La Paz Witches' Market
A street market in the Bolivian capital, where Aymara women sell llama foetuses, herbs, amulets and miniature offerings for the earth.
Practised and told of here
Best time: Any time, with the Alasitas fair in late January.
The Mercado de las Brujas, near Calle Linares and Sagarnaga, sells goods for Andean rituals. Aymara and Quechua families buy them for offerings called mesas or challas. The seller is usually a woman, and the shop owners are known as yatiris or are in contact with them.
What is on sale
Dried llama foetuses are buried under the foundations of a new house as an offering to Pachamama, the earth. Coca leaves, sweets, incense, figures of the household god Ekeko and amulets are also on sale. Not all items are for tourists, and the name 'witches' market' is a foreign label.
Context
Most buyers are Bolivians preparing offerings, and the market runs year round. The Aymara new year in June and the Alasitas fair in January, with miniature goods, are linked.
Visiting
Ask before taking pictures of the stalls or people. Some stalls ask a fee for photos. Buying a small item is a polite way to ask questions.
A respectful visit to La Paz Witches' Market
Living communities are not a show. Ask before photographing a person or a ceremony, and follow local rules.
- The Calle Linares stalls Browse the offerings.
- Museo de la Coca Learn about the coca leaf.
- The Alasitas fair in January See the miniature goods.
Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "The Witches' Market" on Wikipedia. Opening hours, markets and ceremonies change; check locally before travelling. If something is wrong, tell us.
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