Daily costs per person in US dollars. La Paz is the cheapest major city in South America — your budget stretches remarkably far here, with market meals under $2 and transport under $1.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: BOB (Boliviano) (Cash preferred; limited card acceptance)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $5–10 | $15–35 | $50+ | Dorm beds → private rooms → boutique hotels |
| Food | $5–10 | $10–25 | $30+ | Market meals → restaurants → fine dining |
| Transport | $1–5 | $5–15 | $20+ | Teleférico/micros → taxis → private transfers |
| Activities | $5–15 | $20–60 | $80+ | Self-guided → group tours → private guides |
| Entry Fees | $1–5 | $5–10 | $10–15 | Museums and sites are very affordable |
| Daily Total | $20–45 | $55–145 | $190+ | Budget backpacker → comfortable mid → luxury |
Money-saving tips
Bolivia is South America's cheapest
La Paz is remarkably affordable — full meals cost $1.50-3, local transport is under $0.50, and dorm beds are $5-8. Your daily budget here stretches further than almost anywhere else on the continent.
Ride the teleférico everywhere
At 3 bolivianos ($0.45) per ride, the Mi Teleférico is the cheapest and most scenic urban transport in South America. Use it instead of taxis to cross the city — the views are a bonus.
Eat at markets
Mercado Rodriguez and Mercado Lanza serve almuerzo set lunches for 10-15 bolivianos ($1.50-2). Api con pastel (corn drink with cheese pastry) costs 5 bolivianos. Market food is the most authentic and cheapest eating in La Paz.
Compare Death Road operators
Death Road tours range from $30-80. The cheapest operators use old bikes and cut safety corners. Gravity Bolivia ($60-75) is the most reputable. Read recent reviews and check bike condition before committing.
Public buses to Tiwanaku
Public buses from Cementerio General to Tiwanaku cost 15 bolivianos each way versus $15-25 for a tour. If you are happy exploring independently (hire a guide at the gate), the public bus saves significant money.
Cash is king
Card acceptance is limited outside tourist restaurants. Withdraw cash from ATMs in La Paz (Banco Mercantil has the lowest fees) and carry small bills. Many vendors cannot change 100-boliviano notes.
