La Paz: Walking Tour Historic Streets & Witches' Market

Summary

Plaza Murillo stories, San Francisco Church art, and the Witches’ Market’s living traditions

You’ll walk La Paz’s steep streets with a local guide who brings history to life—from Plaza Murillo’s political tales to San Francisco Church’s carved secrets and the surreal magic of the Witches’ Market. Taste street food if you want (I did), listen to stories you won’t find in any book, and leave feeling like you’ve seen more than just landmarks.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed about La Paz was how the city just tumbles down the mountainside—like it can’t help itself. We started our walking tour right in the thick of it, near Plaza Murillo. Our guide, Daniel, waved us over with this easy smile and immediately started sharing stories about the square—Bolivian politics, revolutions, all that noise echoing off the old stone buildings. There were pigeons everywhere and a woman selling snacks from a basket; I bought something called tucumana (kind of like an empanada but spicier) because Daniel said you have to try street food here at least once. My hands got greasy and honestly, I didn’t mind.

We wandered through narrow streets where everything felt alive—the colors, the smells (sometimes sweet fruit, sometimes something… earthier). At San Francisco Church, Daniel pointed out carvings on the facade that mixed Spanish saints with Andean symbols. He talked about how colonization left its mark right there in stone. I tried to follow his explanation but got distracted by a group of school kids laughing nearby. The air was thin and sharp; someone said we were at 3,600 meters up and I believed it—my heart thumped faster than usual.

But the wildest part was definitely the Witches’ Market. The stalls were packed tight with dried herbs, amulets, even llama fetuses hanging from strings (I’d read about them but seeing them is another thing). A cholita vendor explained how people come here to buy offerings for Pachamama—Mother Earth—and Daniel translated her Aymara-Spanish mix for us. It was weirdly quiet for a market; maybe everyone’s just respectful here? I kept thinking about those little bundles meant to bring luck or health or rain. We ended up sitting on a low wall while Daniel told us about Andean cosmovision—I still think about that word sometimes when I see mountains now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore La Paz markets and historic sites

• Visit vibrant local market
• Explore Witches' Market with guide
• See San Francisco Church facade
• Try local food at street market
• Visit Plaza Murillo and presidential palace
• Discover hidden city gems with guide

Top questions

How long does the La Paz city walking tour last?

The reference doesn’t specify duration; check with operator for details.

Is pickup included for this La Paz walking tour?

No mention of hotel pickup; tour starts in central La Paz.

What are the main stops on this La Paz city walking tour?

Plaza Murillo, San Francisco Church, local markets including the Witches’ Market.

Is food included during the tour?

You’ll get to try local street food at a market stop; not a full meal but snacks are available.

Are guides bilingual on this La Paz walking tour?

Yes, tours are led by fun and informative bilingual guides.

Is this walking tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?

No; travelers should have moderate fitness due to altitude and uneven streets.

Does this tour operate in bad weather?

Yes, it runs in all weather conditions—dress appropriately for La Paz’s climate.

Are public transportation options available nearby?

Yes, public transport is accessible near starting points in central La Paz.

What’s included

Your day includes an enthusiastic bilingual local guide who shares stories behind every corner, covers local taxes so there’s no surprise fees, and leads you through historic streets plus markets where you can sample street snacks if you like—all while keeping things fun (and informative) from start to finish.