Getting from El Alto International Airport
Since La Paz is situated at a high altitude, it is important to take your time and move slowly when arriving at El Alto International Airport. The airport is located in the neighboring city of El Alto and is one of the highest airports in the world.
There are several options for reaching the city center from the airport:
- Shared Vans: These offer an economical way to reach the city, with fares typically around Bs. 3.80. They follow a route that passes through key areas like San Francisco Plaza and El Prado.
- Shared Taxis: You can find shared taxis for approximately Bs. 25 per person.
- Private Taxis: For a direct trip to central La Paz, the official rate for a private taxi is typically Bs. 60 per person. Visitors are advised to use only "radio taxis" (those with a sign on the roof) for these services.
The Cable Car Network (Mi Teleférico)
La Paz features an extensive urban cable car system known as Mi Teleférico, which connects El Alto with downtown La Paz and other areas like Imparvi. This system is a popular way to bypass heavy road traffic.
Practical tips for using the cable cars include:
- Tickets: A single ride costs Bs. 3. You can purchase a rechargeable card (which includes an initial credit) to avoid waiting in ticket lines. These cards are valid across all lines, allowing you to move between different colors of the network without purchasing a new ticket for each transfer.
- Experience: The system is well-maintained and offers panoramic views of the city. For example, taking the red line to El Alto provides an expansive view of the urban landscape from above.
Buses and Local Transit
Public transportation in La Paz includes several types of shared vehicles. While these are common for locals, the city's narrow streets can make driving complex.
The three main types of public transport are:
- Micros: Regular buses that cost approximately Bs. 1.30.
- Mini Buses: Shared vans with fares ranging from Bs. 1.50 to 2.30. In the El Alto area, these can be found for as little as Bs. 1.
- Trufis: These are shared taxis that run on set routes and are identified by signs on their windshields; they typically cost between Bs. 3 and 3.50.
To use these services, you can hail them along their routes. To signal your intent to get off, simply call out "¡voy a bajar!" The conductors on the minibuses often announce the routes loudly to help passengers identify their destination.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Because of the city's layout and narrow streets, taxis are often the preferred method for navigating the area. Taxis in La Paz are not metered, so it is essential to agree on a price with the driver before you begin your journey. A short trip within the downtown area typically costs between Bs. 6 and 8, while longer trips across the city generally do not exceed Bs. 20.
For those preferring mobile apps, La Paz primarily uses the Didi app. There are very few Ubers available in the region, so travelers looking for ride-hailing services should download and register with Didi.
Walking and Navigation
While some areas may be walkable, the city's topography can be challenging due to its steep terrain. A helpful rule of thumb for navigating the local geography is that walking downhill will generally lead you toward main thoroughfares like the Prado. Once you reach a main avenue, it is easier to hail a taxi to reach specific destinations in the downtown area.