Witches' Market, La Paz
A vendor displays her wares at the Witches Market. Photo
Nathan Nelson.
Inspecting the unusual wares at the Witches' Market. © Valeria Lemaître.
Saleswoman at a stall in the Witches' Market. Photo
Andrew Jones.
Llama fetuses. Photo © Nick Leonard.
Another stall full of offerings. Photo
Sergio Serrano.
Location map and aerial view of Witches' Market. For a larger interactive view, see our La Paz Map.
The Witches' Market (Mercado de Hechiceria or Mercado de las Brujas) is one of the more unique sights in La Paz. Located on Calle Jiminez and Linares between Sagarnaga and Santa Cruz, vendors of the Witches' Market sell llama fetuses and dried frogs for Aymara rituals, as well as soapstone figurines and aphrodisiac formulas.
What to See
Located amidst the lively tourist market, the Witches' Market of La Paz sells herbs, folk remedies and a variety of fascinating ingredients used to manipulate the many spirits that populate the Aymara world. Common products include dried herbs, seeds and various parts of frogs and insects used in rituals.
But the most prominent product available in the Witches' Market are dried llama fetuses, which are fairly large and moderately disturbing to the foreign visitor. These are always buried in the foundations of new constructions or businesses as a cha'lla (offering) to the goddess Pachamama.
The llama sacrifice encourages the goddess to protect the workers from accidents and bring good luck to the business. The fetuses are only used by the poor; wealthier Bolivians are expected to sacrifice a live llama to Pachamama.
Often circulating through the market are yatiri (witch doctors), identifiable by their dark hats and coca pouches, who offer fortune-telling services to locals.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Witches' Market; Mercado de Hechiceria; Mercado de las Brujas |
| Location: | La Paz, Bolivia |
| Faith: | Indigenous |
| Status: | active |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 16.496491° S, 68.13843° W (view on Google Maps) |
| Photography: | Photography is unwelcome unless you are a customer and ask first. |
Travel Resources for La Paz
- La Paz Map - our detailed interactive map of La Paz, plus hand-picked links to more
- La Paz Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- La Paz Flight Search - compare multiple travel sites to find the lowest airfare to La Paz
- La Paz Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
- La Paz Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on La Paz tourism
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Lonely Planet Bolivia, 50-51.
Article last updated: 07/02/2009.
