Things To Do
in El Alto
El Alto sits on the high plateau just above La Paz, a sprawling city that buzzes with markets and street life. At over 4,000 meters, the air is thin and the views are dramatic across the lake and valley below. Its neighborhoods pulse with Aymara culture, craft markets, and a vibrant mobility network centered around the cable cars.
Visitors come for the energy, the cuisine, and the chance to glimpse daily life on the altiplano.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Plaza Murillo, where you can admire the stunning architecture of the government palace and the iconic Cathedral of La Paz. Take a moment to appreciate the vibrant atmosphere as locals gather for their morning routines. Enjoy a traditional Bolivian breakfast at a nearby café, sampling fresh empanadas and a cup of coffee.
In the afternoon, stroll through the bustling streets of El Alto, visiting the Mercado 16 de Julio, one of the largest markets in the region. Here, you can find everything from colorful textiles to delicious street food, immersing yourself in the local culture. Don’t miss the chance to interact with vendors and perhaps purchase some handmade crafts as souvenirs.
As the sun sets, head to the Mirador Killi Killi for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, where you can try traditional Bolivian dishes like salteñas or pique a lo macho. End your evening by exploring the lively nightlife, perhaps catching a folk music performance.
Set off early for a guided tour of the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku, a UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside of El Alto. As you explore the monumental architecture and intricate stone carvings, your guide will share the rich history of this pre-Columbian civilization. Take in the serene atmosphere of the site, surrounded by the stunning Bolivian altiplano.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a traditional lunch at a nearby restaurant that specializes in local cuisine. Try dishes made from quinoa and llama, which are staples in the region. Spend your afternoon visiting the Museo de Tiwanaku, where you can learn more about the artifacts and the significance of this ancient culture.
Return to El Alto and unwind with a quiet evening stroll through the local plazas. Enjoy a casual dinner at one of the many eateries serving local favorites while reflecting on the incredible historical experience of the day. As night falls, consider joining a local dance class to learn traditional Bolivian dances.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-6 |
| ☕Coffee in a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $25-60 |
| 🛒Local market groceries (week) | $15-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant market life and culture at high altitude
- Spectacular city views from cable cars and hillside viewpoints
- Affordable food and lodging with many traditional experiences
- Close access to significant nearby sites and day trips
- Thin air can cause altitude discomfort
- Limited nightlife compared with other major cities
- Some areas can feel crowded or chaotic, especially around markets
- Limited English in smaller stalls; navigation may require patience
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "No hablo español" - I don’t speak Spanish
Places to Visit in El Alto
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular viewpoint in El Alto offering sweeping panoramas of La Paz, the river valley, and the cordillera.
Vibrant market scenes with textiles, water carriers, and daily life—great for candid street photography.
Riding the cable car provides dramatic aerial perspectives of the city’s grid and surrounding mountains.
Early mornings from elevated streets or viewpoints capture pink and gold light over the high desert.
Colorful storefronts, murals, and bus activity offer dynamic urban compositions.
Food in El Alto
El Alto Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Juicy, baked empanadas filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables; best found at market stalls and bakeries early in the day.
Must-Try!
A hearty, shareable dish of beef, potatoes, onions, peppers, and spice—popular in local eateries.
A thick potato and chuño soup with quinoa, corn, and herbs, perfect for a chilly high-altitude day.
Skewered, grilled meat (often beef heart) with a smoky chaco sauce; street stalls and markets are good places to try.
Spicy Andean sauce made from hot peppers and herbs; a staple accompaniment for many dishes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market known for produce, prepared foods, and a lively snack scene.
Another large market offering fresh produce, meats, and traditional ingredients.
Anticuchos, salteñas, empanadas, and mote con huesillo are common on-the-street finds throughout the day.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a courteous hello or an abrazo if familiar; addressing elders with Señor/Señora is appreciated.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in markets or with traditional attire.
Avoid loud behavior in residential areas and show respect to vendors and elders; dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in El Alto
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips of 5–10% are common in formal restaurants if service is not included; taxis usually do not require tips, but rounding up is appreciated.
Cash (Bolivian boliviano) is widely used; many shops and restaurants accept cards in La Paz/El Alto, but some small vendors are cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Nov–Mar can be warm during the day but cool at night; brief, dramatic afternoon rain showers are common in the mountains, so bring a light rain layer and sun protection.
May–Aug brings dry, sunny days and cold nights with significant temperature drops after sunset; pack layers, a warm jacket, and sun protection for clear days.
El Alto at Night
Hiking in El Alto
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular high-altitude hike near La Paz with glacier views; suitable for experienced hikers with proper acclimatization.
Easy to moderate hikes and vantage points around the Moon Valley area, offering surreal rock formations and sunsets.
Airports
How to reach El Alto by plane.
Primary international and domestic airport serving La Paz and El Alto, located just outside the city; easy ground transport to central La Paz and El Alto.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant Indigenous and mixed heritage groups form the social and cultural fabric of the city; both Spanish and Aymara are widely spoken.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Bolivia, widely played at all levels and central to community life.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting El Alto.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many markets offer fresh produce and vegetarian dishes such as quinoa bowls and soups; ask for llajua-free options and cheese-filled dishes where available.