Senior travel: La Paz
An easier pace for an older traveller: how many stops fit in a day, which places are step-free, and what the guide says about getting around, medicines and stairs.
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Pace for a day
About 2 stops a day. 5 h out − 45 min rest, divided by an average visit of 58 min (from this city’s guide) + 30 min to move.
Places, easiest access first
- San Francisco Basilica and museumStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 70 minA step at the door; the roof is up narrow stairs. At altitude, take the stairs slowly.
- MUSEF: National Museum of Ethnography and FolkloreStep-free: partial (check before you go) · about 100 minA colonial mansion with steps between courtyards; ask about a ramp or lift.
- El Prado and Plaza del EstudianteThe guide has no step-free answer for this one · about 45 min
- Mercado de las Brujas (Witches' Market)The guide has no step-free answer for this one · about 45 min
- Plaza AbaroaThe guide has no step-free answer for this one · about 45 min
- Plaza MurilloThe guide has no step-free answer for this one · about 45 min
Getting around in La Paz
La Paz is hard on wheels: steep cobbled streets, stairs and altitude. Newer hotels, malls and the cable cars are the exceptions.
- Streets:
- Steep and cobbled; ramps and lifts are rare.
- Cable cars:
- Stations have ramps or lifts on many lines (check); use them for the slopes.
- Toilets:
- Accessible toilets are in hotels and malls.
Medicines and health on the ground
The Bolivia guide lists no medicine paperwork. Check the official customs page for your medicines.
- Altitude:
- Headache, breathlessness and poor sleep are common for 1–3 days: rest, drink water and skip alcohol. Severe symptoms mean go down.
- Sun:
- Very strong UV: use SPF 50, sunglasses and a hat.
- Water:
- Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth.
- Food:
- Eat hot food; skip raw salads in the first days.
- Coca tea:
- A common local aid; talk to your doctor if you have medical conditions.
More: how much medicine to pack, medicine times across time zones.
Ask your insurer
Age limits and prices differ by policy and the guides do not hold them, so put these to the insurer before you buy.
- What is the oldest age the policy covers, at purchase and on the last day of the trip?
- Does the price or the cover change after a certain age?
- Are existing conditions covered, and what must be declared?
- Does the cover include medical evacuation and trip interruption?
Not medical advice. This page does not know anyone’s health. Ask a doctor before the trip, and carry a list of medicines and conditions.