Imagine soaring above the rooftops of La Paz in a series of cable cars, getting a bird’s-eye view of the city’s sprawling neighborhoods, towering buildings, and the majestic Illimani Hill. This tour, costing around $88 per person and lasting about four hours, offers an engaging blend of aerial sightseeing, local food sampling, and a walk through the city’s vibrant streets. It’s a great way to see La Paz from a different perspective without straining your legs or your budget.

What we really love about this experience is how it combines spectacular views—switching between five different cable lines—to give you a true sense of the city’s layout and geography. Plus, the visit to Moon Valley adds an outdoor adventure with volcanic formations that look like scenes from another planet. The inclusion of a local guide ensures you’re not just riding blindly but learning fascinating facts and cultural insights along the way.

However, a couple of considerations are worth noting. The transportation to Moon Valley isn’t included in the tour price—so you’ll need to pay for the taxi yourself, which adds an extra step and cost. Also, some reviews mention that this isn’t a full-blown food tour, but rather a brief food tasting, which might be a bit of a letdown if you’re expecting a culinary deep dive.

This tour fits best for travelers who want a visual overview of La Paz combined with some local flavors, and who appreciate a small-group experience with a knowledgeable guide. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but still want to touch on the city’s highlights and enjoy some authentic food samples.

Key Points

Unique aerial views of La Paz from five different cable car lines
Visit Moon Valley for volcanic landscapes and Andean flora
Local guide provides cultural insights and explanations
Food tasting offers a glimpse of local Andean produce
Transportation to Moon Valley is extra, not included in the tour fee
Private group ensures a more personalized experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring La Paz from the Sky and on Foot

The highlight of this tour is undoubtedly riding the cable cars, which are an integral part of La Paz’s public transit system. Traveling across five different lines, we loved the way each segment offered unique perspectives of the city’s eclectic mixture of colonial buildings, modern structures, and bustling markets. The spectacular aerial views allow you to see the city’s layout from above, revealing how La Paz sprawls across a valley surrounded by towering mountains.

The guide, whose name often comes up as helpful and informative, explains the significance of key sights such as Illimani Hill, which dominates the skyline. From the cable car, you get an impressive vantage point that’s not available elsewhere. It’s a simple, safe, and efficient way to cover a lot of ground without tiring yourself out.

Keen to taste more of La Paz? We've looked into these other food and drink experiences

Moon Valley and Outdoor Exploration

Following the cable car ride, the tour takes you to Moon Valley—a must-visit for lovers of unusual landscapes. The volcanic lava formations resemble a moonscape, complete with other-worldly terrain and various Andean plants. While the tour includes the walk here, it’s important to note that transportation to Moon Valley isn’t part of the package; you’ll need to pay for a taxi (roughly 75 Bolivianos), which can be an extra step but adds to the adventure.

We appreciated the opportunity to explore this strange and beautiful landscape outside the city, which offers excellent photo opportunities and a sense of the volcanic activity that shaped the region millions of years ago.

Walking Tour and Local Culture

Back on solid ground, the tour continues with a walk through Jaen Street and surrounding neighborhoods. This part of the experience is where you get a glimpse of daily life—browsing local markets, observing colorful traditional clothing, and soaking in the city’s vibrant street scene. Your guide offers insights into local customs, routines, and traditions, making the experience richer than just a sightseeing trip.

Food Sampling

The food tasting is a pleasant bonus—an opportunity to sample some delicious Andean produce. While it’s not a full culinary tour, the samples give a taste of regional flavors, which might include local snacks, drinks, or small dishes. Several reviewers mention that the included food and drinks are enjoyable and authentic, making this a worthwhile part of the experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Details: What Makes This Tour Work

The price point of $88 offers decent value considering the combination of transportation, guided commentary, and food samples. The fact that it’s a private group adds a layer of comfort, allowing for a tailored experience and more interaction with your guide.

The duration of four hours makes it manageable for most travelers, fitting nicely into a busy itinerary. We recommend checking the starting times and availability ahead of time since the tour duration can vary depending on the season or demand.

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which simplifies logistics—no need to figure out how to get to the cable car stations yourself. It also provides bottled water—a thoughtful touch in a city where hydration is key.

While in La Paz, here are other experiences we've covered

Evening Foodie Tour of La Paz

A Word of Caution

Some travelers note that entrance fees aren’t included, so if you want to explore more independently or visit additional sites, you’ll need to budget for those. Also, if you’re expecting an in-depth food tour, this might be more of a flavor sampling experience rather than a full culinary adventure.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of La Paz with minimal walking. It’s also suited for photo enthusiasts eager for panoramic views—especially from the cable cars—and those interested in local landscapes like Moon Valley. Because it’s a private group with a knowledgeable guide, it appeals to travelers who value a more personalized, relaxed pace.

Travelers looking for a cost-effective combination of urban scenery, outdoor exploration, and a bit of local flavor will find this tour offers good value. However, if you’re after a deep dive into Bolivian cuisine or a comprehensive culture, you might want to supplement this with other activities.

FAQ

Is transportation to Moon Valley included?
No, transportation to and from Moon Valley is not included. You will need to pay for a taxi, which costs approximately 75 Bolivianos.

How many cable car lines will I ride?
You will switch between five different cable car lines, providing a comprehensive aerial tour of La Paz.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking parts of this tour, especially at Moon Valley and during the city walk.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

What’s included in the tour?
Hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide, bottled water, and food tasting are included. Entrance fees to other sites are not covered.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, the La Paz cable car and food tasting tour offers a well-balanced mix of spectacular city views, outdoor scenery, and local flavors. It’s a smart choice if you want to see La Paz from above without the hassle of planning multiple transportation steps and enjoy a guided experience that enriches your understanding of the city. While it’s not a full culinary tour or a deep dive into every facet of La Paz, it provides a memorable snapshot with a touch of adventure, especially suited for travelers with limited time, curious minds, and an appreciation for authentic local scenery.