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Mercado de las Brujas

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Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)

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The Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) in La Paz is one of Bolivia's most extraordinary locations, providing a deep insight into Andean spirituality and Aymara traditions. Located on the steep, cobblestone streets of Sagárnaga and Linares in the historic center, the market is run by 'yatiris' (local healers) who sell ritual items intended to appease Pachamama (Mother Earth). The most famous items are dried llama fetuses, which are traditionally buried under the foundations of new houses as a protective offering. Visitors will also find a vast array of herbs, amulets, colorful candies for rituals, and traditional folk medicines. Alongside these mystical goods, the market gives high-quality alpaca wool textiles, silver jewelry, and local handicrafts. Far from being a mere tourist trap, the market is an essential part of daily life for locals seeking spiritual guidance or physical healing. Its unique atmosphere, filled with the scent of burning incense and bustling displays, makes it a cornerstone of cultural heritage in the Bolivian administrative capital.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C999876567999
Rain mm13611479351391622244844107

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Mercado de las Brujas (Witches' Market) in La Paz is a covered market open daily. You can wander the aisles and marvel at unusual items like dried frogs and talismans. Entry is free.
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Typical hours
Most stalls open around 9:00 am and close between 6:00 and 7:00 pm. The best selection is late morning and early afternoon. Some vendors are open Sundays, though it's quieter.
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Photography
Photography is allowed, but ask respectfully before taking photos of vendors or their goods. The exotic products offer fascinating close-ups. Avoid using flash to protect the delicate herbs.
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Time needed
Allow about 45 minutes to an hour for a relaxed look around. If you're interested in traditional medicine, you could easily spend two hours. Take your time to explore each stall.
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Combine with
The market is near Plaza San Francisco, which is worth a visit. Combine it with a walk to La Paz Cathedral. The Coca Museum on the same street is also worth a stop.
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Getting there
The Witches' Market is centrally located on Calle Linares in La Paz. It's easily walkable from the historic center. Taxis and buses stop nearby. Best to get off at San Francisco Plaza and walk up the street.
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Insider tip
Buy a small bag of dried herbs as a lucky charm - vendors are happy to explain their meanings. Go in the morning when vendors are most talkative. Avoid taking photos without permission, as it's considered disrespectful.

Geography

Coordinates
-16.49750, -68.13860

Facts

  • Located on Sagárnaga and Linares streets
  • Famous for selling dried llama fetuses
  • Run by Aymara healers known as Yatiris
  • Center for rituals honoring Pachamama
  • Offers traditional Andean medicines
  • Key site for authentic local handicrafts

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Estadio Hernando SilesEstadio Hernando Siles2 km · NExplore →
ChacaltayaChacaltaya7 km · SEExplore →
Vesty Pakos ZooVesty Pakos Zoo8 km · NWExplore →
Huayna PotosíHuayna Potosí10 km · EExplore →
Valley of the SoulsValley of the Souls12 km · NExplore →
Zongo ValleyZongo Valley16 km · EExplore →
Cordillera RealCordillera Real26 km · NEExplore →

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Sights in the town Mercado de las Brujas (15)

Fokker F-27-400M Friendship📍 landmark

An exhibited twin-turboprop airliner on display, showcasing a piece of aviation history in the urban landscape of El Alto.

Cholitas Wrestling📍 landmark

Famous wrestling events where indigenous Aymara women in traditional skirts and bowler hats perform acrobatic stunts.

🕒 Su, Th 16:30-20:30

Cholita Wrestling📍 landmark

An entertaining cultural spectacle featuring female indigenous wrestlers battling in the ring in traditional attire.

🕒 Su 16:00-20:00

Museo de la Coca🏛 museum

A museum dedicated to the history, cultural significance, and traditional uses of the coca leaf in Andean societies.

🕒 Mo-Sa 10:00-18:00

Jiwasanki Museo de Arte🏛 museum

An art gallery displaying contemporary works and cultural expressions from the local Bolivian art scene.

Museo de Arte Antonio Paredes Candia🏛 museum

A museum in El Alto housing a significant collection of Bolivian art, sculptures, and historical documents.

🕒 Mo-Fr 09:00-17:00💶

Obelisco🏺 historical

A prominent urban monument erected in 2013, serving as a landmark in the city's streetscape.

Cruz Andina🏺 historical

A monument depicting the Chakana, or Andean cross, a vital symbol in indigenous cosmology.

