La Paz: Cable Car, Witches’ Market & Gourmet Lunch Tour

Summary

Lunch in La Paz, cable car views, witches’ market stories and coffee breaks

You’ll share lunch at one of La Paz’s best restaurants before riding the cable car up to El Alto for sweeping city views. Wander through the witches’ market with stories from your local guide, stroll Jaén Street’s colonial charm, then unwind over gourmet high-altitude coffee. This tour lets you feel both the pulse and soul of La Paz—and maybe taste something you’ll never forget.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to start my day in La Paz with a three-course lunch, but there we were—me and a few others—passing around plates of quinoa soup and llama steak at this restaurant our guide swore was the best in town. The flavors were new but comforting, and I kept catching little whiffs of herbs I couldn’t name. Our guide, Carla, told us about her grandmother’s recipes while we tried to guess what was in the spicy sauce (I still have no idea). There was this easy laughter between strangers—you know that feeling when everyone’s a bit nervous but excited?

After lunch we walked out into the noisy streets and headed for the witches’ market. It wasn’t spooky like I’d imagined—just busy and colorful, women selling dried herbs and tiny figurines for Pachamama offerings. Carla explained how people come here for luck or healing. She pointed out coca leaves stacked neatly on a stall; I tried to say thank you in Aymara and probably butchered it because one of the vendors grinned at me like she’d heard it all before. The air smelled like incense and something earthy—maybe dried flowers? We stopped at the coca museum but honestly I was distracted by all the street sounds outside.

The cable car up to El Alto is wild—you float above everything, rooftops sliding away below you. Carla talked about how La Paz and El Alto are almost different worlds even though they’re neighbors. The city looked endless from up there, with Illimani just sitting huge on the horizon. At one point someone pointed out a mural on a building far below; I nearly missed it because I was too busy staring at the clouds drifting past our window.

Later we wandered down Jaén Street—cobblestones underfoot, bright colonial houses pressed close together. Carla told us stories about Spanish settlers and rebellions; she’s got this way of making history feel like gossip from last week. We ducked into a café for some high altitude coffee (which really does taste different—kind of sharper?) and sat for a minute just watching people pass by outside. There’s something about that mix of old stones and new energy that sticks with you long after you leave. I still think about that view from Plaza Murillo, Illimani glowing behind everything—like the city’s secret heartbeat or something.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore La Paz culture and landmarks

• Enjoy three-course traditional lunch
• Ride cable car to El Alto
• Visit witches market and coca museum
• Walk along colonial Calle Jaen
• Explore Plaza Murillo main square
• Visit La Paz Cathedral
• Tour National Museum of Art
• Have gourmet high altitude coffee
• View Illimani mountain panorama

Top questions

Is lunch included on this La Paz tour?

Yes, a three-course traditional menu is included at one of La Paz’s top restaurants.

Does this tour visit the witches’ market?

Yes, you’ll explore Mercado de las Brujas (witches’ market) with your guide.

Will we ride the cable car in La Paz?

Yes, the tour includes riding the purple line cable car up to El Alto for panoramic views.

Are drinks provided during this experience?

Coffee or tea is included during a café stop; other drinks may be available for purchase.

How much walking is involved on this day trip?

You’ll walk through downtown La Paz including Jaén Street and Plaza Murillo; suitable for most fitness levels.

Is transportation provided between stops?

You’ll use public transportation options like the cable car; pickup isn’t mentioned but locations are central.

Are museums included in this itinerary?

The tour passes by several museums such as Museo Nacional de Arte and Calle Jaen Museums; entry specifics may vary.

Can vegetarians be accommodated for lunch?

The menu uses fresh local ingredients; dietary needs can usually be accommodated if requested in advance.

What’s included

Your day includes a three-course Bolivian lunch made from fresh local ingredients, guided walks through downtown landmarks like Plaza Murillo and Jaén Street, rides on La Paz’s famous cable car system up to El Alto for sweeping views, time exploring the witches’ market with cultural insights from your local guide, plus gourmet high-altitude coffee or tea along the way before finishing near Illimani mountain’s watchful presence.