La Paz: Cable Car, Cemetery, Shaman, and El Alto Tour

Discover La Paz from a New Angle: Cable Car, Cemetery, Shaman, and El Alto Tour

This 3-hour adventure in La Paz takes you beyond the bustling city center to explore some of the area’s most authentic and visually striking sights. For just $20, you’ll hop aboard the famous cable cars, visit a local cemetery decorated with art, meet a shaman who reads fortunes in coca leaves, and explore the lively district of El Alto. Your guides, often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, help turn this into a memorable cultural experience.

What we love most? First, the spectacular views from the cable cars—riding over La Paz and El Alto gives you a sweeping perspective of the city’s unique geography. Second, the personal insights about Bolivian customs and spirituality from guides like Christian or Max add real depth to the visit. On the flip side, a potential drawback is that some stops, such as the shaman’s reading, may extend the tour duration if you choose to participate, so managing expectations is key if you’re tight on time.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy authentic local experiences and are curious about Bolivian traditions. If you’re eager to see not just the sights but also the stories behind them, and don’t mind using public transportation, you’ll find this experience both affordable and insightful.

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Key Points

• Breathtaking Views: Ride the cable cars over La Paz and El Alto for panoramic cityscapes.
• Cultural Insight: Learn about local traditions, spirituality, and history from friendly bilingual guides.
• Authentic Encounters: Visit a vibrant cemetery and explore street art, plus a chance to see a shaman at work.
• Affordable Price: At $20, this tour offers excellent value for a diverse, immersive experience.
• Flexible Experience: Duration around 3 hours, with options to include a fortune reading if time permits.
• Community Focus: Visit El Alto, a district blending tradition with modern life, especially lively during markets and events.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Off in La Paz: Meeting the Guides and First Impressions

The adventure begins at 2 PM inside The SteakHouse on Calle Murillo. The guide, easily spotted by a red cap, greets the group and sets expectations for a lively three hours. We appreciated the casual yet informative tone, which immediately made us comfortable. Your group will likely be small, ensuring personalized attention, and multilingual guides often lead the way in making the experience accessible for all.

Riding the Cable Car: The Best Views in Town

Once aboard the red cable car, we instantly understood why these gondolas are La Paz’s pride. The ride over the city offers spectacular vistas of La Paz’s colorful rooftops and the surrounding mountains. Guides often point out notable landmarks and explain the city’s unique topography—how the dramatic elevation changes shape daily life.

Many reviews highlight how riding the cable cars is a highlight. Julia from her review notes, “Great atmosphere, totally recommend,” emphasizing the enjoyment of seeing the city from above. The cable cars are not just transportation; they’re a spectacle and an integral part of La Paz’s identity, making this a must-do for anyone wanting an overview of the city’s layout.

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Visiting the Cemetery: Art, Culture, and Reflection

Next, the tour takes you to a famous cemetery—a site that’s both a resting place and a vibrant showcase of local art and customs. Unlike somber cemeteries elsewhere, this one bursts with color and creativity, often decorated with street art and offerings. Our guide explains the significance of these displays, which reflect local beliefs about honoring ancestors.

Reviews mention the cemetery as “incredible,” with “meaningful street art and a chance to understand local customs.” It’s an eye-opening stop, revealing how the Bolivian people blend tradition and daily life.

Exploring El Alto: Neighborhood Energy and Markets

From the cemetery, we head to El Alto, a district that’s often overlooked but brimming with energy. Here, you’ll see a mix of traditional markets and modern street life, especially vibrant during market days on Thursdays and Sundays when one of the world’s largest open-air markets takes place. Christian or Max, our guides, shared stories about the community’s blend of indigenous traditions and urban growth.

Many travelers, like Margeaux, praised their guides, “Incredible guides who made us feel like locals,” making El Alto not just a sightseeing spot but a window into everyday Bolivian life.

