{"id":2785,"date":"2026-07-16T19:55:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T19:55:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/alpacasteps.com\/?p=2785"},"modified":"2026-09-06T21:22:22","modified_gmt":"2026-09-06T21:22:22","slug":"how-to-use-mi-teleferico-in-la-paz-the-easy-way","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alpacasteps.com\/?p=2785","title":{"rendered":"How to Use Mi Telef\u00e9rico in La Paz & El Alto"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\"\"<\/p>\n

Tickets, lines, transfers and everything you need to ride the cable car on your own<\/h2>\n

Mi Telef\u00e9rico is the cable-car public transport system used to move around La Paz and El Alto<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

There are 10 different coloured lines. At first the map can look complicated, but the system itself is quite simple once you understand three things:<\/p>\n

Which line do I need?<\/strong>
Which direction am I travelling?<\/strong>
Do I need to change lines?<\/strong><\/p>\n

This guide explains the system step by step.<\/p>\n

\n

The 20-Second Guide<\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Check which line and station<\/strong> you need.<\/li>\n
  2. Check the direction<\/strong> before entering.<\/li>\n
  3. Buy your ticket or use your physical Smart Card.<\/li>\n
  4. Pass through the turnstile.<\/li>\n
  5. Follow the signs to the cabin.<\/li>\n
  6. If you need another line, make a transfer<\/strong> at the connecting station.<\/li>\n
  7. Get off at your destination.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Standard fare<\/h3>\n

    First line: Bs 3<\/strong><\/p>\n

    If you continue onto another connected line during the same journey:<\/p>\n

    Each transfer: Bs 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

    So:<\/p>\n

    1 line \u2192 Bs 3<\/strong>
    2 lines \u2192 Bs 5<\/strong>
    3 lines \u2192 Bs 7<\/strong><\/p>\n

    A change from one line to another is called a transfer \u2014 transbordo<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    \n

    The 10 Mi Telef\u00e9rico Lines<\/h2>\n

    Mi Telef\u00e9rico has ten lines, each identified by a colour.<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udd34 Red \u2014 L\u00ednea Roja<\/strong>
    \ud83d\udfe0 Orange \u2014 L\u00ednea Naranja<\/strong>
    \ud83d\udfe1 Yellow \u2014 L\u00ednea Amarilla<\/strong>
    \u26aa White \u2014 L\u00ednea Blanca<\/strong>
    \ud83e\ude75 Light Blue \u2014 L\u00ednea Celeste<\/strong>
    \ud83d\udd35 Blue \u2014 L\u00ednea Azul<\/strong>
    \ud83d\udfe4 Brown \u2014 L\u00ednea Caf\u00e9<\/strong>
    \u2699\ufe0f Silver \u2014 L\u00ednea Plateada<\/strong>
    \ud83d\udfe3 Purple \u2014 L\u00ednea Morada<\/strong>
    \ud83d\udfe2 Green \u2014 L\u00ednea Verde<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    Alpaca Tip<\/h3>\n

    You do not<\/strong> need to memorise all ten lines.<\/p>\n

    Before travelling, simply work out:<\/p>\n

    \n

    Where am I starting?<\/strong>
    Which station do I want?<\/strong>
    Which colour gets me there?<\/strong>
    Do I need to transfer?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    How Much Does Mi Telef\u00e9rico Cost?<\/h2>\n

    The normal fare is:<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Journey<\/th>\nFare<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    First line<\/td>\nBs 3<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Each connected transfer<\/td>\nBs 2<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \u00a0<\/p>\n

    For example:<\/p>\n

    If you take the Light Blue Line<\/strong> and then change to the Green Line<\/strong>, you pay:<\/p>\n

    Bs 3 + Bs 2 = Bs 5<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n

    Opening Hours<\/h2>\n

    Our team recorded the following general operating hours:<\/p>\n

    Monday\u2013Saturday:<\/strong>
    6:30 AM\u201310:30 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Sundays & public holidays:<\/strong>
    7:00 AM\u20139:00 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n

    If you plan to use the system very early or close to closing time, it is always sensible to check for temporary changes before travelling.<\/p>\n

    \n

    How to Pay<\/h2>\n

    This is where it is important not to confuse the different options<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    For this guide, we are separating them clearly.<\/p>\n

    \n

    OPTION 1 \u2014 Ticket from the Station<\/h2>\n

    If you are visiting La Paz for a short time, the easiest option is simply to buy your journey at a Mi Telef\u00e9rico station.<\/p>\n

