How Much Does La Paz Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
La Paz is one of the most affordable high-altitude adventure hubs in South America, offering a dramatic landscape where nature and urban life collide. For those seeking outdoor thrills, the city serves as a gateway to the Andes with a surprisingly wide daily budget range of $23 / BOB 160 to $404 / BOB 2,806 depending on the level of comfort and guided activity chosen. While daily essentials like food and local transit are exceptionally cheap, specialized excursions such as professional mountain biking or private archaeological tours represent the higher end of the spending spectrum. The cost of living here is significantly lower than in many Western capitals, making it an ideal base for long-term trekkers and budget explorers. However, visitors should account for specialized fees like entry to major historical sites or premium equipment rentals which can raise the daily average.
Is La Paz expensive to visit?
La Paz is highly affordable for budget travelers at $23 / BOB 160 per day, though luxury adventure seekers can expect to spend up to $404 / BOB 2,806 for premium lodges and professional expeditions.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in La Paz
$23
per person /day
$94
per person /day
$404
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $69 | $281 | $1,211 |
| 5-Day Trip | $115 | $468 | $2,019 |
| 7-Day Trip | $161 | $656 | $2,826 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is advisable to maintain a 15% buffer to cover hidden costs such as the $5.06 / BOB 35 international ATM withdrawal fees and the mandatory $0.36 / BOB 2.54 terminal departure tax required before boarding long-distance buses. This cushion also helps manage unexpected price fluctuations in specialized outdoor gear rentals or private transport to remote hiking trailheads.
How Does It Compare?
See how La Paz stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in La Paz
Food & Drink (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Almuerzo Completo (Budget Set Lunch) Usually includes a soup, main dish, and a small dessert or drink (~$2.88 / BOB 20). | $2.88 BOB 20 |
| Coffee (Cappuccino/Latte) in Sopocachi Specialty Bolivian coffee in a modern cafe (~$2.59 / BOB 18). | $2.6 BOB 18 |
| Street Food (Salteña) Essential Bolivian breakfast pastry. Best enjoyed before noon for ~$1.15 / BOB 8.02. | $1.15 BOB 8.02 |
| Domestic Beer (0.5L Draught) Typically Paceña or Huari brands (~$2.17 / BOB 15). | $2.17 BOB 15 |
Transport (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Mi Teleférico - Single Ride Ticket Flat rate for any single line. Transfers between lines cost ~$0.29 / BOB 2.05. | $0.44 BOB 3.03 |
| Official Airport Taxi (Fixed Rate) Fixed rate from El Alto to Downtown (~$10 / BOB 70). Prices to Zona Sur may be ~$13 / BOB 90. | $10 BOB 70 |
| Minibus / Micro Fare Price depends on distance. Short trips within the center are ~$0.29 / BOB 2.05. | $0.36 BOB 2.54 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Wild Rover La Paz (Dormitory Bed) Popular party hostel in the center. | $15 BOB 102 |
| DREAM By Stannum Hotel (Mid-Range Boutique) Modern boutique stay near Sopocachi. | $111 BOB 773 |
| Atix Hotel (Luxury Stay) Located in the upscale Zona Sur. | $201 BOB 1,397 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Tiwanaku Archeological Site - International Entrance Includes both the ruins and the museums. Residents pay only ~$2.17 / BOB 15. | $14 BOB 100 |
| Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) Entrance Non-resident price is ~$2.17 / BOB 15. Residents pay ~$0.44 / BOB 3.03. | $2.17 BOB 15 |
| Gravity Bolivia - Death Road Biking The safest/most premium operator (~$122 / BOB 851). Includes gear, food, and transport. | $123 BOB 852 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Tigo 7-Day Unlimited Data Promo Best value for a short visit (~$4.33 / BOB 30). Requires a local SIM card. | $4.33 BOB 30 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The dining landscape is dominated by incredible value, particularly the 'almuerzo completo' which provides a three-course set lunch for just $2.88 / BOB 20. Street food is a staple of the local culture, with the iconic salteña pastry costing approximately $1.15 / BOB 8.02 for a hearty morning snack. Even in the trendy cafes of Sopocachi, a specialty cappuccino averages $2.6 / BOB 18, making the city a paradise for food-focused travelers on a budget.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Mercado Lanza
$1.45–$3.6 / BOB 10–BOB 25Centro (near Plaza San Francisco) · Food court
Try the 'Api con Pastel' (purple corn drink and cheese pastry) for a classic ~$1.73 / BOB 12 breakfast.
Salteñería El Horno
$1.15–$2.17 / BOB 8.02–BOB 15Multiple locations (Centro/Sopocachi) · Local chain
Go before 11:00; they often sell out of the best flavors by noon.
The Carrot Tree
$5.05–$8.65 / BOB 35–BOB 60Centro · Local chain
Great for affordable, healthy Western-style breakfasts (~$5.05 / BOB 35).
Luciernagas
$4.33–$7.93 / BOB 30–BOB 55Centro · Local food
Highly authentic traditional Bolivian dishes in a cozy setting for ~$5.77 / BOB 40.
