Bolivia
Profiled in La Paz · South America
La Paz spills down the walls of a high Andean canyon near 3,650 metres, where cable cars glide over red-brick hillsides and snow peaks, street markets, and colonial plazas all crowd into one thin-air bowl.
Cost of living
What a month costs
Bolivia is among South America's cheapest countries and La Paz stretches a budget far. A 2024 to 2025 dollar shortage pushed a parallel exchange rate well above the official peg, so US dollars brought in tend to buy much more than official figures suggest. A set-menu almuerzo lunch runs a few dollars.
The scores
How it rates for a moving family
See and do
Top 10 in La Paz
- Plaza MurilloThe historic main square, ringed by the presidential palace, congress, and the cathedral.
- Mercado de las BrujasThe Witches' Market, stalls of herbs, amulets, and traditional Aymara remedies.
- Mi TelefericoThe city's cable car network, the best way to ride over the canyon and up to El Alto.
- Calle JaenA cobbled colonial lane lined with small museums and cafes.
- Basilica of San FranciscoA grand colonial church with a carved stone facade and busy plaza.
- Valle de la LunaEroded clay spires in Mallasa on the southern edge of the city.
- Mirador Killi KilliA hilltop viewpoint with a full panorama of the city bowl and Illimani beyond.
- Mercado RodriguezA sprawling street market for produce, meat, and everyday city life.
- Museo Nacional de ArteColonial and Bolivian art housed in a baroque mansion off Plaza Murillo.
- Calle SagarnagaThe steep artisan street for textiles, alpaca knits, and tour outfitters.
Where to go
Weekend escapes
- Copacabana and Lake TiticacaAbout four hours to the sacred blue lake, with boats out to Isla del Sol and its Inca ruins.
- TiwanakuRoughly ninety minutes west to the pre-Inca stone city, home to the Gate of the Sun.
- Coroico, YungasA green subtropical town reached by descending the old Death Road into warm valleys.
- SorataA quiet Andean valley village under the Illampu massif, good for hiking and slow weekends.
- Sajama National ParkBolivia's highest peak, geysers, and hot springs on the remote high plateau.
Coffee
Best cafes
- Alexander CoffeeA long-running Bolivian chain with reliable espresso and several central branches.
- Cafe del MundoA traveller favourite in Sopocachi for coffee, cake, and long sits.
- HB Bronze CoffeebarSpecialty coffee and careful pours in the southern zone.
Restaurants
Where to eat
- GustuThe landmark fine-dining room in Calacoto founded by a Noma co-founder, built on Bolivian ingredients.
- Ali PachaRefined plant-based tasting menus in the historic centre.
- Popular Cocina BolivianaModern takes on Bolivian classics, popular enough to need a booking.
- Jardin de AsiaUpscale Nikkei and Asian fusion in the leafy south.
- La SuisseA long-established Swiss steakhouse and fondue spot in Calacoto.
- La ComedieA French bistro tucked into a Sopocachi passage.
- Namas TeA veteran vegetarian kitchen with hearty set lunches.
Morning
Best breakfast
- Cafe del MundoBig breakfasts and strong coffee that draw a morning crowd.
- Angelo ColonialBreakfast in an atmospheric colonial house on Calle Linares.
- Alexander CoffeeDependable eggs, pastries, and juices across its branches.
- HB Bronze CoffeebarBrunch plates alongside the city's better coffee.
Residency
Bolivia grants temporary residence for one to three years, convertible to permanent, through work, family, or proof of steady income such as a pension. It is not a golden-visa hub, but paperwork is cheap and the bar is low compared with the region.
Tax
Bolivia taxes on a source basis, so residents are generally taxed only on Bolivian-source income while foreign income usually falls outside scope. Personal tax runs through the 13 percent RC-IVA mechanism, which VAT on your receipts can offset, and there is no broad wealth tax.
Curious what you would actually pay? See the Bolivia tax profile: income, corporate, VAT and exit rules →
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