La PazvsQuito
Can't decide between La Paz and Quito? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
La Paz
La Paz is the world's highest de facto capital, a dizzying city sprawling across a canyon at 3,640 meters. Its teleférico cable car network offers jaw-dropping views, while the Witches' Market, cholita wrestling, and Death Road make it one of South America's most unique cities.
Known for
Quito
Quito sits at 2,850 meters in an Andean valley, the world's highest official capital. Its UNESCO-listed colonial center is the best-preserved in Latin America, with ornate churches, cobblestone plazas, and sweeping views of snow-capped volcanoes on clear days.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
La Paz offers Valle de la Luna, Witches' Market, Mi Teleférico Cable Cars
Quito offers Plaza de la Independencia, Basílica del Voto Nacional, La Compañía Church
Food & Dining
La Paz is famous for its local dining scene
Quito is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
La Paz offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Quito offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
May to October
June to September
Weather
Summer: 15°C, Winter: 10°C
Summer: 20°C, Winter: 18°C
Top Attractions in La Paz
- 1Valle de la Luna
- 2Witches' Market
- 3Mi Teleférico Cable Cars
- 4San Francisco Church
- 5Death Road (day trip)
- 6Tiwanaku Ruins (day trip)
Top Attractions in Quito
- 1Plaza de la Independencia
- 2Basílica del Voto Nacional
- 3La Compañía Church
- 4TelefériQo Cable Car
- 5Mitad del Mundo
- 6Calle La Ronda
La Paz is Popular With
Quito is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in La Paz
- 1
Museo de Instrumentos Musicales
A fascinating private museum founded by charango master Ernesto Cavour, showcasing over 2,500 musical instruments from Bolivia and around the world.
- 2
Killi Killi Mirador
A lesser-known viewpoint in the Villa Pabón area, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of La Paz sprawling in its canyon and the surrounding mountains.
Hidden Gems in Quito
- 1
Museo Casa del Alabado
A stunning pre-Columbian art museum housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century colonial house in the Old Town.
- 2
Itchimbía Park and Cultural Center
A hilltop park east of the Historic Center, crowned by the striking Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace), a glass and iron structure.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in La Paz
Casco Viejo (Historic Center)
The bustling, historic heart of La Paz, centered around Plaza Murillo.
Sopocachi
A bohemian, residential neighborhood popular with artists, students, and expats.
Top Areas in Quito
Centro Histórico (Old Town)
The heart and soul of Quito, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a labyrinth of steep, cobblestone streets lined with magnificent Spanish colonial and Baroque architecture.
La Mariscal (Gringolandia)
The city's primary tourist and nightlife district, known for its grid of streets filled with hostels, bars, restaurants, travel agencies, and souvenir shops.
Budget Comparison
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Budget in La Paz
Budget in Quito
Book Activities
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Book Activities in La Paz
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Book Activities in Quito
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Getting There
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Find cheap transport to La Paz
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Find cheap transport to Quito
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Our Verdict
Both La Paz and Quito are incredible destinations. La Paz excels in highest capital and Death Road, while Quito stands out for colonial architecture and equator line.
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