Every November 8, La Paz celebrates its ñatitas: skulls kept at home, crowned with flowers and taken to the General Cemetery. Join a local guide for 3 hours. US$25.
One week after Todos Santos, La Paz celebrates one of the most surprising traditions in the Andes: the Fiesta de las Ñatitas. Families keep human skulls at home, called ñatitas ("little snub-nosed ones"), and believe they protect the house, bring luck and help with problems. On November 8 they take them to the General Cemetery, crowned with flowers, with cotton in their eye sockets, sunglasses, coca leaves, cigarettes and candles, to thank them with prayers and music.
Join a local bilingual guide for a 3-hour visit to the festival. We ride the red line cable car to the cemetery, learn the stories and beliefs behind the ñatitas, and see one of the most unique celebrations in South America up close and with respect. We finish with a traditional Bolivian ice cream and walk back to La Paz downtown together.
Small groups of up to 15 travelers. Every year on November 8.
We meet at 10:00 a.m. next to the big La Paz city sign, by the red line cable car station (Estación Central, the old train station).
We ride the Mi Teleférico red line, with views over the city, and get off at the cemetery station.
At the General Cemetery, families line up with their ñatitas decorated with flowers, hats and sunglasses. Your guide explains where the tradition comes from, what the offerings mean and how families care for their ñatitas the rest of the year.
We finish with a traditional Bolivian ice cream and return together to La Paz downtown, close to most hotels.
• English/Spanish bilingual local guide • Mi Teleférico cable car fares • Traditional Bolivian ice cream
• Tips • Extra food and drinks • Taxi to your hotel
Ñatitas are human skulls that some families in La Paz keep at home. They are believed to protect the house and bring luck. Every November 8 their owners take them to the General Cemetery to celebrate and thank them.
It starts at 10:00 a.m. next to the La Paz city sign, by the red line cable car station (Estación Central), and ends in La Paz downtown.
About 3 hours, with a maximum of 15 travelers per group.
Yes, the festival is very visual, but always ask families before photographing their ñatitas or them, and follow your guide's advice. It is a religious celebration for the people there.
Free cancellation up to 2 days (48 hours) before the start time, with a full refund.
The ultimate Uyuni experience: sunset, Milky Way stargazing & sunrise — all in one night on the salt flats. Private 4WD & English guide. Book now.
View Tour →
10 days in Bolivia: Lake Titicaca, Isla del Sol, colonial Sucre, Potosi silver mine & Uyuni Salt Flats. Independent trip. English guides. Book now.
View Tour →
8 days in Bolivia: La Paz city tour, Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca, and the Uyuni Salt Flats. Nature & adventure. English guide. Book now.
View Tour →