This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
La Paz is straightforward to navigate once you know the airport transfer, taxi habits and a few local rules around water and tipping. These La Paz travel tips cover arrivals, getting around, money, safety and the questions travelers ask most, with the La Paz travel guide for the full picture.
La Paz Travel Tips: Getting There
La Paz is served by Manuel Márquez de León International Airport (code LAP), about 10km (15 to 20 minutes) southwest of downtown. A taxi from the airport to the Malecon costs roughly 250 to 350 MXN, and shared shuttle vans run about 120 to 180 MXN per person. There is no train, and the nearest large international gateway is Los Cabos (SJD), about 2.5 hours away by road or the Aguila bus. Flights within Mexico, including from Mexico City and Tijuana, are frequent. Decide between the walkable center and the resort zone using our neighborhoods in La Paz guide.
La Paz Travel Tips: Getting Around
Downtown La Paz is compact and walkable, with the Malecon, cathedral and most restaurants inside a 2km radius. City buses run along the Malecon and to Balandra and El Tecolote for under 20 MXN, while taxis around the center cost 60 to 120 MXN, often negotiated without a meter. Uber does not reliably operate in La Paz, but the DiDi app and local taxis cover most trips. For beaches and day trips to Todos Santos or La Ventana, renting a car (from about 600 to 1,000 MXN per day) is the most flexible option, and we map the drives in our things to do in La Paz guide.
La Paz Travel Tips: Money, Tipping and Visas
The currency is the Mexican peso, and while many hotels and tour operators quote US dollars, you will get better value paying in pesos. ATMs are common on the Malecon and in the Centro, but withdraw from bank branches rather than standalone machines. Tipping is 10 to 15 percent in restaurants, 10 to 20 MXN per bag for porters, and 10 to 15 percent for tour guides and boat crews. Most US, Canadian, UK and EU passport holders enter visa-free and receive a 180-day tourist permit (FMM) on arrival, so keep the paper slip for departure.
La Paz Travel Tips: Safety and Health
La Paz is one of the safer cities in Mexico, with violent crime concentrated far from tourist areas, and the main risks are practical rather than security-related. Do not drink the tap water; use bottled or filtered water, and ask for drinks without ice from street stalls. The sun is intense year-round, so use reef-safe sunscreen, which is mandatory in protected areas like Balandra and Espiritu Santo. Hurricane season runs June to November with a September peak, so check forecasts and travel insurance if visiting in that window. See our best time to visit La Paz guide for season-by-season risk and the La Paz events and festivals calendar for what is on.
La Paz Travel Tips: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink the tap water in La Paz?
No. Use bottled or filtered water for drinking and brushing your teeth, and buy bottled water for the beach.
Do I need a car in La Paz?
Not for the city center, which is walkable, but a car helps a lot for Balandra, El Tecolote, Todos Santos and La Ventana. If you stay put in the Centro, taxis and the Balandra bus cover the basics.
Is La Paz safe for tourists?
Yes. La Paz has low levels of violent crime compared to mainland Mexico, and tourist areas around the Malecon and beaches are safe in daylight and after dark, with normal precautions.
What currency should I use in La Paz?
Mexican pesos. Carry pesos for taxis, buses, markets and small restaurants; hotels and tour operators often accept cards or US dollars at a less favorable rate.
When is hurricane season in La Paz?
June to November, with the statistical peak in September. Direct hits are rare, but September storms have caused flooding in the past.
Suggested Hotels in La Paz
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortes
A full resort on the bay with a private marina, spa and golf course, with rooms overlooking the Sea of Cortez or the fairways. Best for couples and travelers who want a self-contained resort stay. Check rates and availability
Seven Crown La Paz Malecon
A well-located waterfront hotel 250 meters from the coast with a pool, terraces and free WiFi, right on the main promenade. Best for visitors who want the Malecon, restaurants and tour offices on foot. Check rates and availability
One La Paz
A modern budget hotel a 10-minute walk from the oceanfront with free breakfast, free parking and free WiFi. Best for budget travelers who want a clean, central base. Check rates and availability
For the full area-by-area breakdown with more hotels, see our where to stay in La Paz guide, and check the La Paz weather by month page before packing.
