Alright folks, buckle up because this La Paz airport experience is something else. Landed there just last week for a quick work trip, and boy oh boy, the altitude hits you like a brick wall the moment you step off the plane. You feel it immediately, that thin air. Heads up – take it slow.
Getting In: Deep Breaths Required
Followed the signs for immigration like everyone else. Honestly, the walk felt longer than the flight, maybe it was just the altitude messing with me. Reached the immigration counters. Lines weren’t terrible when I arrived, maybe 30 folks ahead. Handed over my passport and the completed landing card – filled that out on the plane, saved time. Officer barely glanced at me, stamped it, and waved me through. Quicker than I expected, honestly.
Baggage claim next. Tiny belts, feels kinda cramped in there. Just stood there, watching luggage spin around forever. Mine popped out eventually. Grabbed it fast before someone else took it by mistake, place was getting crowded.
Got through customs super easy, just walked through the green lane. Nothing to declare. Now came the important bit: money. Knew changing money at the airport rates is garbage, but needed some local stuff, you know? For the taxi at least. Found the exchange booth right by the exit. Yeah, the rate was awful, changed just enough to get to my hotel in the city center.
Getting Out: Give Yourself Loads of Time
Learned my lesson for departure. La Paz airport’s small and things move slow. Got there three hours before my flight. Good thing too.
First hurdle: security check right at the entrance. Before you even get to check-in! Seems backwards, right? Had to shuffle bags through the scanner and walk through the metal detector. No biggie, but adds time.
Checked in next. Lines were forming. Ticket lady was efficient, got my boarding pass quick. Pay the airport tax here? Not anymore. Think they rolled it into the ticket prices now.
Then, another security check! Seriously, right after you’ve just been cleared downstairs. Shoes off, laptops out, the whole deal. The line here crawled. Felt like forever just to get through.
Finally into the gate area. Place is small. Tiny shops, maybe two coffee spots. Crowded. Seats are a hot commodity. Found a spot, slumped down, just waiting. Boarding started late, no surprise.
The main things to remember?
- Breathe slow when you land. That altitude is no joke.
- Need to pee? Do it before passport control. Restrooms are scarce after that.
- Leaving? Seriously, show up three hours early. Those double security lines eat time.
- Bring snacks. Airport options are limited and pricey once you’re airside.
Stay calm, go slow, and you’ll manage it just fine. It’s an experience!
