Plaza Mayor de San Francisco

A visit to Plaza Mayor de San Francisco starts with thoughtful planning. The plaza, nestled near the city’s historical heart, often fills with both locals and visitors, so timing matters. Arriving during mid-morning brings a gentle buzz, but afternoons might get crowded, especially on weekends. Most travelers find the plaza easily from the city’s main boulevard, Avenida Mariscal Santa Cruz, while those coming from higher neighborhoods can hop on the unique Mi Teleférico cable car, disembarking at Estación San Francisco. Visitors won’t need tickets, but those interested in guided tours for the San Francisco Church or nearby museum should inquire inside. Beware: the area sits at over 3,600 meters above sea level, so taking it slow helps.

• Best time to visit: Dry season (May–October), or early morning for fewer crowds
• How to get there: Walk from central La Paz, take taxi/hired car, or Mi Teleférico (Estación San Francisco)
• Accessibility: Mostly accessible for families and seniors, though uneven cobblestones in some spots may be tricky
• Average visit duration: 1–2 hours to explore plaza, church, and surroundings

Step onto Plaza Mayor de San Francisco, and the history unfolds in layers. The basilica, with its carved mestizo-Baroque façade, anchors the south end. Pigeons scatter as vendors lay out crafts and snacks, while musicians pick out Andean melodies on charangos. A climb up the church tower—a hidden gem—delivers sweeping rooftop views, with jagged mountains peeking over the city’s rooftops. Beside the church, the San Francisco Museum quietly collects art, textiles, and secrets from the city’s past. Beyond, small alleys like Calle Sagárnaga overflow with handicraft stalls and cozy cafés, adding warmth to the plaza’s grand stone edges.

• Key sights or features: San Francisco Church (interior and façade), Plaza’s historic fountain, nearby San Francisco Museum
• Unique experiences: Church tower climb at sunset, impromptu folk music performances, people-watching on sun-warmed steps
• Photo-worthy locations: Basilica façade at golden hour, rooftop city views, bustling market lanes
• Cultural or historical facts: The church’s construction spanned more than a century and blends Indigenous artistry with European stonework