Things To Do
in El Alto
El Alto is a bustling city located next to La Paz, Bolivia. It is one of the highest cities in the world, sitting at an elevation of over 13,000 feet. The city is known for its vibrant street markets and colorful architecture.
El Alto also has a rich cultural scene, with traditional music and dance being an important part of daily life.
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Hasta luego" - See you later
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $0.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Mercado 16 de Julio, one of the largest markets in Bolivia. Here, you can find everything from fresh produce to traditional clothing.
Visit the nearby Valle de la Luna to admire the unique rock formations. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic while enjoying panoramic views.
Return to the city and explore the vibrant street food scene. Enjoy local delicacies such as salteñas and anticuchos.
Take a guided tour to the Aymara communities surrounding El Alto, immersing yourself in their culture. Participate in traditional rituals and learn about their lifestyle.
Head to the nearby La Paz for a cable car ride that offers stunning views of the Andes. It’s an unforgettable experience that connects both cities.
Conclude your day at a local restaurant in La Paz, trying Bolivian cuisine. The atmosphere is lively, making it a great end to your day.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- El Alto is home to a vibrant culture and rich traditions, showcasing a unique blend of indigenous and modern influences.
- The city offers spectacular views of the Andes mountains and is close to La Paz, enhancing accessibility to urban amenities.
- El Alto has a strong sense of community and activism, with a history of social movements that promote collective rights and empowerment.
- The cost of living in El Alto is generally lower compared to other major cities in Bolivia, making it an attractive option for residents.
- El Alto faces significant challenges related to air pollution and traffic congestion due to rapid urbanization.
- The city struggles with issues of poverty and access to basic services like healthcare and education for its residents.
- Elevation (over 4,000 meters) can cause altitude sickness for newcomers, impacting their acclimatization process.
- The infrastructure, including roads and public transport, may not be as developed as in other urban areas, leading to accessibility issues.
Best Activities in El Alto
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
El Alto offers beautiful hiking trails in the surrounding hills, providing stunning views of the city and the Andes mountains.
Explore the ancient ruins of Puma Punku, an archaeological site near El Alto with fascinating stone structures and historical significance.
For adventure seekers, paragliding over the city of El Alto offers an exhilarating and scenic experience.
Tours
Uncover the best of El Alto with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in El Alto
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning aerial views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Provides panoramic views of El Alto, La Paz, and the surrounding landscape.
A neighborhood known for its colorful murals and beautiful street art, offering great photo opportunities.
Known for vibrant street markets and bustling local life, perfect for capturing the authentic atmosphere of El Alto.
Food in El Alto
El Alto Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spicy chicken stew, prepared with peppers, potatoes, and aji amarillo, providing a delightful mix of flavors. It can be savored at local eateries like Cholitas Restaurante and Mercado Central.
Must-Try!
These savory pastries are filled with meat, vegetables, and a rich, slightly sweet broth. Head to Mercado 16 de Julio for some of the best salteñas in town.
A hearty dish comprised of bite-sized pieces of beef, hot dogs, potatoes, peppers, and onions, all stir-fried and topped with a fried egg. Try it at Restaurant Kuntur Wasicha for an authentic taste.
Unique Experiences
Get to know El Alto better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the largest markets in South America, offering an array of street food options like anticuchos (grilled skewered meats), tucumanas (stuffed pastries), and freshly squeezed juices.
This bustling night market is famous for its diverse street food scene, featuring delicacies such as fried trout, grilled corn, and llama skewers.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In El Alto, it is important to respect Pachamama, the Andean earth goddess, by engaging in eco-friendly practices and showing reverence for nature.
Greetings are an essential part of Bolivian culture. It is customary to greet people with a handshake and a verbal greeting, such as 'Buenos días' (good morning), 'Buenas tardes' (good afternoon), or 'Buenas noches' (good evening).
Personal space is valued in Bolivia, so it's important to respect people's personal space and avoid standing too close when engaging in conversations.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of El Alto with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in El Alto
Ensure a smooth experience
In El Alto, Bolivia, tipping is not commonly expected or practiced. However, in some high-end restaurants or tourist establishments, a service charge may be included in the bill. It is still appreciated to leave a small tip for exceptional service, but it is not considered obligatory.
Payment in El Alto, Bolivia is primarily done in cash, especially in local markets and smaller establishments. Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger stores, hotels, and restaurants in urban areas, but it is advisable to carry enough cash for transactions. ATMs are widely available for withdrawing local currency.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into El Alto.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit El Alto with clear skies and cooler temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing
Expect heavier rainfall and higher humidity, but the landscape becomes lush and green, making it a good time for nature enthusiasts
El Alto at Night
Hiking in El Alto
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Although primarily known for its vast salt flats, the surrounding areas offer breathtaking scenery and unique terrain that can lead to comfortable hiking experiences.
A mountain located northeast of La Paz, popular for hiking due to its high elevation and stunning views. The hike to the summit provides a challenging experience with an elevation of over 5,300 meters.
A fascinating landscape with unique rock formations. There are several trails for hiking and exploration that offer beautiful vistas, all within close reach of El Alto.
This mountain near El Alto provides an excellent hiking destination that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Andean landscape.
Located in Potosí but can be accessed from El Alto, it offers several hiking routes that delve into mining history along with breathtaking vistas.
A more remote hiking spot, this area features stunning landscapes and tranquility that is perfect for hiking and enjoying nature.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into El Alto through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach El Alto by plane.
The main international airport serving La Paz and El Alto, located approximately 13 kilometers from the city center.
An international airport located in Cochabamba, roughly 220 kilometers from El Alto.
The main international airport in Santa Cruz, situated approximately 540 kilometers from El Alto.
An airport serving Potosí, about 380 kilometers from El Alto.
An airport serving Uyuni, located around 490 kilometers from El Alto.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Aymara people are one of the largest indigenous groups in Bolivia, particularly prevalent in El Alto. They have a rich cultural heritage and speak the Aymara language.
Mestizos in El Alto are people of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry. This group makes up a significant portion of the population and reflects a blend of cultural influences.
The Quechua people are another important indigenous demographic in the region, known for their traditional customs and practices.
This group includes immigrants and their descendants from Europe, contributing to the cultural diversity of El Alto.
This category includes smaller indigenous groups, Afro-Bolivians, and recent migrants from other countries.
The Soul of El Alto
Discover the essence of El Alto through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in El Alto, with many local clubs and a strong following among the community.
Basketball has gained popularity in El Alto, especially among youth, with many schools and recreational leagues.
Volleyball is widely played in El Alto, often in parks and schools, as part of community and school sports.
Cycling is popular in El Alto, both as a sport and a means of transportation, with local events and competitions.
Various forms of martial arts, including judo and karate, are practiced in El Alto, with many gyms and dojos available.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting El Alto.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants in El Alto offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, with WIPHALA Restaurant and Restaurant Kuntur Wasicha being particularly accommodating.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find suitable choices at Qhuchi Cafetería, which provides gluten-free pastries and snacks.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of El Alto with these cultural adventures.
