Cable Car, Cementery, Shaman and El Alto Adventure in La Paz

Discover La Paz with the Cable Car, Cemetery, Shaman, and El Alto Adventure

This 3-hour tour offers a lively taste of La Paz, Bolivia, combining public transportation, local culture, and stunning views. For just $20, you’ll ride the Mi Teleferico cable cars, visit the Cementerio General with its vibrant street art, stroll through El Alto Market, and meet a local shaman for a fortune-telling session. The tour typically starts at 2:00 pm from The Steakhouse on Murillo Street and is perfect for travelers wanting a quick yet authentic glimpse of the city beyond the usual tourist spots.

What we love most about this experience is how accessible and engaging it is. We especially appreciated the guided insight into local traditions and the incredible vistas seen from the cable cars—an excellent way to get your bearings and understand the city’s layout. Plus, the interaction with a shaman adds a touch of authentic local spirituality rarely offered in typical city tours.

One consideration is the cultural variability—the cemetery visit can be adjusted based on city circumstances, as some reviews noted. If you’re visiting outside the Day of the Dead, the cemetery might be less lively, but the street art and history still shine through. This tour suits those who enjoy a mix of culture, scenery, and local flavor, especially first-time visitors eager to get a broad overview without a long commitment.

Key Points

• Affordable and well-organized for a quick introduction to La Paz.
• Includes cable car rides, offering fantastic city views.
• Cultural insights at the cemetery and El Alto Market.
• Authentic experience with a local shaman for folklore and fortune-telling.
• Moderate physical activity required, mainly walking and boarding transport.
• Small group size (max 25), ensuring a personalized experience.

A Practical Guide to the La Paz Adventure

When we think about exploring La Paz, one of the most unique aspects is the cable car system, Mi Teleferico. It’s one of the best ways to get a bird’s-eye view of the city’s dramatic topography—surrounded by hills and mountains, La Paz looks spectacular from above. The tour’s cable car ride lasts about 30 minutes, included in your fee, which is an excellent value considering the views and the chance to see La Paz from a different perspective.

From the moment you step onto the cable cars, you’ll notice how smoothly they glide across the city, connecting neighborhoods like El Alto and the bustling downtown. Several reviews sing praises about the cable car experience, with one mentioning that riding public transport and cable cars was “brilliant” and provides great photo opportunities. For many travelers, this is the highlight—a chance to stand high above the streets and capture panoramic shots of the surrounding mountains and urban sprawl.

After the cable car ride, you’ll visit the Cementerio General, which might sound a bit morbid but is actually a colorful and fascinating open-air museum of Bolivian culture. The cemetery is famous for its vibrant street art and lively atmosphere, especially during traditional celebrations, but even outside of those times, it provides a unique glimpse into local attitudes toward death and memory. One reviewer noted that the cemetery “was surprisingly interesting” and appreciated the artistic expression displayed through murals and statues.

The visit is about 30 minutes, and you get free admission to the cemetery, though your guide’s insights help you understand the significance behind the artwork and customs. However, some travelers have mentioned that if you visit outside a special day like the Day of the Dead, the cemetery might be quieter, and the experience will be more about observing the artwork than participating in festivities.

Next, the tour takes you to El Alto Market, which is a bustling hub of Bolivian daily life. On Thursdays and Sundays, the market is especially lively, with vendors selling everything from traditional textiles to fresh produce. Here, you’ll get a vivid snapshot of local commerce and culture. The market also offers a chance to see a shaman, who performs fortune-telling—a highlight for many. One review shared that the experience of visiting the shaman was “super interesting,” and learning about Yatiris (traditional healers) adds depth to understanding Bolivian spirituality.

The market visit lasts about 30 minutes, enough to soak in the sights and sounds. If you're interested in local beliefs, don’t miss the opportunity to have your fortune read or ask about traditional remedies—guides are usually happy to explain their significance.

What’s Included & Practical Tips

For $20, the tour includes all cable car tickets, a bilingual guide, and entry to the cemetery. The guide’s local knowledge is a real asset, making the experience informative and engaging. The tour starts promptly at 2:00 pm from The Steakhouse on Murillo Street, a central and accessible location.

As with most small-group tours, expect moderate walking, and be prepared for the altitude—La Paz sits at around 3,600 meters (11,800 feet) above sea level. Remember to stay hydrated and take it easy, especially if you’re not acclimated.

What Travelers Say

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.7 average rating from 132 reviews. Many praise the knowledgeable guides like Denise and Max, who are described as “friendly,” “passionate,” and “extremely knowledgeable.” One reviewer said, “Our guide Max explained the traditions in great detail,” highlighting how much value guides add to this tour.

Some travelers have expressed that the cemetery wasn’t as impressive outside of specific cultural celebrations, but they still enjoyed the cultural insights and artistic displays. Others appreciated the easy pace and variety of sights, making it a great quick overview of La Paz’s diverse neighborhoods and traditions.

A few reviews, however, mention organizational hiccups—such as difficulty reaching the tour provider or miscommunications about meeting points—and recommend confirming details beforehand. In general, these are minor and don’t detract from the overall value.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an affordable, guided introduction to La Paz, combining urban vistas, cultural insights, and local flavor in a manageable 3-hour window. If you enjoy learning about local customs, seeing the city from above, and interacting with indigenous traditions, you’ll find plenty to love here.

It's especially suitable for first-time visitors who don’t want to spend a whole day but still want a well-rounded snapshot of the city’s personality. The small group size and engaging guides make it a comfortable and educational experience, whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or with family.

While not exhaustive, this tour offers a balanced mix of scenery, culture, and local life, making it a great value for the price. Just keep in mind that the cemetery visit can be adjusted, and the experience is best appreciated when you’re open to discovering Bolivia’s unique perspectives on death and spirituality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, but expect to do some walking and boarding transportation. It’s at a moderate pace, and no strenuous activity is involved.

How long does the cable car ride last?
The cable car ride lasts approximately 30 minutes, providing great views of La Paz and the surrounding mountains.

Is the tour appropriate for children?
Most children should be fine as long as they’re comfortable walking and standing for periods. Tour size is limited to 25, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere.

Can I see inside the cemetery?
The tour visits the cemetery from the outside, with some access to the street art. Inside visits depend on city circumstances, but generally, you’ll see the artwork and learn about local customs.

What is included in the price?
All cable car tickets, a bilingual guide, and free admission to the cemetery are included. The market and shaman visits are free of charge.

Is this tour available on specific days?
It runs at 2:00 pm daily, with the option to visit the market on Thursdays and Sundays for the market and shaman part.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, layers for altitude, water, and a camera. Be prepared for variable weather and possibly high altitude.

This tour offers a smart, affordable way to experience La Paz’s vibrant culture, scenic views, and local traditions—all packed into a lively three hours that leave you with a deeper understanding of this captivating city.