Private car transfer from Uyuni to La Paz

The drive from Uyuni to La Paz takes about 7.5 hours, but with Daytrip, the journey becomes a breeze! Along the way, you can make stops to stretch your legs and explore parts of Bolivia you might not otherwise see. Enjoy scenic views of the Altiplano, explore the cultural richness of Oruro, uncover the mysteries of the Great Train Graveyard, and marvel at the impressive rock formations of Valle de las Animas.

To make getting around easier, La Paz introduced the world’s highest and largest cable car system in 2014, which even made it into the Guinness World Records. This cable car network, called Mi Teleférico, connects La Paz with the neighboring city of El Alto and is both a practical public transport and a major tourist attraction. The views from the cable car are incredible and almost impossible to put into words, so you definitely have to experience it yourself!

Bolivia is one of the few countries in the world with two capital cities. Located within a considerable distance from each other, La Paz is the seat of Bolivia’s government, while Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia.

A brief history of La Paz

Although the area of La Paz was already inhabited by the Aymara and Inca indigenous groups, the city was founded in 1548 by the Spanish conquistador Alonso de Mendoza. Originally, the city was called Nuestra Señora de la Paz (Our Lady of Peace), chosen as a symbol of peace. In 1825, Bolivia declared its independence, and La Paz began to expand rapidly. The city underwent significant urban development throughout the 1900s, with one of its major recent achievements being the introduction of the famous cable car system.

Take altitude sickness seriously

As La Paz is at an exceptionally high altitude, it is important to take the necessary precautions to avoid altitude sickness. Take it slow, give yourself time to acclimatize, walk slowly, drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and coffee, get enough sleep, and choose lighter meals. To combat the symptoms, you can also try the coca tea.

There might be only cold water

As in other Latin American countries, many places in La Paz either lack hot water or have unstable hot water systems. Depending on where you are staying, it’s a good idea to double-check with your host to see if they have hot water so you are not caught off guard.

Don’t drink tap water

Speaking of water, it is best not to drink tap water in La Paz, as it is often not potable in most areas. Instead, you can either buy bottled water from stores, use a reusable travel bottle with a filter, or opt for water purification tablets.

From Uyuni to La Paz by bus

When it comes to buses from Uyuni to La Paz, most companies offer overnight services. Traveling at night is a great way to make the most of your daylight hours for exploring the city. Here are two of the companies you can choose for your overnight ride:

• Panasur: tickets from $16 (€14.50) | Travel time: 9 hours
• Todo Turismo: tickets from $34 (€31) | Travel time: 10 hours | High-quality service

From Uyuni to La Paz by plane

Taking a flight from Uyuni to La Paz is also an option, with flights operated by Boliviana de Aviación. Tickets typically start around $108 (€99). Although the flight itself takes just 1 hour, you should account for additional time, including airport wait times, potential delays, and the drive from El Alto International Airport to La Paz, which takes about 35 minutes. Overall, plan for at least 4 hours of total travel time.

From Uyuni to La Paz by rental car

If you prefer to travel from Uyuni to La Paz at your own pace, renting a car is an option. However, there are pros and cons to consider. While it offers flexibility, the road conditions in Bolivia can be challenging, especially in rural areas, and may not be ideal if you are not an experienced driver used to Latin America's roads. The high altitude can also be a factor to keep in mind.

From Uyuni to La Paz by private car service

For your own safety, you can opt for Daytrip’s private car service. Our experienced drivers are locals, so rest assured that you will be in safe hands! Daytrip’s services include not only a ride in a comfortable and clean car but also pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation. Our drivers speak English, so even if Spanish is not your strength, you can ask for recommendations to explore in La Paz. The drive takes approximately 7 hours and 20 minutes.

The best part is that you won’t just experience Bolivia from the car window—you can also enjoy optional sightseeing stops along the way. On your journey from Uyuni to La Paz, you can visit the world’s largest train graveyard, explore Oruro, the unofficial capital of folklore known for its rich cultural heritage, or marvel at the uniquely shaped mountains of Valle de las Animas. Getting to your destination has never been this exciting!

Explore the Witches’ Market

Did you know that there is a Witches’ Market (Mercado de Las Brujas) in Bolivia? No spells will be cast on you, but as you wander through this one-of-a-kind market, you will find all kinds of traditional crafts and brightly colored souvenirs that show off Bolivia's rich and diverse culture.

The market gained its name from the spiritual goods sold by Aymara shamans (known as yatiris). You will find healing potions, amulets, herbs, and other items believed to bring good luck, love, health, and prosperity. What makes it even more authentic is that locals shop here as well, relying on these spiritual practices, so it is not just a tourist attraction. You will experience an authentic Bolivian culture! Just be aware—some items, like dried llama fetuses, might catch you off guard.

A great way to learn more about Bolivian culture through this market is by booking a tour so you don’t miss out on anything!

Soak in the city from above one more time

The viewpoint Killi Killi (yes, that is not a typo!) is one of the most impressive spots in La Paz. While you will probably see the city from above dozens of times, it just never gets old! It is a fantastic way to take a break from the city buzz and enjoy the view from afar. You can either walk up (which doubles as a great leg workout) or take a taxi. Just be aware that if you are struggling with altitude sickness, it might not be the best option.

Stroll around the impressive Moon Valley

On the outskirts of La Paz, you will find one of the most famous attractions in La Paz—Valle de la Luna or Moon Valley. As the name suggests, this place truly looks like you are walking on the surface of the moon! The valley is made up of soft clay and sandstone that have been eroded over time by wind and water, forming uniquely and intricately shaped spires. This natural phenomenon is easily accessible by bus to Mallasa, or you can choose a guided tour that includes transportation.

During the dry season (May to October), daytime temperatures typically range from 59° F to 68° F (15° C-20° C), while nighttime temperatures can drop to 32 °F to 41° F (0° C-5° C). Since temperatures drop significantly at night, it's a good idea to pack warm layers for the evenings.

In the rainy season (November to April), temperatures are slightly higher, ranging from 59° F to 72° F (15° C to 22° C) during the day, and at night, temperatures stay above freezing, ranging from 41° F to 50° F (5° C to 10° C).