La Paz: Walking Tour with Witches' Market & Cholitas Wrestling

Summary

Walk La Paz’s winding streets meet locals explore the Witches’ Market & catch Cholitas Wrestling on select days

You’ll wander La Paz’s tangled streets with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Taste street snacks, explore San Francisco Church, shop for oddities at the Witches’ Market, and—on Thursdays or Sundays—ride the Teleférico to El Alto for Cholitas Wrestling. Expect laughter, surprises, and moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that smoke? That’s palo santo — keeps away bad spirits,” our guide Juan said, waving us closer. I was still catching my breath from those first steep blocks in La Paz’s old town (altitude: no joke), but the scent was sharp and earthy, almost sweet. We’d just squeezed past a woman selling tiny llama figurines, her hands moving so fast I couldn’t keep up. The city felt like it was humming under my feet — horns, voices, some distant music. It’s busy but not unfriendly; people glance at you, sometimes with a smile if you try your best Spanish.

We ducked into Plaza Murillo next — pigeons everywhere, kids chasing them while their parents watched from benches. Juan pointed out the presidential palace and told us how protests sometimes fill the square. There’s history in every stone here; he said even the San Francisco Church nearby has seen its share of drama. Inside, it smelled like candle wax and dust, sunlight slanting through stained glass. I tried to picture all the lives that had passed through those doors. Someone handed me a coca candy for altitude sickness — honestly, it helped more than I expected.

The Witches’ Market is wild — dried herbs hanging overhead, little bottles labeled for luck or love or revenge (I didn’t ask too many questions). A cholita in her bowler hat grinned when I hesitated over a dried llama fetus — “For good fortune,” she said in Spanish. I laughed but also shivered a bit; there’s something serious about these traditions. If you’re here on Thursday or Sunday, you’ll ride the Teleférico up to El Alto and end up at a Cholitas Wrestling match — women in big skirts flipping each other around while everyone cheers like crazy. It’s loud and weirdly joyful; Li from our group lost her voice shouting for her favorite fighter.

I’m still thinking about that first taste of api (hot purple corn drink) from a street stall near Avenida Camacho — sweet and thick, perfect after all that walking. Sometimes I catch myself missing the chaos of El Prado or the way strangers would nod at us as we passed by markets full of oranges and fried snacks. Not everything made sense right away but somehow that made it better.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore La Paz's historic and cultural sites

• Visit Plaza Murillo in old town
• Explore La Paz central food market
• Tour San Francisco Church
• Browse Witches' Market for potions
• See San Pedro Prison conditions
• Walk through El Prado gardens
• Stroll along Avenida Camacho

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this La Paz walking tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet your local guide at a central location in La Paz.

Does this tour visit the Witches' Market?

Yes, visiting Mercado de las Brujas (Witches' Market) is part of the walking tour route.

Are there tours on Thursdays & Sundays different from other days?

Yes, on Thursdays and Sundays you get an extended tour including Teleférico rides to El Alto City and Cholitas Wrestling show.

Is lunch included during this walking tour?

No lunch is included; however, there are opportunities to buy snacks or drinks along the way.

How physically demanding is this day trip in La Paz?

The walk includes some steep streets at high altitude; suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

What main attractions are covered on this walking tour?

The tour covers Plaza Murillo, San Francisco Church, Avenida Camacho, El Prado, food markets, and the Witches’ Market.

Is public transportation used during this La Paz city tour?

Yes—especially on Thursdays/Sundays when taking the Teleférico cable car to El Alto is included.

Are English-speaking guides available?

Yes—all tours are led by English-speaking local guides familiar with La Paz culture and history.

What’s included

Your day includes an English-speaking local guide who leads you through central La Paz landmarks like Plaza Murillo and San Francisco Church before exploring markets including Mercado de las Brujas; on Thursdays or Sundays you’ll also ride public transport (Teleférico) to El Alto for Cholitas Wrestling—all entry fees covered except meals or personal purchases along the way.