The traditional July 16 Market (also known as Mercado 16 de Julio) takes place on Thursdays and Sundays, and is the largest open market in Bolivia. In its over 5 square kilometres you can find huge crowds of people selling almost anything you can imagine.

Shoes, clothes, movies, music, car parts, computer parts, used toys, food and even llama fetus are sold for peanuts. In El Alto's market used coats are sold up to 30 bolivianos/Bs. (USD 4) and a suit can cost around 100 Bs. (USD 14).

Those who are looking for goods that cannot be found in La Paz go to El Alto: you can find tires in one corner and in the next, clothes of all type, in other street a variety of watches, and walking a little more, pieces of hardware.

Among this chaos, white and indigenous people coexist peacefully while sellers engage a duel shouting to attract the attention of customers from their colorful stalls. Cholitas and young aymaras can be found everywhere, some of them wearing shoes from globalized brands like Adidas, Nike or others. It is a charming and unique space where bolivian traditional culture meet with the modern and capitalist way of life.

Traders have even opened sort of "boutiques" with children clothing stores, sports clothes or shoe stores, among others, with clothes worn by mannequins. In the stalls of used shoes, brand sports shoes for adults reach a price of 120 Bs. starting from 15 Bs., which are acquired by young people. For pants, the famous "Blue Jeans" are sold for 20 Bs. and even for 10 and 5 Bs.

Instead, popular jackets are sold from 20 to 5 bolivianos, according to the quality and color of those garments. Moreover, the chompas (sweaters) are sold from 2 to 5 bolivianos, according to color and wool. Finally, blouses and T-shirts are the cheapest clothes as they are sold from 50 cents to 2 bolivianos.

Since the prices vary so much, it is highly recommended that you practice your bargaining techniques beforehand. Sellers tend to increase the price as soon as they identify a foreigner. So hopefully this little guide of prices can serve as orientation of how much you can expect to expend.

We will gladly orient you in your shopping and show the market as well as other unmissable places in La Paz. You can join us in one of our La Paz Walking tours and visit the market with us Watch your wallet! In both senses of the phrase ;)