Fun and entertainment Bolivia

Timetable

Bars generally open around 5 or 6pm and close between 1 and 2am. Peñas, where Andean musicians perform, open around 7 or 8pm for dinner and a show. Clubs open around 9 or 10pm and close at 4am (although some extend the pleasure)... And don't forget: by law, all establishments are forbidden to sell alcohol after 4am.

Budget & Tips

Local shows (dance, theater, concerts, peñas. ..) are generally very affordable. Please note: very few establishments (bars, clubs, peñas) accept payment cards.

To be booked

Tickets for performances (theater, dance, music) often need to be purchased in advance. You can reserve tickets for various cultural events at www.eventrid.bo.

Night transport

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

Age restrictions

The legal drinking age is 18.

What's very local

It's impossible to travel to Bolivia without visiting a peña at least once! These are cultural spaces, similar to café-concerts and cabarets, where one or more local folk groups perform. You can listen to the musicians, admire the dancers' costumes, sing, dance and, of course, drink! The country's most famous peñas are in La Paz, but you'll find smaller ones in many towns. And if you're out and about in the evening, you'll no doubt find yourself sampling the local beverages. In all medium-sized towns, you'll also find Westernized establishments, such as Irish pubs, beer bars and so on...

Singani. This is the traditional Bolivian brandy made from the distillation of muscatel. Originally from the south of the country, it is now an appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC). This liqueur, flirting with 70°, is used to make 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) and the Singani Sour.

Wine. It may seem surprising, but Bolivia, with the highest vineyards in the world, produces some excellent wines. Today, most of Bolivia's wine production (over 80%) is in the Tarija region. The main grape varieties used are Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Tannat, Merlot, Malbec, Torontés, Muscat (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: intense exposure to the sun and the great climatic variation between day and night give the grapes a rich aroma and rapid ripening.

Smokers

Smoking is prohibited in enclosed public places, but some establishments have lounges or terraces for smokers.

Tourist traps

Show tickets. Always use official ticket offices to avoid disappointment.

Cocaine bars. Beware: in La Paz, some locals target young backpacker tourists and invite them into these clandestine bars, which we formally recommend you avoid! Not only are drug consumption and these establishments totally illegal, and you're risking (very, very) a lot, but these places are also, as you'd expect, poorly frequented.