Every November 2, families in La Paz say goodbye to the souls of their loved ones at the General Cemetery. Join a local guide for 3 hours of tradition, color and stories. US$20.
In Bolivia, Todos Santos is not a sad day. Families believe the souls of their loved ones come back on November 1 at midday and leave again on November 2. On that second day, the whole city seems to move to the cemetery to say goodbye: with flowers, music, food, bread and prayers.
Join a local bilingual guide for a 3-hour visit to the La Paz General Cemetery on November 2. We ride the red line cable car, walk among the niches where families climb rented ladders to decorate their relatives' graves, and learn the meaning behind the offerings: the t'antawawas (bread babies), the bread ladders, the sugar cane and the onion flowers. 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 2.
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.
Your guide explains how Bolivians celebrate Todos Santos: why the souls return, what families put on their tables, and why people pray in exchange for bread. Walk among the niches, see the families with their ladders and flowers, and feel the atmosphere of the day.
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
All Saints' Day is November 1 and All Souls' Day is November 2. In Bolivia both days are celebrated together as Todos Santos: the souls arrive at midday on November 1 and are said goodbye on November 2, when families visit the cemetery. This tour runs on November 2.
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. Many families welcome visitors, and some will even offer you bread in exchange for a prayer. Always ask before taking photos of people, keep your voice down and follow your guide's advice.
Free cancellation up to 2 days (48 hours) before the start time, with a full refund.
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