Major Highways & Driving Tips in La Paz, Bolivia
1. El Prado Avenue
Main north-south thoroughfare in La Paz, offers easy access to popular destinations like the Witches' Market and San Francisco Church.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic during peak hours
- Parking Availability: Limited street parking; consider using public parking lots
- Public Transportation: Well-connected by microbuses and buses
2. Avenida Arce
Connects central La Paz with El Alto, providing a direct route to the Tiwanaku Archaeological Site.
- Altitude Sickness: Higher altitude on Avenida Arce; take precautions for altitude sickness
- Road Conditions: Deteriorated conditions in some areas due to heavy traffic and weather
- Travel Time: Longer travel time compared to other routes; allow extra hours for the journey
3. Ruta 2 (Pan-American Highway)
Connects La Paz to other South American countries via the Pan-American Highway.
- Long Distances: Extensive driving distances between cities
- Border Crossings: Various border crossings with neighboring countries
- Weather Conditions: Potential challenges due to inclement weather, especially during rainy season
4. Ruta 6 (Yungas Road)
Known as 'Death Road', offers stunning views and challenging driving conditions.
- Driving Difficulty: Narrow, winding roads with steep drop-offs
- Altitude Sickness: Altitude changes and potential altitude sickness risk
- Safety Measures: Recommended to use guided tours for safety
5. El Alto Ring Road
Circular road system around El Alto provides easy access to various destinations in the area.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic during peak hours
- Speed Limit Enforcement: Strict enforcement of speed limits
- Road Conditions: Deteriorated conditions in some areas due to heavy traffic and weather
6. Viacha Avenue
Connects La Paz with El Alto and provides access to the Moon Valley.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic during peak hours
- Road Conditions: Deteriorated conditions in some areas due to heavy traffic and weather
- Public Transportation: Well-connected by microbuses and buses
7. Charcas Street
Important east-west route in La Paz, connecting the city center with Miraflores area.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic during peak hours
- Parking Availability: Limited street parking; consider using public parking lots
- Public Transportation: Well-connected by microbuses and buses
8. Llojeta Street
Connects central La Paz with the Zona Sur (South Zone), offering access to popular destinations like Mallplasina.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic during peak hours
- Road Conditions: Deteriorated conditions in some areas due to heavy traffic and weather
- Public Transportation: Well-connected by microbuses and buses
9. Camino de las Yungas
Alternative route between La Paz and Coroico, offering breathtaking landscapes.
- Driving Difficulty: Narrow, winding roads with steep drop-offs
- Altitude Sickness: Altitude changes and potential altitude sickness risk
- Safety Measures: Recommended to use guided tours for safety
10. Camino de Ollantaytambo
Connects La Paz with the archaeological site of Tiwanaku, offering scenic views.
- Road Conditions: Deteriorated conditions in some areas due to heavy traffic and weather
- Altitude Sickness: Higher altitude on this route; take precautions for altitude sickness
- Travel Time: Longer travel time compared to other routes; allow extra hours for the journey
11. Camino a La Paz
Main route connecting La Paz with Lake Titicaca, offering stunning lake views.
- Altitude Sickness: Higher altitude on this route; take precautions for altitude sickness
- Road Conditions: Deteriorated conditions in some areas due to heavy traffic and weather
- Travel Time: Longer travel time compared to other routes; allow extra hours for the journey
12. Camino a Los Yungas
Connects La Paz with rural areas of the Yungas region, offering opportunities for adventure tourism.
- Driving Difficulty: Narrow, winding roads with steep drop-offs
- Altitude Sickness: Altitude changes and potential altitude sickness risk
- Safety Measures: Recommended to use guided tours for safety
13. Camino a Challapata
Connects La Paz with the village of Challapata, providing access to natural attractions like the Valley of the Moon.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic during peak hours
- Road Conditions: Deteriorated conditions in some areas due to heavy traffic and weather
- Public Transportation: Limited public transportation options; consider using guided tours or renting a vehicle
14. Camino a Sicasica
Connects La Paz with the Tiahuanaco Archaeological Site and the island of Sicasica on Lake Titicaca.
- Road Conditions: Deteriorated conditions in some areas due to heavy traffic and weather
- Altitude Sickness: Higher altitude on this route; take precautions for altitude sickness
- Travel Time: Longer travel time compared to other routes; allow extra hours for the journey
15. Camino a Sorata
Connects La Paz with the town of Sorata and the Cordillera Real mountain range.
- Driving Difficulty: Narrow, winding roads with steep drop-offs
- Altitude Sickness: Altitude changes and potential altitude sickness risk
- Safety Measures: Recommended to use guided tours for safety