La Paz: Walking Tour & Cable Car with Witches Markets

Summary

La Paz walking tour with cable car rides witches markets and local stories

You’ll weave through La Paz’s wildest markets with a local guide, ride soaring cable cars between city neighborhoods, and hear real stories behind San Pedro Prison and Jaen Street. Expect vivid smells and colors at two very different witches markets — plus moments of quiet high above the city that might stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

We were already dodging traffic outside San Francisco Church when our guide, Carla, waved us over — she had this bright scarf and a laugh that carried over the street noise. Right away, she led us into the Witches Market. I’d heard about it but didn’t expect the mix of smells — incense, dried herbs, something sharp and earthy. Carla explained what some of these little bundles were for (I tried to remember the word for luck in Spanish but gave up). She pointed out a stall selling tiny llama fetuses — apparently for good fortune? Still not sure how I feel about that.

San Pedro Square was next, all busy with vendors and taxis honking. We stood across from the infamous prison — just looking at its walls felt strange after hearing Carla’s stories about what goes on inside. The whole place seemed to hum with secrets. Then we hopped onto the cable car (the red line first), gliding up above La Paz’s chaos. It’s wild how quiet it gets up there; you look down and it’s all tin roofs and laundry lines stretching forever. At El Alto’s witches market, everything felt rougher — louder bargaining, brighter colors, different smells. On Thursday there was this sprawling flea market too; I got distracted by a guy selling old radios that probably haven’t worked since before I was born.

Coming back down, we wandered Jaen Street — narrow and painted in these faded pastels, almost peaceful compared to everywhere else. A woman selling sweets smiled at us when Carla bought us tiny coconut candies (sticky but worth it). By the time we reached the main square, my feet were tired but I didn’t really care. The cathedral loomed over everyone; government buildings looked important but honestly I was more interested in watching people chat on benches or feed pigeons. We ended up back where we started, near San Francisco Church — it felt like we’d circled through a dozen worlds in three hours. Sometimes I still think about that view from the cable car — so much happening below you don’t notice until you’re floating above it all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — La Paz city and cable car tour

• Start at San Francisco Church
• Visit Witches Market of La Paz
• See San Pedro Square and jail exterior
• Take various cable car lines
• Visit Witches Market of El Alto
• Explore flea market (Thursday/Sunday only)
• Return to La Paz, visit Jaen Street
• See main square and cathedral
• Walk through open air markets and shops
• Finish back at San Francisco Church

Top questions

How long is the La Paz walking tour with cable car?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Does this day trip include both La Paz & El Alto witches markets?

Yes, you’ll visit witches markets in both La Paz and El Alto during the tour.

Is pickup included for this La Paz city tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at San Francisco Church to start.

Will we go inside San Pedro Prison?

No, you will see San Pedro Prison from outside only.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is capped at 15 people maximum.

Are cable car tickets included?

Yes, all activities including cable car rides are included in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the info provided.

What should I wear on this city tour?

A smart casual dress code is recommended for comfort while walking.

What’s included

Your day includes a friendly local guide leading your small group through La Paz’s key sights and neighborhoods; all activities such as multiple cable car rides between districts; visits to both witches markets (La Paz and El Alto); plus plenty of stories along the way before returning to your starting point by San Francisco Church.