    Tickets can be bought at the stations whether you are travelling alone or with other people<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    \"\"\"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

    Tell the member of staff where you want to go, especially if you need to use more than one line.<\/p>\n

    For a simple one-line journey:<\/p>\n

    Bs 3<\/h3>\n

    If your journey includes a transfer, the connected fare applies.<\/p>\n

    \n

    OPTION 2 \u2014 Physical Card<\/h2>\n

    The\u00a0Card<\/strong> is a reusable physical card.<\/p>\n

    This is useful if you expect to use Mi Telef\u00e9rico repeatedly rather than queuing to buy a ticket for every journey.<\/p>\n

    Card price<\/h3>\n

    Bs 35<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Credit included<\/h3>\n

    Bs 15<\/strong><\/p>\n

    After using the included credit, you can recharge the card with additional credit.<\/p>\n

    Does the fare become cheaper?<\/h3>\n

    No.<\/p>\n

    You pay the same standard fares<\/strong> as you would with individual journeys.<\/p>\n

    Its main advantage is convenience.<\/p>\n

    Can more than one person use it?<\/h3>\n

    Yes.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \n

    Where Can I Buy or Recharge the Physical Smart Card?<\/h2>\n

    Cards can be purchased at Mi Telef\u00e9rico stations.<\/p>\n

    Some busy stations have dedicated yellow booths for sales and recharging like:<\/p>\n

    Central<\/strong>
    Libertador<\/strong>
    Obelisco<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Should a tourist buy one?<\/h3>\n

    If you’re only going to use Mi Telef\u00e9rico once or twice:<\/p>\n

    probably not.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    If you’re staying several days and expect to use the system frequently:<\/p>\n

    it can be much more convenient.<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \n

    OPTION 3 \u2014 Virtual Card<\/h2>\n

    Mi Telef\u00e9rico also has a virtual-card option<\/strong>, but we are not going to mix its registration and use into this general guide.<\/p>\n

    It has its own steps and deserves its own instructions.<\/p>\n

    \u279c Read:<\/h3>\n

    How to Get and Use the Mi Telef\u00e9rico Virtual Card<\/strong><\/p>\n

    That separate guide will explain registration and use step by step.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Before Entering: Check Your Direction<\/h2>\n

    Imagine you’re taking the correct coloured line.<\/p>\n

    That doesn’t automatically mean you’re going in the correct direction<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    At stations in the middle of a line, cabins travel in both directions.<\/p>\n

    BEFORE passing through the turnstile:<\/h3>\n

    Look at the signs above the entrance.<\/p>\n

    Check the destination<\/strong> shown.<\/p>\n

    Make sure it is the direction you need.<\/p>\n

    [ADD PHOTO \u2014 TWO DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS AT TURNSTILES]<\/strong><\/p>\n

    Alpaca Tip<\/h3>\n

    Don’t only ask:<\/p>\n

    \n

    \u201cAm I taking the Green Line?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    Also ask:<\/p>\n

    \n

    \u201cWhich direction on the Green Line?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

    \n

    Using Your Journey Ticket at the Turnstile<\/h2>\n

    If you are using the ticket described in the guide, scan it at the small white scanner at the entrance.<\/p>\n

    The field instructions specify placing the QR code facing upwards towards the scanner<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    \"\"\"\"<\/p>\n

    Wait for the gate to make a sound.<\/p>\n

    Then pass through and follow the signs towards the cabin.<\/p>\n

    foto de uso de tarjeta<\/h3>\n
    \n

    Entering the Cabin<\/h2>\n

    Once you’ve chosen the correct direction, follow the signs to the boarding area.<\/p>\n

    Cabins arrive continuously.<\/p>\n

    Allow people to leave the cabin first, then enter.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \n

    What Is a Transfer?<\/h2>\n

    A transfer \u2014 transbordo<\/strong> \u2014 is when you change from one coloured line to another.<\/p>\n

    You do this at stations where two or more lines connect.<\/p>\n

    You normally follow the signs inside the station towards the next line rather than simply going out into the street.<\/p>\n

