama and the best view of the entire La Paz city area.

Mhwater / Public domain

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Sun Gate

The Gate of the Sun, also known as the Gateway of the Sun (in older literature simply called " monolithic Gateway of Ak-kapana", is a…

Bgabel / Public domain

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Tiwanaku Archaelogical Site

Tiwanaku is a Pre-Columbian archaeological site in western Bolivia, near Lake Titicaca, about 70 kilometers from La Paz, and it is one of…

Clairette~commonswiki / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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Monolito del Fraile

A three-meter-tall sandstone stele located within the Tiwanaku complex. The figure holds a ritual vessel and a staff, representing a high-ranking priest or dignitary.

Janikorpi / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Pumapunku

Pumapunku or Puma Punku is a 6th-century T-shaped and strategically aligned man-made terraced platform mound with a sunken court and…

Lazyteen / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Mountain Illimani

Illimani is the highest mountain in the Cordillera Real of western Bolivia.

"Franz Michel" / CC-BY-SA-3.0

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Huayna Potosí Mountain

Huayna Potosí is a mountain in Bolivia, located near El Alto and about 25 km north of La Paz in the Cordillera Real.

Ramon FVelasquez / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, La Paz

The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, also called La Paz Cathedral, is a cathedral and minor basilica is located in Murillo Square…

Other Lists

Archaeological and Historical Sites Andean Peaks and Volcanoes