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El Alto International Airport
La Paz / El Alto, Bolivia
El Alto International Airport
One of the world's highest commercial airports, serving Bolivia's capital.
- ›Elevation of approximately 4,061 meters (13,325 feet) makes it one of the highest commercial airports in the world.
- ›Aircraft require longer takeoff distances due to reduced air density at high altitude.
- ›Pilots must hold special high-altitude qualification ratings to operate at LPB.
- ›The airport shares its plateau location with El Alto, one of Bolivia's fastest-growing cities.
- ›A historic teleférico (cable car) system connects El Alto and La Paz, supplementing road transport between the airport area and the city.
El Alto International Airport serves La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, and sits at an elevation of approximately 4,061 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest commercial airports on Earth. Originally developed in the mid-20th century, the airport has grown into Bolivia's busiest aviation hub, connecting the Andean nation with regional and international destinations. Its extreme altitude demands special aircraft performance calculations and gives arriving passengers an immediate and breathtaking introduction to the Altiplano.
- Main Terminal — A single integrated terminal handling both domestic and international departures and arrivals, with check-in, customs, and commercial facilities under one roof.
- Taxi services available outside the arrivals hall, with metered and pre-booked options recommended
- Minibuses (minivans) running between El Alto and central La Paz along fixed urban routes
- Public city buses connecting El Alto district to downtown La Paz at low cost
- Car rental desks from agencies such as Avis and Localiza located within the terminal
- Teleférico (aerial gondola) Mi Teleférico accessible from nearby El Alto stations, linking to central La Paz
- Hotel Dreams La Paz
- Atix Hotel
- Casa Grande Hotel
- Ritz Apart Hotel
- Hotel Europa La Paz
Inside the terminal, travellers will find a modest selection of cafés and snack counters offering Bolivian staples such as salteñas, api, and simple set meals. Options are limited airside, so eating before security is advisable for a wider variety. The city of El Alto and central La Paz offer abundant local markets and restaurants serving traditional dishes like fricasé and llajwa-seasoned grills.
- Altitude sickness (soroche) is common at 4,061 m — rest, hydrate, and consider altitude medication or coca tea upon arrival
- Allow extra time at check-in and boarding, as thin air means longer aircraft takeoff runs and stricter baggage weight limits on some carriers
- The Teleférico is a scenic, affordable, and efficient way to descend into central La Paz from El Alto
- Currency exchange booths in the terminal offer reasonable rates, but carry some Bolivianos cash for taxis and buses
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El Alto International Airport is an international airport serving La Paz, Bolivia. It is located in the city of El Alto, 13 kilometres (8 mi) west of La Paz. At an elevation of 4,061.5 metres (13,325 ft), it is the highest international airport in the world, the seventh highest commercial airport in the world and the highest commercial airport outside of China.
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