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.

El Alto Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that El Alto has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

El Alto is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in El Alto to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

El Alto Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of El Alto.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to El Alto attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Top places to visit

1. Witches' Market

Get an insight into the world of Aymara witchcraft and medicine at the lively Mercado de Hechicería or Mercado de las Brujas (Witches’ Market) in La Paz. Browse the collection of intriguing stalls for anything from amulets and herbal remedies to clothing and handicrafts from the Andes Mountains. The Aymara culture has its origins in the highlands of Bolivia and Chile.
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Witches\' Market featuring markets

2. Plaza Murillo

Visit Plaza Murillo to spot some of La Paz’s finest colonial buildings then see an impressive collection of colonial and modern art. Since the colonial years, this leafy square has been the city’s historic center and today it remains the focal point of political life in Bolivia. It takes its name from Pedro Domingo Murillo, who was an important figure in the war of independence.
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Plaza Murillo showing heritage architecture and a city

3. La Paz Metropolitan Cathedral

Visit the La Paz Cathedral (Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Paz), also called Cathedral Murillo, to admire its 19th-century architecture and collection of stained-glass windows. The cathedral contains the tomb of a former Bolivian president. Work began on this impressive building in the 1830s. The cathedral dominates Plaza Murillo, La Paz’s central public square.
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4. Plaza San Francisco

Architectural masterpieces and street performers, handicraft vendors and a food market make Plaza San Francisco one of the most animated public squares in La Paz. The square marks the point where the city’s colonial quarter bordered with the Aymara indigenous districts.
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Plaza San Francisco featuring shopping as well as a small group of people

5. 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 featuring tranquil scenes

6. San Francisco Church

Admire the eclectic architectural styles and intricate decorations of the San Francisco Church (Iglesia de San Francisco). See religious paintings and historical artifacts in the church’s museum and enjoy city views from its bell tower, looking out over the convent’s jumble of rooftops.
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San Francisco Church which includes a city

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Recommended things to do in El Alto

Number of things to do
224
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Walking city tour La Paz: CA $4
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

4/5(7 reviews)

Browse the stalls of the curious Mercado de las Brujas to discover traditional Bolivian herbal and ritual treatments while you shop for Andean handicrafts.

Witches' Market
Plaza Murillo which includes a square or plaza, heritage architecture and night scenes

Plaza Murillo

4.5/5(5 reviews)

The historical heart of La Paz is home to impressive colonial buildings, statues of prominent national figures and a museum colonial art.

Plaza Murillo
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La Paz Metropolitan Cathedral

4/5(2 reviews)

Admire the neoclassical architecture and impressive stained-glass windows of La Paz’s main cathedral, one of the striking colonial-era buildings on Plaza Murillo.

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

Valle de la Luna

4.5/5(5 reviews)

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

4.5/5(8 reviews)

See historic architecture, watch street performers and browse the stands of handicraft and food markets at this lively central square.

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 featuring heritage architecture, a city and a church or cathedral

San Francisco Church

4.5/5(5 reviews)

Marvel at the range of architectural styles and intricate artwork of this centuries-old church, spot religious paintings in its convent then enjoy views of La Paz from its tower.

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

National Museum of Art

Admire an impressive collection of colonial paintings and contemporary art by well-known national and Latin American artists in this historic mansion.

National Museum of Art
La Paz showing a square or plaza

Municipal House of Culture Franz Tamayo

Enjoy an outing to Municipal House of Culture Franz Tamayo during your stay in La Paz. While you're in the area, find time to visit its shops.

Municipal House of Culture Franz Tamayo

 

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Day trip destinations from El Alto

La Paz showing 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.