La Paz Shopping

Shopping in La Paz

  1. A

    Liliana Castellanos

    Sells stunning llama and alpaca fashion items.

    reviewed

  2. Mercado Negro & Upper Market Areas

    The area from Plaza Pérez Velasco to the cemetery has a largely indigenous population and is always bustling. Traffic honks through the narrow cobbled streets, cholitas (Quechua or Aymará women) rush about making purchases and pedestrians jostle with sidewalk vendors.

    The Mercado Negro (Black Market), roughly within the area around Max Parades, Tumusla, Tamayo and Santa Cruz, is the place where undocumented merchandise, much of it bootlegged, is sold along with just about everything else.

    In the case of CDs and DVDs, vendors make no effort to conceal the origins: the covers are merely photocopied. It also stocks imitation designer clothing and inexpensive camera film. Th…

    reviewed

  3. Mercado 16 de Julio

    For an excellent market experience don’t miss the massive Mercado 16 de Julio, which stretches for many blocks along the main thoroughfare and across Plaza 16 de Julio. This shopaholic’s paradise has absolutely everything, from food and electronics, to vehicles and animals, all at reasonable prices. You’ll have to fight your way through the crowds, though (warning: watch your wallet in both senses of the phrase).

    reviewed

  4. B

    Condoriri

    A good selection of new and secondhand climbing, trekking and camping equipment can be found here. It sells everything from ropes and backpacks to boots, compasses and headlamp batteries, plus a selection of high-quality climbing hardware, books and maps. Also rents out equipment and has a repair service.

    reviewed

  5. C

    Arco Iris

    Opposite Sopocachi Market, Arco Iris has an extensive pastelería (cake shop) and deli featuring fine specialty regional meat and dairy treats like smoked llama salami, plus products such as fresh palm hearts and dried Beni fruits.

    reviewed

  6. D

    Comart Tukuypaj

    Offers export-quality, fair-trade llama, alpaca and artesanías from around the country. Upstairs the Inca Pallay women’s weaving cooperative has a gallery with justly famous Jal’qa and Candelaria weavings.

    reviewed

  7. E

    Joyas y Gemas

    Below Hungry Jacks, come here for jewelry, including stunning pendants of the Bolivian semiprecious stone, bolivianita (a purple and yellow amethyst).

    reviewed

  8. F

    Ketal Hipermercado

    If you’re headed off for a picnic, load up on everything from olives to cheese, crackers and beer at Ketal Hipermercado.

    reviewed

  9. G

    Artesanía Sorata

    A community-focused project that specializes in export-quality handmade dolls, original alpaca products and other beautiful items.

    reviewed

  10. H

    Breick Chocolate Shop

    Also not to be missed, Breick is where Bolivia’s top-quality chocolate is for sale for ridiculously reasonable prices.

    reviewed

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  12. I

    Bodega La Concepción

    Award-winning, high-altitude vintages are available at wholesale prices from this outlet of the Tarija-based winery.

    reviewed

  13. Waliki

    An alpaca artisan outlet that supports community employment and offers stylish contemporary clothing.

    reviewed

  14. J

    Pro Lentes

    A good optical outlet providing glasses and contact lenses is Pro Lentes.

    reviewed

  15. K

    Camping Caza y Pesca

    A range of basic camping equipment, including gas-stove canisters.

    reviewed

  16. L

    Los Amigos del Libro

    Widest selection of foreign-language novels and magazines.

    reviewed

  17. M

    Campos de Solana/Casa Real

    A Tarija winery best known for its Malbec and Riesling.

    reviewed

  18. N

    Millma

    Sells stunning llama and alpaca fashion items.

    reviewed

  19. O

    Zatt

    Zatt is a smaller US-style supermarket option.

    reviewed

  20. P

    Lumen Böhrt

    Sells stunning llama and alpaca fashion items.

    reviewed

  21. Q

    La Casa de la Llama

    Sells stunning llama and alpaca fashion items.

    reviewed

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  23. R

    Gisbert & Co

    Spanish-language literature and maps.

    reviewed

  24. S

    Et-N-Ic

    La Paz–based Et-N-Ic sells cards.

    reviewed