San Francisco Church Tours

The San Francisco Church, or the Basilica de San Francisco, is one of the best remaining examples of baroque-mestizo architecture in the city and is renowned for its intricately carved façade. The first version of the church was constructed in 1548 but subsequently collapsed during heavy snow sometime around 1610. The church seen today was constructed in the 1740s, and part of the convent is now dedicated as a museum.
The church's façade is a beautiful mix of native and Catholic art, decorated with ornate elements like snakes, dragons, birds, and masked figures. Once inside, the influence of baroque architecture disappears and neoclassical takes over with its cedar wood altars inscribed with gold leaf.
Be sure to wander the Plaza de San Francisco in front of the church. It is one of the busiest places in La Paz, with souvenir streets, bus and taxi stops, and a number of small snack bars and stores. Here you will also find a modern stone sculpture paying homage to Bolivia’s three cultures – the ancient Tiwanaku, the Incas, and the modern day Bolivians.
Practical Info
San Francisco Church is open Monday through Saturday 4-6pm. Remember that La Paz is 3,500m above sea level, so it’s important to have altitude sickness medicine on hand and to pace yourself. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid smoking and alcohol, which can make altitude sickness worse. A local remedy for altitude sickness is maté de coca, an herbal tea made with an infusion of coca leaves that locals swear by.
Address: Sagarnaga, La Paz, Bolivia, Bolivia
Hours: Mon-Sat 4-6pm
13 Tours and Activities to Experience San Francisco Church
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La Paz City Walking Tour
Discover the cultural treasures of Bolivia’s capital city on a walking tour of La Paz. Alongside your guide, learn of the legends and history of the unique city as you visit prominent monuments. Admire the regal façade of the Presidential Palace, absorb the charm of San Francisco Church and marvel at La Paz Cathedral. Browse the bizarre products of the Witches Market and learn of the infamous San Pedro prison in San Pedro Square. Receive personalized attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 15 people.
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From
$5.00
From
$5.00

La Paz Food, Wine and Beer Tour
Experience Bolivia’s best food, wine and spirits on a 3.5-hour, small-group gourmet tour of La Paz that explores the city’s traditional foods and cutting-edge cuisine. Follow your local guide through a vibrant food market, sample freshly-prepared treats, and learn the most important ingredients of the region’s distinctive cooking. Taste your way through a series of Bolivian classics at a nearby restaurant, mix a personalized cocktail with local ingredients, then finish your tour with cheese and a tasting of lesser-known South American wines.
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From
$30.77
From
$30.77
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

La Paz City Walking Tour Including Historical Streets
Get a comprehensive introduction to La Paz on this city sightseeing tour. This walking tour has morning or afternoon departure times and includes a traditional Bolivian drink at its conclusion.
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From
$5.00
From
$5.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

4 Days Bolivia Private Luxury Tour with English Guide from La Paz Bolivia
If you’ve got limited time in Bolivia, take advantage of the country’s relatively small size and tick off multiple highlights with ease on a private tour from La Paz. As well as receiving undivided attention throughout the tour, you’ll benefit from the insider knowledge of a guide as you explore Uyuni, Copacabana, and Salar de Uyuni. Plus, all meals, accommodation, transfers, and activities are arranged in advance for a seamless and stress-free experience.
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From
$1,538.47
Price varies by group size
From
$1,538.47
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

Customizable Private City Tour - La Paz
Experience and understand La Paz and Bolivia learning about its quirky and fascinating history, its controversial politics, its traditions and its rich cultural heritage. Your tour will be guided through the city´s highlights without fixed schedules or destinations, it will be tailored according to how much time you have available to see the city´s attractions and most importantly to what interests you most when it comes to discovering a new place.
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From
$35.00
Price varies by group size
From
$35.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff

Virtual City Tour - La Paz
You´ll be taken through the streets of La Paz through my shared google maps screen. "Walk" along the same streets and landmarks as you would on an actual walking tour and with complimentary powerpoint slides the tour will feel just as, if not, more interactive than an in-person experience. From the comfort of your home and without having to worry about altitude sickness you´ll get all the fascinating information on the culture, history and traditions while simultaneously viewing close-ups of the offerings at the witches market, photographs of the inside of San pedro Prison or seeing what our president in 1864 looked like before he went crazy. Don´t let the lockdown impede you from experiencing the city in the clouds.
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From
$4.00
$1.00 savings
From
$4.00
$1.00 savings

Private City Tour La Paz-Bolivia
Cover La Paz highlights on a full-day, private tour that includes the historic center, cable cars, panoramic viewpoints, the Valle de la Luna, and more. Exploring La Paz with a private guide is a great way to get the stories behind each destination, with the flexibility to stop along the way to shop, stretch your legs, and see the things that interest you.
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From
$97.00
Price varies by group size
From
$97.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

6 Days Private Best of Bolivia Tour from La Paz with Flights VIP
Welcome to Bolivia.
Discover the wonderful country of Bolivia, in 6 unforgettable days of personalized Tour, you will know the most interesting places of this country, visiting La Paz, Valle de la Luna, Copacabana, Lake Titicaca, Salar de Uyuni, Tiwanaku, Sucre , Potosi and more, in a private and personalized service with professional English speaking guide and overnight in highly recommended and delicately selected 3-star hotels for this type of service for VIP clients.
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From
$1,898.00
Price varies by group size
From
$1,898.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

6-Day Bolivia Private Tour: La Paz-Uyuni Salt Flats-Lake Titicaca-Tihuanacu
See more of Bolivia in less time on a stress-free private tour from La Paz. Skip the hassle of renting a car or navigating public transport, and enjoy easy transportation in a private vehicle and the undivided attention of a guide. Visit highlights such as the UNESCO-listed Tiwanaku ruins, the Uyuni Salt Flats, and Lake Titicaca. No detail is overlooked: your tour includes meals, accommodations, transfers, and entrance fees.
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From
$1,846.16
Price varies by group size
From
$1,846.16
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers

3days-2nights La Paz Cultural
3days -2nights tour in La Paz City where you can visit the most representative in each place.
In this tour we INCLUDES
• Pick up and Drop off La Paz
• HD Tiwanaku Temple (Share in bus)
• HD City Tour & Moon Valley (Share in bus)
• 02 nights + breakfast (2N La Paz)
• Meals according to the itinerary
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From
$320.00
From
$320.00

Half-Day La Paz City Tour
Cover the best of La Paz in half a day with this guided tour. Begin with a panoramic view from Mirador Killi Killi, visit landmarks around Murillo Square, step into another universe at the Valley of the Moon, and catch a glimpse of Illimani by cable car. Explore the Witches’ Market and the Church of San Francisco. Sit back as your guide leads you from one site to the next.
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From
$27.00
From
$27.00

La Paz, Full Day Private Tour - Fall in love with La Paz!
If your time is limited in La Paz, this is the tour for you! A guided, full-day private tour of the fascinating city of La Paz, Bolivia where you discover the city like a local! You are taken to some of the best-kept secrets La Paz has to offer with a passionate local guide. Take the cable cars, visit the city center, El Alto, and so much more! Also enjoy a local lunch and fall in love with our amazing city.
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From
$76.93
From
$76.93

7-Day Uyuni Salt Flats and Desert Adventure from La Paz
Discover Bolivia in a more flexible way on this 7-day trip. This country has exceptional advantages in cultural diversity and natural wonders. Private transport with an informative guide is provided through the guided tour, from the world's class salt flats in Uyuni to the rich Inca culture of Tiwanaku Ruins.
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From
$3,590.00
Price varies by group size
From
$3,590.00
Price varies by group size
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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