Car Rental in La Paz

Why rent a car in La Paz?

La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, is set in a canyon in the Altiplano in spectacular fashion. Though it is a popular destination as a bustling city in its own right, it also serves as a gateway to many of the country's most famous tourist attractions, including the Death Road and Lake Titikaka. 

Remember that La Paz, located at an altitude of more than 12,000 feet above sea level, is one of the highest cities in the world. Take a few days to get used to the altitude before continuing your adventures in the country. 

While you can get around La Paz by Mi Teleferico, a system of cable cars connecting different parts of the city, renting a car is a great idea if you want to see more of the country without relying on guided tours.

Mi Teleferico is a perfect way to avoid all the traffic and congestion around La Paz, and get around the city quickly and inexpensively.

Top ways to enter La Paz

El Alto International Airport (LPB), the highest international airport in the world, is the way most tourists enter the country if flying in. If you're not flying from another South American country, you'll almost surely have to make a connection to reach it.

You can also reach La Paz via bus from other cities in Bolivia or from cities in Peru and Chile. You'll likely arrive at La Paz Bus Station. There are no rental offices at the bus station, so you'll likely have to take a taxi to pick one up.

Before booking your tickets to La Paz, Bolivia, check the visa requirements for your country. While most European citizens can enter Bolivia without a visa, all American citizens are required to have a visa to enter the country.

You can get a Bolivian visa at the Bolivian consulate in the United States before your trip, or at the airport on arrival. The Bolivian visa costs $160 USD and has to be paid in cash. It allows holders to stay in the country for up to 90 days per year

Top sights and activities

El Alto: Take the Mi Teleferico up to the famous neighborhood of El  Alto. You'll, of course, find some great views of the city, but you'll also see a vibrant part of the city. The markets on Thursday and Sunday are not to be missed if you're in town on those days.

El Mercado de las Bruja: The Witches' Market is definitely not your typical market. It is perhaps the area of the city most visited by tourists. You can find many unique Bolivian souvenirs in it. But even if you don't plan on shopping, it's worth a stroll just to take in the atmosphere.

Calle Jaén: This is the street to head to if you want to see well-preserved colonial buildings. There are a few different museums and galleries worth visiting along the street, so plan to spend a little time and not just take a quick stroll.

Ideas for day trips

Valley of the Moon  

The Valle de La Luna, more commonly known as the Valley of the moon among tourists, is one of the most popular places to visit near La Paz, as it’s just 10 km away from the city.

Known for its otherworldly landscapes, Valley of the Moon is a maze of trails that run through canyons and spire-like formations created by the erosion of sandstone and clay. The area has a well-marked trail where you will find different rock formations with quirky names like El Buen Abuelo (The Good Grandfather) and Madre Luna (Mother Moon)

The entrance to Valley of the Moon costs 15 Bolivianos ($2 and has to be paid in cash) 

Lake Titicaca 

Lake Titicaca is the world’s highest navigable lake on the border between Bolivia and Peru. One of the highlights of the Bolivian side is the gorgeous Isla De Sol (Island of the Sun), where you can spend a few nights and marvel at the views of the lake. 

Isla De Sol is one of the most important sacred islands in South America. You can reach it by a one-hour boat ride from Copacabana, a town on Lake Titicaca known for its annual religious festivals. The island is home to spectacular Inca ruins, lots of history, and local weavers who create gorgeous clothing by hand.

If you want to spend a few days along the shores of Titicaca, don’t forget to take some time to acclimatize and hydrate, as the lake sits at a whopping 12,506 feet (3,812 meters) above sea level. In addition, the lake has virtually no shade, and the sun here is very strong, so put on plenty of sunscreen to avoid sunburn.

Tiwanaku 

Located about 70 km west of La Paz, Tiwanaku is one of the most interesting archeological areas of Bolivia where you can learn about the Tiwanaku people who called this area home in the pre-Inca times. The entrance to Tiwanaku costs $12 (80 Bolivians) and has to be paid in cash. 

Tiwanaku also makes a perfect stop if you are headed toward Lake Titicaca or the Peruvian border and want to stretch your legs and learn something new. 

Sucre 

Also known as the White City, Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia that's often overlooked by travelers. However, more visitors are starting to discover Sucre, which is known as one of the most beautiful colonial cities in South America. Spend a few days wandering the streets of Sucre, where you can discover bustling markets, visit the ornate Castillo de la Glorieta and enjoy a laid-back lifestyle. 

Car rental prices in La Paz

• Small cars - from $68 per day
• Large cars - from $93 per day
• Medium cars - from $102 per day
• SUVs - from $102 per day
• Vans - from $140 per day