Overview
La Paz, Bolivia's extraordinary seat of government, spills dramatically down a canyon high in the Andes, making it the world's highest administrative capital at over 3,600 metres. UK travellers come for its indigenous markets, cable-car network and as a gateway to the Uyuni salt flats and Lake Titicaca. The city is served by El Alto International Airport (LPB), one of the highest international airports on earth. Comparing fares in one place makes finding the right flight to La Paz quick and simple.
Best time to fly to La Paz
La Paz has a cool highland climate all year, so it is more about wet and dry than hot and cold. The dry season from May to October brings clear skies and is the most comfortable time to visit, and it coincides with the best conditions for the salt flats. The wetter months (November–March) see afternoon rain but fewer visitors. Fares often ease outside the UK summer and Christmas holidays — check the price charts on this page for the cheapest dates.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to La Paz, so journeys connect through European or South American hubs, usually with more than one stop. Common routings use Iberia (via Madrid) or Air France (via Paris) to a South American gateway such as Lima, Bogotá or São Paulo, then onward on carriers like Boliviana de Aviación (BoA), LATAM or Avianca. Total journey time from London is typically 18–24 hours depending on the connections, and travellers from Manchester or other UK cities route via one of these hubs. Comparing carriers for your exact dates is the surest way to secure the lowest fare.
Things to do in La Paz
La Paz offers a vivid blend of Andean culture and high-altitude adventure:
- Mi Teleférico: the world's highest urban cable-car network, offering spectacular city and mountain views.
- Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas): a fascinating market of traditional remedies and Aymara crafts.
- Valle de la Luna: an otherworldly landscape of eroded rock spires just outside the city.
- Plaza Murillo: the historic central square, home to the cathedral and government palace.
- Uyuni salt flats (day trips): the vast, mirror-like salt plains reachable via onward travel from the city.
At El Alto International Airport (LPB)
La Paz's airport sits in the city of El Alto, about 13 km from central La Paz and at a breathtaking altitude, so allow time to acclimatise. It offers duty-free shopping, currency exchange, ATMs and dining. Metered taxis, radio taxis and the cable-car links make getting down into the canyon straightforward, and ride-hailing apps operate too.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to La Paz
- Book roughly 2–4 months ahead for long-haul value — last-minute fares to La Paz are usually higher.
- Avoid the UK summer and Christmas peaks; the shoulder weeks bring noticeably lower prices.
- Be flexible with your dates — midweek departures are often cheaper than weekends.
- Compare hubs; a routing via Madrid, Lima or Bogotá can vary a good deal in price.
Travel essentials
- UK passport holders do not need a visa for short tourist stays in Bolivia — entry is granted on arrival for visits of up to 90 days.
- A yellow fever certificate may be requested if arriving from a risk area; keep routine UK jabs up to date, and allow time to adjust to the altitude.
- The local currency is the Bolivian boliviano (BOB).
