About
The La Paz Witches' Market, also known as the Mercado de las Brujas, is a traditional market on Calle Linares in the historic centre of La Paz, Bolivia. It is a place where local customs and everyday commerce sit side by side, and it makes a distinctive stop for anyone exploring the old city.
What you will find
The market is best known for its stalls selling coca leaves, herbs and folk remedies. Among its goods are items used in Aymara rituals, including llama fetuses, which visitors often find the most striking part of a visit. The atmosphere is that of a working market rather than a display built for tourists, so it rewards a respectful and unhurried look.
Plan your visit
- Location: Calle Linares, in the historic centre of La Paz, in the La Paz Department.
- Kind of visit: A short walk through a traditional market, suited to curious travellers interested in local culture and ritual practice.
- Nearby: The surrounding historic streets offer a good way to combine the market with other stops in the old town.
Because the market is part of daily life in the centre, it is worth approaching with courtesy. Ask before photographing vendors or their goods, and expect that some of the items on sale carry meanings that are important to the people who use them. For visitors who want to understand the place beyond its curiosities, the market offers a clear window into Aymara traditions in the city.