Fun and entertainment Bolivia

Timetable

Bars usually open around 5 or 6 pm and close between 1 and 2 am. The peñas, the places where Andean musicians perform, open around 7 or 8 pm for the dinner show. The clubs open around 9 or 10 pm and close at 4 am (even if some of them extend the pleasure)... And beware, legally all establishments are forbidden to sell alcohol after 4am.

Budget & Tips

Local shows (dance shows, theatre, concerts, peñas...) generally have very affordable prices. Attention: very few establishments (bars, clubs, peñas) accept payment cards.

To be booked

Tickets for performances (theatre, dance, music) often need to be purchased in advance.

The website www.eventrid.bo allows you to book tickets for various cultural events.

Night transport

In the evening, the radio taxi is the safest and most practical option for getting around safely.

Age restrictions

The legal drinking age is 18.

What's very local

It is impossible to visit Bolivia without going at least once to a peña ! These are cultural spaces, similar to concert cafes and cabarets, where one or more local folklore groups perform. You can listen to the musicians, admire the dancers' costumes, sing and dance, and of course... drink! The most famous peñas of the country are in La Paz, but you will find smaller ones in many cities. And if you go out in the evening, you will undoubtedly have to try the local drinks. In all the medium-sized cities you will also find westernized establishments, such as Irish pubs, beer bars, etc...

Singani. This is the traditional Bolivian brandy made from the distillation of muscatel. Originally from the south of the country, it is now a controlled designation of origin (AOC). This liquor flirting with 70° is used for the elaboration of numerous cocktails: the famous Chuflay (ice cubes, Singani, ginger ale and a slice of lemon), the Poncho Negro (same preparation as the Chuflay but with a cola soft drink), the Yungueñito (with orange juice) or the Singani Sour

Wine. It may seem surprising, but Bolivia, which has the highest vineyards in the world, produces excellent wines. Nowadays, most of the Bolivian wine production (more than 80%) is in the Tarija region. The main grape varieties used are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tannat, Merlot, Malbec, Torontés, Muscat (which is mainly used to make Singani), Riesling and Chardonnay. Bolivian wine, expressive and fruity, derives its characteristics from its almost artisanal production method and the altitude at which it is grown: the intense exposure to the sun and the great climatic variation between day and night give the grapes a rich aroma and rapid maturation

Smokers

Smoking is not permitted in enclosed public places, but some establishments have lounges or terraces for smokers.

Tourist traps

Show tickets. Always go through the official ticket offices to avoid disappointment.

Cocaine bars. Be careful, in La Paz, some locals target young backpackers and invite them to these illegal bars, we formally recommend you to avoid! Not only is drug use and these establishments are totally illegal, and you risk (very very) much, but also these places are badly frequented, as you can imagine