El Alto City Guide

Local food is king with dishes like api con buñuelos and salteñas. International options are scarce. Medieval friendly, options exist if asked for modifications. Street food is popular at night.

Local bars with traditional music are common. Nightlife is calmer than La Paz.

Coffee is basic; few specialty shops. Focus is on strong local brews, typically with milk and sugar.

Tipping is optional, appreciated in restaurants for good service (5-10%). Rounding up is common.

Buy SIM cards at provider stores or resellers. Entel, Tigo, and Viva offer the best service. eSIM support is limited. You need a passport for activation.

Cleanliness varies across the city. Markets can be less tidy. Waste management is present but recycling is not common.

24/7 services are rare. Some late street food and tiendas available.

Imported goods are few, but basics are at Hipermaxi and Fidalga. The 'Feria 16 de Julio' market is huge for all sorts of items. Shops open from 9 AM to 7 PM generally, with some closing on Sundays.

Cash is mostly used, especially in markets. Card use is limited to big stores. Have Bolivian Bolivianos on hand.

ATMs are near banks and business areas. Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz, Banco Nacional de Bolivia, and Banco FIE are common. Check for fees.

Most schools teach in Spanish. International school options are in La Paz.

Not a digital nomad hub. Few meetups or co-living options, most activities are informal or family/business oriented.

Large parks are few. Some public spaces exist for leisure, but mostly underdeveloped.

Running along main avenues is possible but traffic and air quality are concerns.

Basic gyms and sports facilities, especially for soccer, are present.

Few courts may exist privately, but public access is limited.

No known facilities for padel in El Alto.

Yoga studios are rare. More options in La Paz.

Some local martial arts facilities may exist but info is limited. Common styles might include Taekwondo and Karate.

Skiing is not possible as nearby Chacaltaya's glacier is gone.

Limited water-related activities, with some at Lake Titicaca.

No surfing due to being landlocked.

Diving not possible as El Alto is landlocked.

Hospitals may have limited English-speaking staff. Private clinics offer better care. Public healthcare is basic. Pharmacies are common and offer over-the-counter meds.

Travelers should avoid tap water and opt for bottled or filtered water.

Playgrounds are basic. Family attractions focus on markets and culture. Baby supplies are at supermarkets.

Legally supportive but societal acceptance varies. Safe spaces are mainly in La Paz.

Pet amenities are limited. Veterinary services exist but dedicated pet areas and accommodation are rare.