Meeting a Shaman: A Spiritual Connection

One of the most memorable parts is visiting a local shaman. Here, if you’re curious, you can have your fortune read in coca leaves, which many reviews describe as a “cool,” “authentic,” experience. The shaman also shares insights about Andean spirituality and healing herbs—a peek into how faith and tradition still play a central role in Bolivian culture.

Some reviews note that this part of the tour can extend its duration, as participants often linger for questions or readings. If you’re pressed for time, it’s best to communicate your schedule beforehand. For others, this is an enriching moment that deepens the understanding of local beliefs.

Returning via Cable Car: Breathtaking Return

After exploring El Alto and the shaman’s hut, the group boards another teleférico to head back to the city center. The return ride offers more fantastic views of the city and mountains, perfect for photo opportunities and reflection on what you’ve experienced.

Analyzing the Value: Is It Worth It?

At $20, this tour offers remarkable value. It combines transportation, guided insights, and culturally rich stops into a compact package. Many reviews praise the “knowledgeable guides,” with guests like Daniel and Christian receiving praise for their engaging storytelling and local expertise.

The inclusion of public transportation—such as the cable cars and minibuses—makes it an immersive experience, giving you a real sense of daily life in La Paz. Visiting places you’d rarely find on your own, like the cemetery’s street art or a shaman’s hut, adds depth and authenticity.

However, the tour does not include food or drinks, so plan to bring cash for snacks or small purchases. Also, because the tour involves altitude, travelers with altitude sickness should be cautious. It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes and bring a sun hat and jacket, as suggested.

The Experience’s Pace and Group Size

Most reviews commend the small group size, which allows for personalized attention and more meaningful interactions. The tour lasts about three hours, which is manageable even for those with tight schedules, but be aware that participation in optional activities like the fortune reading can extend your experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for curious travelers who want to see La Paz off the typical tourist trail. If you enjoy local culture, authentic stories, and breathtaking views, you’ll find this tour well worth the price. It’s especially suitable for those who like small-group adventures and are open to public transport as part of their experience.

Practical Details and Tips

Meeting Point: Inside The SteakHouse on Calle Murillo at 2 PM. Look for the guide with a red cap—be punctual, as waiting is limited to 7 minutes.

Duration: About 3 hours, with starting times available depending on dates.

What to Bring: Passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sun hat, jacket, and cash. Remember, you might want some money for snacks or souvenirs.

Accessibility: Not suitable for pregnant women or those with altitude sickness.

Cancellation Policy: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making this a flexible option if your plans change.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable if I don’t speak Spanish?
Yes. The tour is led by a bilingual guide who speaks English, ensuring clear communication and understanding.

How long does the cable car ride last?
The cable car rides are part of the tour’s core transport, offering sweeping views. The exact duration isn’t specified, but they are central to the experience, and the ride itself is scenic and enjoyable.

Can I participate in the shaman’s fortune reading?
Yes, if time allows, you can visit the shaman and have your fortune read in coca leaves. It’s a popular, memorable part of the tour.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Most likely, yes, but check with the operator if you are traveling with very young children, especially considering walking and altitude considerations.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must, along with a sun hat and a jacket, as the weather can vary and you’ll be outdoors for much of the tour.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring cash for snacks or additional purchases.

Final Thoughts

This La Paz tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the city’s stunning scenery, local traditions, and everyday life. The combination of cable car rides, cultural stops, and authentic encounters with a shaman makes it more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a meaningful way to connect with the heart of Bolivia.

It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy interactive, small-group adventures and are eager to learn about Andean spirituality and urban culture without breaking the bank. The knowledgeable guides and breathtaking views ensure you’ll leave with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation of La Paz’s layered stories.

If you want to see La Paz from above, walk its streets with a local expert, and experience its spiritual side, this tour delivers genuine value at a very reasonable price. Just remember to pace yourself and embrace the unexpected moments that make traveling so rewarding.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby