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Top 3 Markets in La Paz


Wares for sale at a popular market in La Paz in Bolivia
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Hello. Hola. Bonjour. Ciao. 你好. Viator's global community has traveled the world in search of local knowledge and connections to help travelers find and experience the best things to do.

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The steep streets of La Paz house some of the world’s most distinctive markets, where vendors sell everything from vibrant textiles to exotic fruits and vegetables. Here are a few of the best markets in Bolivia’s bustling capital city.

Witches' Market

Sellers in traditional clothes at the Witches Market in La Paz.
The Witches' Market in La Paz. | Photo Credit: Yasemin Olgunoz Berber / Shutterstock

The city’s best known market is the Witches' Market (Mercado de Hechecería or Mercado de Las Brujas), famous for uncommon wares such as dried llama fetuses, withered frog corpses, and owl feathers. All are part of local Aymaran rituals meant to bring love, luck, health, and abundance. A market visit is especially rich with a small-group walking tour, as guides can explain the significance of products within Aymaran culture. It’s wise to be respectful when photographing vendors and goods in this sacred space.

Mercado Rodríguez

Fruit for sale at a seller at Mercado Rodríguez in La Paz.
Mercado Rodríguez is a foodie's dream. | Photo Credit: Sun_Shine / Shutterstock

Foodies flock to Mercado Rodríguez, one of the city’s best spots to sample Bolivian cuisine. The stalls of this mostly outdoor market are bursting with exotic fruits, fresh fish from Lake Titicaca, and an incredible variety of colorful potatoes. Try a salteña, a baked empanada filled with meat or vegetables. Visit with a walking tour to learn about unfamiliar foods and make the most of the experience.

Mercado 16 de Julio

Bright textiles on offer at Mercado 16 de Julio in La Paz.
Textiles for sale at Mercado 16 de Julio. | Photo Credit: saiko3p /Shutterstock

This sprawling market in El Alto, open Thursdays and Sundays, is a local favorite for its vast range of products—food, clothing, electronics, and much more. Bargain for brightly colored handmade blankets and other souvenirs, or simply walk the streets and marvel at the surprising array of things for sale, from used cars to live animals. Mind your wallet as you work your way through the sea of shoppers. To arrive in style, combine your visit with a cable car tour to El Alto. An added bonus: As you float above the neighborhood, you’ll be able to admire the cholets, fantastical buildings by Bolivian architect Freddy Mamani.

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Hidden Gems Around the World | Viator.com
Hidden Gems Around the World