    Always check:<\/p>\n

    the colour<\/strong><\/p>\n

    and<\/p>\n

    the direction<\/strong><\/p>\n

    of the next line.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Main Transfer Stations<\/h2>\n
    \n
    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Station<\/th>\nConnections<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    Villarroel<\/strong><\/td>\nWhite + Orange<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Busch<\/strong><\/td>\nWhite + Brown<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Del Poeta<\/strong><\/td>\nWhite + Light Blue<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Libertador<\/strong><\/td>\nLight Blue + Yellow + Green<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Mirador<\/strong><\/td>\nYellow + Silver<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Faro Murillo<\/strong><\/td>\nSilver + Purple<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    16 de Julio<\/strong><\/td>\nSilver + Red + Blue<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Central<\/strong><\/td>\nRed + Orange<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    Example<\/h3>\n

    You are travelling from Prado towards Irpavi.<\/p>\n

    \ud83e\ude75 Light Blue Line<\/strong>
    \u2193
    Libertador<\/strong>
    \u2193
    \ud83d\udfe2 Green Line<\/strong>
    \u2193
    Irpavi<\/strong><\/p>\n

    That change at Libertador is your transfer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Approximate Journey Time by Line<\/h2>\n

    Your guides recorded these approximate end-to-end journey times:<\/p>\n

    \n
    \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Line<\/th>\nApprox. time<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    \ud83d\udd34 Red<\/td>\n10\u201312 min<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \ud83d\udfe1 Yellow<\/td>\n16\u201319 min<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \ud83d\udfe2 Green<\/td>\n16\u201318 min<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \ud83d\udd35 Blue<\/td>\n20\u201323 min<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \ud83d\udfe0 Orange<\/td>\n12\u201314 min<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \u26aa White<\/td>\n13\u201315 min<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \ud83e\ude75 Light Blue<\/td>\n11\u201312 min<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \ud83d\udfe3 Purple<\/td>\n16\u201318 min<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \ud83d\udfe4 Brown<\/td>\n3\u20134 min<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    \u2699\ufe0f Silver<\/td>\n11\u201313 min<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    These times refer approximately to travelling the full line.<\/p>\n

    They are useful for planning but should not be treated as exact timetables.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Using Mi Telef\u00e9rico Between La Paz and El Alto<\/h2>\n

    Three lines directly connect La Paz and El Alto:<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udd34 Red Line<\/strong>
    \ud83d\udfe3 Purple Line<\/strong>
    \ud83d\udfe1 Yellow Line<\/strong><\/p>\n

    These connections are particularly useful because travelling between the two cities by road can take longer when traffic is heavy.<\/p>\n

    But there is an important distinction:<\/p>\n

    Mi Telef\u00e9rico did not create the relationship between La Paz and El Alto.<\/h3>\n

    People travelled between both cities long before it existed.<\/p>\n

    What the system provides is another, often more efficient, way to move between them.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Red Line<\/h2>\n

    The Red Line is useful for the corridor connecting:<\/p>\n

    Central \u2192 Cementerio \u2192 16 de Julio<\/strong><\/p>\n

    At 16 de Julio<\/strong>, you can transfer to:<\/p>\n

    \ud83d\udd35 Blue
    \u2699\ufe0f Silver<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \n

    Purple Line<\/h2>\n

    The Purple Line provides another direct connection between La Paz and El Alto.<\/p>\n

    At Faro Murillo<\/strong>, it connects with:<\/p>\n

    \u2699\ufe0f Silver Line.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \n

    Yellow Line<\/h2>\n

    The Yellow Line also connects La Paz with El Alto.<\/p>\n

    At Mirador<\/strong>, it connects with:<\/p>\n

    \u2699\ufe0f Silver Line.<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \n

    Blue Line<\/h2>\n

    The Blue Line is useful for moving across El Alto and connects with the rest of the network at 16 de Julio<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    \n

    When Is Mi Telef\u00e9rico Busiest?<\/h2>\n

    The field guide identifies approximately these periods as peak hours:<\/p>\n

    Morning:<\/strong> 7:00\u20138:00 AM
    Midday:<\/strong> 12:00\u20131:00 PM
    Afternoon:<\/strong> 5:00\u20136:00 PM<\/p>\n

    Expect longer queues at busy stations and transfer points.<\/p>\n

    If your schedule is flexible and you want a quieter journey, travel outside normal commuting periods.<\/p>\n

    \n

    A Note About Sundays<\/h2>\n

    If you’re travelling through 16 de Julio on a Sunday<\/strong>, expect more people because Sunday is one of the main days of Feria 16 de Julio.<\/p>\n

    This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use the cable car.<\/p>\n

    Simply allow more time.<\/p>\n

    \n

    Rules Inside Mi Telef\u00e9rico<\/h2>\n