Best Things to Do in La Paz
So, I just got back from La Paz and, wow, let me tell you, the best things to do in La Paz are a lot more than just sights to see. It's a city that hit me with unexpected surprises and unforgettable moments. Honestly, I'm still processing it all, so bear with me while I ramble about my experience over this cup of coffee.
This Spot? Total Surprise.
When I first arrived, I had some hesitance. One of those days when you think, “What did I get myself into?” I remember feeling that altitude hit me in the gut as soon as I stepped off the plane. No wonder they tell you to take it easy! My head felt like it was filled with cotton candy, swirling around and making it hard to focus.
I wasn't really sure where to start exploring, but I found myself wandering the streets, and let me say, that was probably my best move. The bustling markets, the colorful stalls, the laughter of locals—they just pulled me in. And then, there it was: Mercado de las Brujas, or the Witches' Market. I didn't read much about it beforehand, and honestly, I wasn't expecting much—but wow, stepping inside was like walking through a portal.
I saw dried herbs piled up like little mountains, potions in glass bottles reflecting sunlight, and those llama fetuses—they're a thing. I just stood there, slightly shocked, wondering what the heck this place was about. I chatted with a woman selling herbal remedies, and she had this warm smile that made you feel like you could ask her anything. After a few awkward moments of me fumbling for Spanish words, she pulled out a small charm and gave it to me. “For good luck,” she said. I didn't even know what to say, but it was that kind of magic I'll remember.
The Afternoon That Changed My Whole Mood
So, that was the start of my exploration. But it wasn't until I hit the afternoon that everything changed. I accidentally found myself in Plaza Murillo, the main square. Now, I had planned to spend the afternoon in the San Francisco Church, but, surprise surprise, I couldn't quite find it. Instead, I followed a whim that led me to sit on a bench in the plaza, and boy, do I not regret it.
I remember this moment vividly. The sun was shining down, and the energy in the plaza was infectious. School kids were playing, people were protesting (that's La Paz for you!), and a band started playing out of nowhere. I had been stressed, feeling the weight of everything I left behind back home—work, responsibilities, all that jazz. But sitting there, watching this piece of life unfold in front of me, I felt a lightness I hadn't felt in forever. You really can't plan those moments, can you?
I even ended up chatting with a local artist who was selling colorful paintings against the old buildings. We talked about the meaning of community, and honestly, that conversation is what made me understand the heartbeat of La Paz—the people, their stories, their struggles, and their joys. I didn't plan for this deep connection, but it felt so enriching.
I Almost Missed This, No Thanks to My Bad Sense of Direction
Now, let's talk about my bad sense of direction. I mean, really, it should come with a warning sign. I had hoped to visit Valle de la Luna the next day, but with my pitifully terrible skills at navigating maps and figuring out bus routes, I ended up lost in the middle of a totally different area.
Initially, I was frustrated. I remember trudging along, catching snippets of conversations I couldn't understand and feeling really out of place. But then I noticed this tiny café tucked away on a side street. The sign was almost faded beyond recognition. I don't even like coffee that much, but something pulled me in. Turns out, that little place had the best hot chocolate I've ever tasted. Like, thick enough to be a dessert but not too sweet.
I sat there for a while, warming my hands around the cup, watching the locals interact. Every now and then, a stranger would pop in and share a laugh with the shop owner. That feeling of community, even in a tiny café that I just stumbled into — I got caught off guard again.
And then I thought, “Maybe getting lost isn't such a bad thing.” I probably wouldn't have found this little haven if I hadn't taken a wrong turn. It's funny how life works that way, right?
A Meal That Left a Strong Impression
Now, let's circle back to food. Oh man, did I eat well! One evening, I decided to try a place called “Popular” that a friend recommended. It was packed, and luckily, I slid into a tiny empty seat at the bar. The ambiance was chaotic yet cozy, laughter and music intertwining, creating this perfect backdrop for my dinner.
I tried salteñas, which are these deliciously flaky pastries filled with spiced meat and potatoes — like a Bolivian version of empanadas but much juicier. I don't know how they managed to get them so crunchy on the outside while keeping everything warm and hearty on the inside. That first bite? Pure heaven. I had to share it with the stranger next to me—I wasn't about to hoard that kind of happiness.
And get this, while I was enjoying my meal, I overheard a couple at the bar talking about an annual festival happening the next night. I had no idea! The festival turned out to be one of the best experiences of my trip.
Sipping the Last Bit of Coffee
I could keep rambling on about La Paz, about the colors, the sounds, the warmth of the people I met. There was the peaceful drive to Tihuanaco, the historical sites that made time feel irrelevant, all those little moments that stitched together a fabric of experience. It's the kind of trip that makes you realize the world is so much bigger than your everyday grind.
So here I am, sipping the last of my coffee, contemplating how I almost let that journey slip away over a simple lack of direction and that constant twinge of self-doubt. The best things to do in La Paz weren't just things to see— they were experiences to feel. And let me tell you, I feel lucky for every single one of them.
