Need a Trip Idea?

Rediscover 8 years of the best IgoUgo trips in our Top-Rated Journals Archive.

La Paz

Mercado Negro or Black Market Reviews

The area bounded by Calle Beunos Aires & Tumusla
La Paz, Bolivia

Kez
Kez
First Reviewer
Avg. Member Rating
1
Review
Editor Pick

Mercado Negro or Black Market

  • May 5, 2002
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Kez from Surfers Paradise, Queensland, Australia
This is not as ominous as the name suggests howeve it is huge. Spread over four blocks in the Cemetario district you can pick up almost anything your heart desires. It is not aimed at tourists but at the locals. There are load's of stores selling all types of clothing, Levis for around $11 without bargaining, lots of baby and children's wear, a huge range of CD's and all the latest release Playstation games (all pirated, I would imagine) but complete with full colour labels.

We were amongst the only "gringos" there so I wouldn't recommend taking your camera or flashing your money around.There is an ATM at the bottom but again it is in a very obvious position so I would be cautious using that too! If you find something that you like but you need to try it on and as most stores don't have change-rooms there is a toilet and change room down towards the bottom of the hill. You pay half a Boliviano (12 cents) to use each, a modest investment.

Any taxi can take you here for 5-6 soles. We found it a refreshing change from all the standard typical tourist type shopping and well worth a look!

Email|Print|Link to This Review

From journal "Breathless in La Paz"

Related Mercado Negro or Black Market Deals

Compare La Paz Rates 

Each website you select will open a new window in your browser.