Where to Stay in La Paz: Sopocachi, the Historic Centre and Lower-Altitude Zona Sur

Choosing where to stay in La Paz is as much a physiological decision as a stylistic one, because the city's neighbourhoods step down a 450-metre vertical staircase inside the Choqueyapu canyon. Thanks to the Mi Teleferico cable car lines, even neighbourhoods several kilometres down-canyon are only 12 to 20 minutes by air from the historic centre. Pair these recommendations with our La Paz travel guide.

Sopocachi (3,500 Metres): Cafes, Embassies and Cable Car Access

Set on a gentle terrace 150 metres lower than Plaza Murillo and 20 minutes' walk southeast of el Prado along Avenida 20 de Octubre and Avenida 6 de Agosto, Sopocachi is our favourite overall base in La Paz. Centred around tree-shaded Plaza Abaroa, Plaza Espana, and the bohemian steps of El Monticulo park (whose stone arch frames a classic view of Mount Illimani), Sopocachi blends early twentieth-century embassy mansions with independent art galleries, Yungas specialty coffee roasters, craft beer bars, and some of the city's finest restaurants. The Sopocachi (Yellow Line) and Libertador (Yellow/Green Line) cable car stations connect you effortlessly up to El Alto or down into Zona Sur.

Historic Centre (3,640 Metres): San Francisco and Rosario

Staying within blocks of Plaza San Francisco, Calle Sagarnaga, or Calle Illampu puts you steps from the Basilica of San Francisco, the Witches' Market, Plaza Murillo, and morning day-trip pickups. Streets are lively and steep, so ask for a courtyard-facing room for quiet nights.

Zona Sur: Calacoto, San Miguel and Obrajes (3,200 Metres)

If you are arriving directly by air from sea level and want the gentlest altitude transition, book your first nights in Zona Sur (especially around Avenida Ballivian in Calacoto and the boutiques of San Miguel). Sitting 440 metres lower than downtown La Paz and 860 metres lower than El Alto Airport, Zona Sur enjoys temperatures 3°C to 5°C warmer, modern five-star and boutique hotels, and quick rides into the centre via the Green Line (Linea Verde) cable car from Irpavi or Obrajes.