Calle Sagarnaga Street Food
$0.72–$2.17 / BOB 4.99–BOB 15Witches' Market Area · Street market
Look for 'Anticuchos' (grilled beef heart) served at night for ~$2.17 / BOB 15.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Navigating the rugged topography is best done via the Mi Teleférico cable car system, where a single ride on any line costs only $0.44 / BOB 3.03. For those heading to trailheads or neighboring districts, local minibuses are the most economical option at roughly $0.36 / BOB 2.54 per fare. Arriving from the airport via an official taxi is a predictable expense, with a fixed rate of $10 / BOB 70 to reach the city center.
Accommodation Overview
Accommodation ranges from social dormitory beds at Wild Rover for $15 / BOB 102 to high-end luxury at the Atix Hotel in Zona Sur for $201 / BOB 1,397. The sweet spot for many travelers is the mid-range boutique sector, exemplified by DREAM By Stannum, which offers modern amenities for approximately $111 / BOB 773 per night.
Accommodation Budget in La Paz
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Opt for the 'almuerzo completo' at local markets like Mercado Lanza to get a full meal for $2.88 / BOB 20.
- 2 Use the Mi Teleférico cable car for city views for $0.44 / BOB 3.03 instead of booking expensive private city tours.
- 3 Purchase a local Tigo SIM card and use the 7-day unlimited data promo for $4.33 / BOB 30 to avoid international roaming fees.
- 4 Pay in USD and present your passport and entry stamp at hotels to be exempt from the 13% IVA (VAT) tax.
- 5 Eat salteñas from street vendors like Salteñería El Horno for $1.15 / BOB 8.02 before noon for the freshest and cheapest breakfast.
- 6 Take public minibuses for $0.36 / BOB 2.54 to reach the entrance of Valle de la Luna instead of hiring a private driver.
- 7 Withdraw larger amounts of cash at once to minimize the $5.06 / BOB 35 international ATM fee charged by local banks like Banco Unión.
- 8 Hike to the Muela del Diablo independently by taking a local bus to the trailhead, avoiding guided hiking fees.
- 9 Avoid the $159 / BOB 1,104 US citizen tourist visa fee if you hold a second passport from a visa-free country.
- 10 Bring your own reusable water bottle with a filter to save on buying bottled water, which can add up during high-altitude hikes.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug
+20-30%
Jan, Feb, Dec
-15-25%
May, Sep
The dry season (May–Oct) is peak for trekking and Salt Flat tours. Rainy season (Dec–Mar) offers lower prices but can disrupt transport and views.
Events to Watch
- ● Gran Poder Festival (May/June): +40% hotels
- ● Carnaval (Feb): Significant price spikes and closures
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Hiking in Valle de las Ánimas (Valley of the Souls) to view the towering natural rock spires.
- 2 Walking through the colonial Jaén Street (Calle Jaén) to see the historic architecture.
- 3 Taking in the 360-degree city views from the Killi Killi Viewpoint.
- 4 Exploring the colorful stalls of the Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas).
- 5 Observing the daily life and pigeons at the central Plaza Murillo.
- 6 Hiking to the summit of Muela del Diablo (The Devil's Molar) for panoramic views of the city and valley.
- 7 Browsing the massive El Alto Open Air Market (Feria 16 de Julio) on Thursdays or Sundays.
- 8 Relaxing in Montículo Park in the Sopocachi neighborhood for a romantic sunset view.
- 9 Visiting the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace near Plaza Murillo.
- 10 Walking through the Aranjuez Canyons to see the eroded clay formations.
- 11 Exploring the street art and murals found throughout the Sopocachi district.
- 12 Watching the sunset from the top of the Parque Laikakota hills.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Gustu Tasting Menu
Consistently ranked among the best restaurants in South America, focusing on 100% Bolivian ingredients.
Cholita Wrestling VIP Experience
Includes transport, snacks, and ringside seats to a unique cultural spectacle (~$12 / BOB 80).
Private City Tour via Mi Teleférico
A private guide helps navigate the complex system and explains the history of the diverse neighborhoods (~$50 / BOB 351).
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in La Paz
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from La Paz and what they cost
Isla del Sol (Lake Titicaca)
$22 / BOB 150 by bus + boat
$4.33 / BOB 30
$36 / BOB 251
Chacaltaya & Moon Valley Combo
$17 / BOB 120 by shared tour van
$2.17 / BOB 15
$26 / BOB 180
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Bolivian Boliviano (BOB)
1 $ ≈ 6.95 Bs
Yes
Limited to high-end hotels and restaurants in Sopocachi and Zona Sur.
Rounding up is standard for small meals. In mid-to-high-end restaurants, a 10% tip (~$1.41–$2.94 / BOB 9.82–BOB 20) is appreciated.
Use ATMs inside bank branches during daylight hours. Banco Unión often has the best compatibility with foreign cards.
Expected at the Witches' Market and El Alto Markets. Always negotiate politely; you can usually save ~$1.18–$3.53 / BOB 8.18–BOB 25 on souvenirs.
Connectivity
eSIM: $9.42–$14 for 3GB (7 days) (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $5.89–$8.24 / BOB 41–BOB 57 (includes SIM and initial 2GB data)
WiFi: Reliable in hotels and Sopocachi cafes; non-existent in public squares.
Buy a local Entel or Tigo SIM card at the airport or in the center for the best coverage and speed.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for La Paz.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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