Santiago II🏺 historical

A neighborhood monument honoring local historical events and the community's heritage.

Centro Cultural Teatro Dragón Wari🎭 culture

A cultural center and theater venue promoting local performing arts and community events.

Teatro Municipal Raúl Salmón de la Barra🎭 culture

A prominent municipal theater in El Alto hosting a variety of theatrical productions and civic ceremonies.

Fundacion COMPA / Teatro Trono🎭 culture

A cultural foundation and theater group utilizing performing arts for social education and community development.

Congregación Cristiana Bondad⛪ religious

This local Christian congregation provides a place for community worship near the witches' market area.

Casa de Dios⛪ religious

Casa de Dios is a local house of worship offering religious services to the Christian community.

Iglesia Ágape⛪ religious

This Agape church serves as a spiritual gathering space for Christian worshippers in the neighborhood.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can you buy here?
Medicinal herbs, amulets, offerings, and dried llama fetuses.
Is it safe for tourists?
Yes, it's very popular, but watch your valuables.
Where is the market located?
In the alleys between Calle Sagárnaga and Calle Santa Cruz.
Can you take photos?
Always ask politely before photographing vendors or their goods.
When is the best time to visit?
During the day between 10 AM and 5 PM is when it's most active.
Mercado de las Brujas: where is it located?
Mercado de las Brujas is located in Bolivia.
Mercado de las Brujas: what is there to see?
Highlights include Fokker F-27-400M Friendship, Cholitas Wrestling, Cholita Wrestling.
Mercado de las Brujas: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Nov.
Mercado de las Brujas: why is it worth visiting?
The Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) in La Paz is one of Bolivia's most extraordinary locations, providing a deep insight into Andean spirituality and Aymara traditions.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Basílica de San Francisco — Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)
Basílica de San Francisco
Exquisite Catholic basilica in La Paz showcasing a unique blend of Baroque and indigenous art.
Obelisco de La Paz — Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)
Obelisco de La Paz
A historic monument in the middle of La Paz's traffic center, serving as an important landmark in the city.
Estación Central Mi Teleférico — Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)
Estación Central Mi Teleférico
The main station of the spectacular cable car network in La Paz, which was formerly the city's old central train station.
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Paz — Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Paz
The neoclassical cathedral on Plaza Murillo impresses with its steep stairs and magnificent dome.
Plaza Murillo — Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)
Plaza Murillo
The central square of La Paz and the historical heart of Bolivian politics and government.
Mirador Killi Killi — Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)
Mirador Killi Killi
A strategically located viewpoint on a hill that offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of La Paz and Mount Illimani.
Monumento a Eduardo Abaroa — Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)
Monumento a Eduardo Abaroa
A monument on the plaza of the same name in La Paz, dedicated to the Bolivian national hero Eduardo Abaroa from the War of the Pacific.
Mirador Laikakota — Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)
Mirador Laikakota
A popular park and viewpoint in the Parque Urbano Central, offering excellent views of the low-lying part of La Paz.

Nature

Desaguadero River — Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)
Desaguadero River
The Desaguadero River is the main outflow of Lake Titicaca and feeds Lake Poopó further south.

More places

Basilica of San Francisco — Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)
Basilica of San Francisco
A monumental Catholic church in the heart of La Paz, known for its richly decorated stone facade in the Andean Baroque style.
Palacio Quemado — Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)
Palacio Quemado
The historic presidential residence in La Paz, named after a fire during an 1875 uprising.
Cathedral of La Paz — Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)
Cathedral of La Paz
An imposing neoclassical cathedral on the Plaza Murillo, whose construction spanned more than a century.
Chacaltaya — Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)
Chacaltaya
Chacaltaya was once the highest ski resort in the world before its glacier completely melted in 2009.
Vesty Pakos Zoo — Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)
Vesty Pakos Zoo
The highest altitude zoo in the world, located in La Paz, focusing on the rescue and rehabilitation of native Andean wildlife.
Huayna Potosí — Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)
Huayna Potosí
Stunning pyramid-shaped mountain near La Paz, popular as an accessible 6,000-meter climb.
Valley of the Souls — Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)
Valley of the Souls
A fascinating geological site near La Paz with towering, needle-like rock formations that attract young explorers.
Zongo Valley — Mercado de las Brujas (Bolivia)
Zongo Valley
The Zongo Valley is a steep gorge near La Paz, known for its hydroelectric facilities and breathtaking cloud forests.