La Paz: Cable Car, Cemetery & Shaman Tour with El Alto

Summary

La Paz cable car ride cemetery street art and shaman visit

You’ll float over La Paz by cable car, wander through colorful cemetery street art with stories from your local guide, and meet a shaman in lively El Alto—maybe even have your fortune read if you’re brave enough. Expect laughter, new perspectives, and small moments that stick with you long after you’re back on solid ground.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this moment when you’re hanging in the air above La Paz, pressed against the window of the teleférico, and all you can hear is the soft hum of cables and someone’s quiet laugh behind you. Our guide, Carla, pointed out the snow on Illimani in the distance—she said it’s like the city’s silent guardian. I tried to take a photo but my hands were kind of shaking (heights do that to me), so I just watched instead. The city below looked like a patchwork quilt, all reds and yellows, with laundry flapping from rooftops.

We hopped off near the cemetery district—never thought I’d say that was one of my favorite stops. The walls are covered in wild colors and murals; some funny, some sad. Carla explained how families come here not just to mourn but to celebrate their loved ones. There was this sweet smell from someone burning incense at a grave—I caught myself slowing down just to breathe it in. I tried asking about one mural in Spanish and totally butchered it; a woman nearby grinned and helped me out anyway. People here are patient with strangers.

The cable car up to El Alto was packed with locals heading home, kids squirming on laps. Up there it felt colder—windier too—and everything seemed louder somehow. We ducked into a tiny room where an old shaman sat surrounded by coca leaves and little trinkets. He read someone’s fortune (not mine—I chickened out) while Carla translated bits for us. I still think about his hands moving through those leaves, so sure and gentle. On the way back down, everyone went quiet for a minute as we drifted over the city again—one of those silences that feels full instead of empty.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore La Paz by cable car and market

• Ride the amazing cable cars
• Visit cemetery street art museum
• Walk El Alto market and see city views
• Visit local shaman for fortune reading

Top questions

What time does the La Paz cable car tour start?

The tour starts at 2pm.

Is entry to the cemetery included in this tour?

Yes, tourist entrance to the cemetery is included.

Do I need to buy separate tickets for the cable car?

No, cable car tickets are included in your tour.

Will we meet a real shaman during this day trip?

Yes, you'll visit a local shaman in El Alto as part of the experience.

Is there a guide on this La Paz city tour?

Yes, you'll be accompanied by an amazing local bilingual guide.

How physically demanding is this tour?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are nearby.

Are there markets included on this El Alto adventure?

If you go on Thursday or Sunday, you'll walk through El Alto's market.

What’s included

Your day includes all cable car tickets across La Paz and up to El Alto, entrance fees for exploring the cemetery’s open-air street art museum, plus an engaging bilingual local guide who’ll keep things moving (and translating) as you meet shamans or wander markets before heading back down into town together.