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 (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 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 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 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.