Nestling in a valley between two towering Andean peaks, La Paz is the highest administrative capital of the world, standing at 3,600m high! An exotic and colourful chaotic mess of narrow winding streets, old colonial facades and incense-heavy churches, shamanic open-air markets and rowdy all-female indigenous wrestling matches, the city is an urban jungle bereft of any obvious touristy sights. But therein lies the charm. The city itself is a museum of colour and tradition, and it boasts - according to several guides - one of the best nightlife's in the world for travellers. Ideally placed between the Amazon and the Andes, La Paz is the perfect stepping stone for exploring the wider region, whether you're taking a day trip to the gorgeous mountain lakes of Tuni Condoriri or Palca Canyon. Browse through our list of the best places to stay in La Paz to start planning your trip.

What not to miss

• Take the Mi Teleferico cable car system across the city.
• Watch some indigenous cholitas, (costumed female wrestlers) wrestle in El Alto.
• Explore Palca Canyon or Tuni Condoriri on a day trip.
• Visit the Feria 16 de Julio, Latin America's biggest open-air market, where you can buy anything from SUV's to herbal remedies.
• Check out the National Museum of Ethnography and Folklore, and immerse yourself in the local El Alto culture.
• Walk down Calle Jaen, La Paz's most well preserved colonial street, and visit some of the boutiques, galleries and museums there.
• Buy some shamanic potions, powders and amulets from the Mercado de las Brujas - the Witches Market!

Colourful, wild and brimming with life, La Paz is the perfect place for young backpackers looking for a truly authentic South American experience. Our collection of the best places to stay in La Paz has something for everyone from luxurious spa properties to charming boutiques.

The best places to stay in La Paz

Spa break

• Stannum Boutique Hotel & Spa: offering chic and minimalist rooms adorned with crisp metallic colour schemes, with spellbinding views of the city, and a pampering spa. Ideal for young couples.

Urban chic

• Atix Hotel: sleek and modern, boasting fantastic views over the city, offering beautifully-designed minimalist suites. Enjoy a drink at the trendy bar, fine-dine at the gourmet restaurant or take a dip in the pool. Cosmopolitan luxury at its finest.
• Casa Grande: a gorgeous hotel on the outskirts of the city, offering stylish and chic-modern rooms, an atmospheric cocktail bar, gourmet restaurant and a pampering spa. Perfect for couples looking for relaxation and intimacy.
• Casa de Piedra: chic accommodation, right in the heart of the city. The traditional colonial-era property has been beautifully renovated perfectly mixing the old and new.

Pocket friendly

• Hotel Rosario La Paz: a charming guesthouse located in a colonial-era property in the centre of La Paz, Bolivia. Featuring warm and inviting rooms and superb traditional cuisine.

For an apartment or villa

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

• The best time to go is between March and April when the temperature ranges between 6 and 18 degrees; during the summer months, the temperature reaches as low as -1 degree, and there is heavy rainfall.
• Fly to El Alto International Airport, 8 miles from La Paz, and get a shuttle bus to the city centre.
• If you want to rent a car we recommend contacting our partner Rentalcars.
• The cable car system of Mi Telegerico is great for hopping around the chaotic city.

Still not sure?

• Expand your search to include our options in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
• Browse through all of our recommendations of the best places to stay in Bolivia.
• Or contact one of our Gurus for advice.