La Paz Airport luggage storage

About the airport 

La Paz, Bolivia, is one of the true gems of South America, and a “deep-cut” travel destination for anyone looking beyond Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires. At almost 12,000 feet above sea level, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world. With the surrounding Andes mountains almost always in view, the setting feels palpable at all times. This is also because the altitude has some effect on travelers not used to these mountainous conditions. So start hydrating now…  

La Paz is one of those South American countries that seamlessly blends its modern and colonial histories. You’ll find Spanish architecture through its cobbled historic city center along with numerous cathedrals, churches, and monuments. Juxtaposing the familiar colonial features and the striking views of the mountains, there’s certainly a sense of place with La Paz. 

Almost all visitors arrive in La Paz via El Alto International Airport. Like the city, this is one of the highest airports in the world. But that doesn’t make it some rinky-dink operation, this is a proper international airport with most of the amenities you’d expect. It’s situated about seven miles from the historic city center and most attractions, so it’s not difficult getting from the airport to hotels or sightseeing endeavors.

Does La Paz Airport have luggage lockers?

The best option for luggage storage La Paz Airport has available would be the storage lockers situated in the departures area. The price is very affordable at $4 per day for standard-size items. Because these lockers are uniform, there is very little flexibility for larger items, and a standard suitcase is what you can expect to be able to store at La Paz Airport. Need more flexibility? Store luggage in La Paz with Bounce instead.

Can you store luggage at Bolivian transit stations?

La Paz Bus Terminal offers highly limited storage lockers on the second floor of the terminal. They cost $4 per day for a standard bag, but they’re unable to accommodate larger items. It should be noted this service isn’t the most secure option. One of the coolest ways to get around La Paz is by the Mi Teleférico ("My Cable Car") network of cable cars. With cable lines cross-crossing through the city, it’s a super-fun experience. Unfortunately, the cable car stops don’t offer luggage storage facilities, either.

What’s the best luggage storage in La Paz? 

If you need to store the bags for a few hours when sightseeing in La Paz, you should consider a proper luggage storage service. With dozens of luggage storage locations throughout La Paz, Bounce offers the most convenience and flexibility of any service. Bounce’s mobile app makes it simple to find and book luggage storage at the most convenient location for where you’re going. 

How do Bounce luggage storage services work? 

The real difference between the Bounce left luggage service and other luggage storage options is the useful features that make storing your bags easy and convenient. This includes access to 24/7 customer support. Another key factor to consider is security. Bounce partners with established La Paz businesses and vets them to ensure quality and security. Each luggage storage location has to adhere to quality considerations, and each storage is backed by $10,000 BounceShield Protection. It takes some of the guesswork and stress out of the equation.

How to get to the city from La Paz Airport 

La Paz doesn’t have as developed an infrastructure as North American or European cities, so the public transportation options will be different from what you’re used to. There isn’t a commuter rail or metro system available. You’re not entirely out of luck, as there is an extensive network of buses that serve the entire city. Most international travelers tend to rely on affordable cabs (more on that below) that are very easy to find. 

Bus service from La Paz Airport to the city center  

The most common method of public transportation for La Paz locals is the bus system. The #212 bus runs between El Alto Airport and La Paz Centro. A bus ride will cost less than a dollar, but it can take up to an hour to get from the airport to the centrally located Plaza Mayor de San Francisco. The buses fill up rather quickly, but they run a few times an hour, so you should never have to wait longer than 30 minutes for a seat. 

Taxi and rideshare from La Paz Airport 

This is the most expensive public transit option, but it’s still an incredibly affordable way to get between the airport and the city center. A cab ride between El Alto Airport and various points in La Paz city center is between $7 and $12. The ride does take about 35 minutes but it’s still a door-to-door option. 

• A note on radio taxis and sticker taxis: There are two different kinds of taxis in Bolivia, with an important distinction between them. “Radio taxis” are official taxis associated with a company. While the radios have been replaced with cell phones in some cases, these remain the legitimate option. “Sticker taxis” are simply enterprising individuals fixing a sticker onto their cars to make money on the side. Many of these are reliable, but many are not. Even worse, some of these are even dangerous. It’s best to stick to radio taxis, even if the price is slightly higher. Cab rides are so inexpensive this choice shouldn't become a budget consideration. 

Things to do near La Paz Airport 

Mercado de las Brujas 

The name of this market translates literally to “market of the witches.” While this may sound more like a tacky farmer’s market popping up in mid-October, this historic artisanal market is a treasured institution for Bolivia’s cultural heritage. Native folk remedies and herbal treatments are a vital part of Bolivian culture. Although the unorthodox methods on offer are unproven (or even disproven), they represent a fascinating corner of La Paz’s spiritual side. Some of the wildest ingredients and items imaginable are on sale here. Dried toucan beaks, jarred insects, spices and herbs of every sort, and other (even more perplexing or disturbing) items on display. It’s best to take a respectful stance and explore curiously and not openly mock the local culture. Just remember, you don’t have to buy anything to get the full experience.  

Iglesia de San Francisco 

A cornerstone of La Paz’s Spanish colonial infrastructure, this massive basilica was built back in the 16th century and rebuilt in the 18th century after a snowstorm made it collapse. Fortified with stone from a local quarry, the more durable Iglesia de San Francisco features a hewed stone construction and vibrant decorations and stone carvings. Overlooking the Plaza San Francisco, the basilica can be admired from the street or toured when mass is not being held. 

Mirador Killi Killi 

The hills surrounding La Paz are spotted with renowned monuments and landmarks, where the stellar views are equally worth the historical value of each site. This peak, in particular, grants those willing to scale the steep incline to reach it with unbelievable views of the entire city along with the Basilica of Our Lady Peace and Hernando Siles Olympic Stadium.

Crowned with a Spanish colonial stone archway, you won't have a hard time finding the best vantage point. You’ll have company, as locals and tourists all head there to enjoy the views and mountain breeze. Honeymooners and would-be proposers should be on notice, as Killi Killi is one of the most romantic places in La Paz. You can take the bus up the hill or get some steps in. It’s also about a $7 cab ride from the city. 

Jet around the city on the Mi Teleferico cable cars 

One of La Paz’s absolute coolest features is the network of cable cars that crisscross the city to provide convenient commuting and impeccable views for travelers. At less than a dollar per ride, you could do worse than vaulting over the city (and its highly congested streets) from one point to another. The views of La Paz’s neighborhoods and landmarks are incredible. There are 11 stations throughout the city, so plan your itinerary with a cable car in mind. Even better, these electric cable cars are partly generated with solar power, making them a vital part of eco-friendly travel.  

Luggage storage near La Paz Airport 

With convenient luggage storage taken care of, it’s easier to enjoy La Paz and all of its high-altitude glory. But Bounce takes it even further than just La Paz. With reliable luggage storage locations in every major (and minor) travel destination in South America, Bounce is your go-to luggage storage option anywhere you want to travel to next!