El Alto International Airport connects to central La Paz via a dramatic descent of nearly 400 meters through the world's highest capital city. The 20 km journey takes 30-45 minutes by taxi through winding mountain roads.

About La Paz City Center

La Paz, the world's highest administrative capital at 3,640 meters above sea level, sprawls across a dramatic canyon surrounded by snow-capped Andean peaks. The city center clusters around Plaza Murillo, where the Presidential Palace (Palacio Quemado), the National Congress, and the Metropolitan Cathedral face a square frequented by pigeons and shoeshine boys wearing balaclavas (a local tradition).

The Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) on Calle Jiménez and Linares is one of La Paz's most famous attractions, where Aymara women sell dried llama fetuses, potions, amulets, and traditional remedies used in indigenous rituals. The nearby Calle Sagárnaga is the main tourist street with hostels, restaurants, tour agencies, and shops selling alpaca wool textiles.

The Mi Teleférico cable car system is one of the world's most extensive urban cable car networks, with 10 lines spanning the city and offering jaw-dropping views of the canyon, the Illimani peak (6,438m), and the altiplano above. The system connects the center to El Alto and to neighborhoods across the steep terrain, making it both a practical transit option and an unmissable sightseeing experience.

Nearby Landmarks

Plaza Murillo Witches' Market Calle Sagárnaga Mi Teleférico Red Line

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost Varies by traffic
Time 20-40 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. At El Alto Airport, proceed to the taxi stand outside the arrivals area
2. Negotiate a fare to La Paz city center (Bs. 70-100, about $10-14)
3. Insist on a registered radio taxi for safety; look for the taxi ID number
4. The drive descends into the canyon via the autopista (30-45 minutes)
5. For the tourist zone, request Calle Sagárnaga, Plaza San Francisco, or your hotel
6. Alternative: Mi Teleférico Red Line connects El Alto to the city center (Bs. 3, 15 min)

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi Varies by traffic 20-40 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Taxis from El Alto Airport operate 24 hours with negotiated fares (Bs. 70-100 to the city center, approximately $10-14). There is no metered taxi system. Always agree on the price before departing. Radio taxis are safer than street hails, especially at night. The Mi Teleférico system runs until about 10:00 PM. Late-night transport in La Paz is limited, and the city center quiets down by midnight on weeknights.

Luggage Tips

La Paz streets are steep and often cobblestoned, making rolling luggage challenging in many areas. Calle Sagárnaga and the tourist zone involve significant uphill and downhill walking. Take a taxi directly to your hotel. Due to the extreme altitude (3,640m), carrying heavy luggage is much more exhausting than at sea level. Allow time to acclimatize before exerting yourself with bags.

Accessibility

La Paz is one of the world's most challenging cities for wheelchair users due to extreme steep terrain, narrow sidewalks, cobblestones, and limited accessibility infrastructure. The Mi Teleférico cable car stations have some elevator access but the system was not designed for wheelchairs. Taxis are the only practical option, though many are small and difficult to enter. Major international hotels have basic accessible rooms.