Exploring La Paz: A Memorable City Tour from Prisons to Moon Valley

Choices for the Day

We were up bright and early for a city tour with Ricardo and 4 others from our group. Some had decided on a guruwalk while some were brave enough for cycling down "Death Road" but we took the easy option.

Unveiling the Mysteries of San Pedro Prison

One of the most talked-about spots in La Paz is the infamous San Pedro Prison. With its peculiar open-door policy, the prison operates more like a self-governed community rather than a standard correctional facility. Unfortunately tours are no longer allowed so we made do with hearing about the prison and some photographs from outdsie.

The tour continued

First we drove out to moon valley which is 13km from La Paz. Apparently in 1969 Neil Armstrong spotted the Bolivian salt flats from space and visited the area after. When in La Paz he said moon valley was like the moon surface hence the name.

It's a beautiful place to visit. Lots of interesting formations. There is one column left with a huge rock on top and locals say when that falls it will be the end of the world.

After moon valley we stopped at a local eatery to try pork sarnies called Chola's - thinly sliced pork with pickled onion and a spicy sauce with crackling. I had cheese. Very tasty.

Next we took 3 cable car rides (I think the city is up to 11 lines) and it's like the sky metro. Used by all to get around cheaply. First we went to Le Alto which is a city above La Paz with great views to snow capped mountains. Lots of colourful streets/markets to see as you travel above then we travelled across the top levels on the silver line then back down to central station.

We then took a ride up to Killi Killi viewpoint with 360 degree views over the whole area. A local group were making a video here. Pretending to play their instruments but at least the music was playing

We finished off at the witches market which is really interesting and full of potions. They like to burn offerings and among things burned are dried dead Llamas and pig/Llama foetuses. I asked how they are killed and the guide said they are young ones that die naturally from cold ... he didn't explain the foetus ones though so I guess best not to go into that too much.