The Best Viewpoints in La Paz, and When to Visit Them

One thing I really love about La Paz is all the amazing viewpoints. I have lived here since 2010, but even today I still discover new places where the city suddenly looks completely different from the one I thought I knew.

From one angle, La Paz feels enormous and chaotic, with houses climbing up every side of the mountains. From another, everything feels calm, with the cable cars moving quietly above the rooftops and Illimani appearing in the distance.

When you are here, you should definitely put a few viewpoints on your list, or at least one. Seeing the city from above helps you understand just how unusual La Paz really is. You see the colours, the mountains, the deep valley and how the whole city seems to continue forever. It is one of the best ways to get a feeling for this crazy, beautiful city, and honestly, the view still surprises me too.

So today, I’m sharing my favourite viewpoints, from beautiful views at ground level to places high above the city. Let’s see La Paz from a few completely different angles.

La Paz from Above

La Paz is a city that makes more sense when seen from above. From street level, everything feels busy, close and full of movement. The cable cars offer amazing views as they float quietly over the city. Through the windows, streets, houses and mountains slowly open up beneath you.

But watching La Paz while standing still at a viewpoint can be even more impressive. It gives you time to notice how enormous the city really is. At first, your eyes follow the buildings spreading across the valley and climbing up the hillsides. Then you begin to see the smaller details between them.

As the sun moves, the light changes the colours of the city and the sky. The mountains can look bright and clear one moment, then soft and almost hidden the next. Houses that seemed grey during the day start to glow in the afternoon light. A few minutes later, thousands of city lights begin appearing below.

This is not a view to photograph quickly and leave. Bring something hot to drink, find a place to sit and watch the light change over the city. Stay for a while and simply enjoy La Paz from above.

Five La Paz Viewpoints Worth Stopping For

Each of these viewpoints shows a different side of La Paz. Some are easy to reach, while others need a little more planning, but all five are worth taking the time to enjoy. Bring something warm to drink, stay longer than five minutes and watch how the city changes with the light.

1. Mirador Killi Killi

Best time: Late afternoon and sunset

Killi Killi gives you a wide, almost 360-degree view over the centre, the surrounding hills and the mountains beyond. Arrive before sunset so you can see La Paz in daylight, then stay while the city lights begin to appear.

The viewpoint sits high above Villa Pabón, and the walk up is steep at this altitude. Taking a taxi up is the easier option, especially if you have only recently arrived in La Paz. Bring a jacket because the temperature drops quickly when the sun goes down.

Afterwards, take the hidden stairs down the hill and finish the evening with dinner and another beautiful view over the city.

2. El Montículo

Best time: A sunny afternoon

Buy a coffee at Retrato and take it with you to El Montículo in Sopocachi. Stroll around the park, look at the sculptures and art, find a bench and enjoy the views over the city and Illimani.

It is an easy, relaxed viewpoint where you can stay for a while without needing a big plan. Late afternoon brings softer light, but a clear morning is also lovely if you prefer a quieter visit.\n\n

3. Parque Mirador Laikakota

Best time: Morning or early afternoon

Laikakota is more than a viewpoint. There are green areas, playgrounds, children’s activities and plenty of space to walk around, making it a good option for families. The elevated park gives you broad views across the valley and surrounding neighbourhoods.

There is usually a small entrance fee. Opening days and hours can change, so check locally before making a special journey, especially around public holidays.\n\n

4. Mirador La Paz

Best time: Sunset

This recently opened viewpoint in Pasankeri has quickly become one of my favourites. The views over La Paz, Illimani and the Andes are incredible, especially as the sun goes down and the city lights begin to appear. The large LA PAZ letters make it easy to recognise and give you another fun perspective on the city.

Transport is limited around the viewpoint, so go by taxi and arrange your return before you arrive. Ask the driver to wait or agree on a pickup time rather than relying on finding transport there.

5. Mirador 27 de Mayo

Best time: Daytime on a clear day

This is one of La Paz’s more hidden viewpoints and not somewhere to visit alone. Go with a guide or someone who knows the area, visit during daylight and arrange transport that can wait for you.

Reaching the viewpoint involves a short uphill walk at high altitude, but at the top you are rewarded with an incredible 360-degree view and a side of La Paz that very few visitors see. Take your time, especially if you are still adjusting to the altitude.

There Is Always Another View to Discover

I could keep adding viewpoints because La Paz always seems to have another one hiding around the corner, but these five are a very good place to start. If you only have time for one, choose the one that fits your day, bring something warm to drink and stay long enough to see the light change.

For more of my favourite routes, places and hidden corners, have a look at our Bolivia itineraries. And when you are here, come and say hello at Café del Mundo. I’m always happy to hear which view became your favourite.

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