How to get to the 16 de Julio market by cable car
Station, line, walking time, fare and opening hours — the complete guide.
Get off at 16 de Julio station (Red Line, Blue Line & Silver Line). From the exit it is a 2-minute walk to the 16 de Julio market in El Alto.
The market only runs on Thursdays and Sundays. The rest of the week the area is still commercial, but without the stalls.
Overview
The 16 de Julio market is one of the largest open-air markets in South America: on Thursdays and Sundays it takes over dozens of blocks of El Alto next to La Ceja, selling everything from clothes and street food to tools, furniture and car parts. It is not a tourist market but the real marketplace of a city of almost a million people, and that is exactly what makes it worth the trip. The 16 de Julio cable-car station sits right on its edge: it is the meeting point of three lines (Red, Blue and Silver) and the fastest, safest way up from central La Paz, some 400 metres below.
Getting there from key points
| Starting point | Cable-car route |
|---|---|
| Central station (downtown La Paz) | Red Line direct to 16 de Julio, ~11 min · Bs 3 |
| Cementerio station | Red Line, one stop, ~6 min · Bs 3 |
| Río Seco (El Alto) | Blue Line direct, ~21 min · Bs 3 |
| Mirador station (Ciudad Satélite) | Silver Line, ~12 min · Bs 3 |
Step by step
Take any of the lines serving the station: Red Line, Blue Line & Silver Line. The fare is Bs 3 for the first line plus Bs 2 for every transfer.
Get off at 16 de Julio station and follow the exit signs.
In about 2 minutes on foot you reach the 16 de Julio market in El Alto.
For the way back, remember the hours: 06:00–23:00 Monday to Saturday and 07:00–21:00 on Sundays and public holidays.
What else to see nearby
- La Ceja de El Alto📍 Map5 minThe commercial heart of El Alto, with thousands of shops and street food.
- Viewpoint over the bowl of La Paz📍 Map3 minFrom the edge of the plateau you see the whole city with Illimani behind.
- La Paz General Cemetery📍 Map6 minTwo stops down the Red Line: painted niches and murals.
Useful information
Frequently asked questions
Which cable-car station do I use?
16 de Julio station (Red Line, Blue Line & Silver Line). It is about a 2-minute walk from the exit.
How long does it take from Central station (downtown La Paz)?
Red Line direct to 16 de Julio, ~11 min · Bs 3.
How much does the trip cost?
Bs 3 for the first line and Bs 2 for each transfer (Bs 1.50 and Bs 1 on the accredited reduced fare). A journey with one transfer costs Bs 5. Transfers are not free.
What time does it open and close?
Monday to Saturday, 06:00 to 23:00; Sundays and public holidays, 07:00 to 21:00. Cabins leave every 12 seconds, but there can be queues at the ticket desks at peak times.
Where can I find more attractions near the cable car?
In our guide what to see in La Paz by cable car, with every attraction listed by station.
Contenido de esta página
Updated: August 2026