Basilica of San Francisco, La Paz

Church Historic basilica in central La Paz

La Paz’s Basilica of San Francisco sits beside the main plaza; its colonial façade, carved altarpieces and crowded churchyard attract history-minded visitors and worshippers.

Main image
Basilica of San Francisco, La Paz
Plaza San Francisco, La Paz, La Paz Department, Bolivia
-16.4962, -68.1374

How to Get to Basilica of San Francisco, La Paz #

The basilica is in La Paz’s historic center near Plaza San Francisco. Walkable from the Witches’ Market and the main plazas; taxis and local minibuses serve nearby streets.

Tips for Visiting Basilica of San Francisco, La Paz #

  • Arrive early to avoid mid-day crowds; the plaza in front is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors.
  • Look for the intricate wood carving and Mestizo-Baroque details that blend indigenous motifs with Spanish baroque.
  • Visit the adjacent markets and streets to see La Paz's layered city life-this church is central to that urban fabric.

Best Time to Visit Basilica of San Francisco, La Paz #

The dry season (May-October) is generally best for altitude-sensitive travelers and for clearer skies over the city.

Dry Season
May-October · 5-20°C (day/night swings)
Dry, clear days are ideal for walking at altitude; mornings are cold but sunny.
Wet Season
November-March · 10-20°C
Afternoons can see heavy showers; streets can be busy with market activity despite the rain.

Weather & Climate near Basilica of San Francisco, La Paz #

Climate

Basilica of San Francisco, La Paz's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from -1°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (639 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
20°
Warmest Month
-1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (139 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

139 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

83 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cold with highs of 18°C and lows of 1°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 17°

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of -1°C. The driest month with just 9 mm.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1° 17°

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cold with highs of 18°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall.

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
18°

Weather

20 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

35 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm).

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

40 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

49 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

98 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm

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