Where to Stay in La Paz 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
La Paz sprawls across a dramatic canyon at 3,640m altitude, making neighborhood choice crucial not just for convenience but for acclimatization. The city descends from El Alto (4,150m) through the centro histórico down to the Zona Sur (3,200m). First-time visitors should consider starting in lower-altitude Zona Sur before ascending to the historic center.
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Sopocachi
Best balance of safety, dining, and accessibility. Walking distance to centro histórico but quieter and safer. Excellent restaurants and cafés. Teleférico connection to other areas. Slightly lower altitude than center helps with acclimatization.
Centro Histórico
Sopocachi
San Pedro
Zona Sur
Calacoto
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Areas around the bus terminal (Cemetery district) can be rough - transit through quickly
- • El Alto is fascinating but not recommended for tourist accommodation
- • Some hostels in San Pedro are very basic - check reviews carefully
- • Avoid walking between Centro and Sopocachi late at night - take taxi
Understanding La Paz Geography
La Paz sits in a canyon bowl descending from El Alto plateau. The teleférico cable car system connects neighborhoods vertically. Historic center is highest and most central, Zona Sur is lowest and most modern. Altitude difference between neighborhoods can be 400+ meters.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in La Paz
Sopocachi
Best for: Trendy cafés, galleries, expat scene, best restaurants in La Paz
"Bohemian neighborhood with tree-lined streets and creative energy"
Pros
- Best dining scene
- Safe and walkable
- Beautiful architecture
Cons
- Steep streets
- Far from historic center
- Limited budget options
Centro Histórico
Best for: Colonial churches, Witches' Market, museums, budget accommodation
"Chaotic colonial heart with indigenous markets and historic churches"
Pros
- Walking distance to sights
- Cheapest accommodation
- Authentic atmosphere
Cons
- Altitude hits hard here
- Pickpockets in markets
- Noisy streets
Zona Sur (South Zone)
Best for: Modern amenities, shopping malls, upscale dining, lower altitude
"Wealthy suburban La Paz with modern infrastructure"
Pros
- 400m lower altitude
- Modern hotels
- Safe and clean
Cons
- Far from historic center
- Less authentic
- Taxi-dependent
San Pedro
Best for: Backpacker hub, prison tours history, local markets, budget stays
"Working-class neighborhood with legendary backpacker history"
Pros
- Cheapest area
- Authentic markets
- Good food stalls
Cons
- Less safe at night
- Basic accommodation
- Gritty
Calacoto / San Miguel
Best for: Embassy district, international cuisine, business hotels, safety
"Quiet, affluent residential with international feel"
Pros
- Safest area
- Best hotels
- Lower altitude
Cons
- Boring for tourists
- Far from sights
- Expensive
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.
Our Top Hotel Picks
€ Best Budget Hotels
Wild Rover La Paz
Centro Histórico
Famous party hostel with legendary rooftop bar and city views. Social atmosphere with organized tours to Death Road and beyond.
Loki La Paz
Centro Histórico
Colonial mansion converted to backpacker hostel with courtyard, bar, and excellent tour desk. Part of the famous Loki chain.
€€ Best Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel Rosario La Paz
Centro Histórico
Best mid-range in historic center with traditional decor, excellent restaurant, rooftop terrace views, and professional tour services.
Stannum Boutique Hotel
Sopocachi
Design-forward boutique in restored mansion with modern Bolivian art, excellent breakfast, and prime Sopocachi location.
Casa Grande Hotel
Zona Sur
Comfortable business hotel in Zona Sur with heated pool, gym, and reliable amenities. Good for altitude acclimatization.
€€€ Best Luxury Hotels
Atix Hotel
Calacoto
La Paz's most stylish hotel with stunning contemporary design, Gustu restaurant (Bolivia's best), spa, and impeccable service.
Casa Grande Suites
Zona Sur
All-suite hotel with full kitchens, perfect for longer stays and families. Lower altitude location ideal for acclimatization.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
Hotel Mitru Sur
Zona Sur
Colonial-style hotel with beautiful gardens, pool, and traditional Bolivian charm. Feels like a hacienda in the city.
Smart Booking Tips for La Paz
- 1 Book altitude-friendly rooms with oxygen available if concerned about acclimatization
- 2 Consider 1-2 nights in Zona Sur first if arriving from sea level
- 3 Festival season (Gran Poder in May/June, Alasitas in January) sees price increases
- 4 Many hotels include coca tea service - essential for altitude
- 5 Heating is crucial - La Paz nights are cold year-round
- 6 Check if hot water is 24/7 - some budget places have limited hours
Why you can trust this guide
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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More La Paz Guides
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Best Time to Visit
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Things to Do
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Itineraries
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Overview
Complete travel guide for La Paz: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.