Getting Lost: A Gateway to Unexpected Adventures
January 2025
I’m so happy to have you back for another blog post!
The Alasitas Fair we talked about in last week’s blog is in full magic and craziness. If you want your 2025 wishes to come true, don’t leave it to chance, give your dreams a little boost (read more about how to do that here).
The fair runs until the end of February, so if you’re in La Paz, make sure you don’t miss it!
Getting Lost: A Gateway to Unexpected Adventures
The other day, I was sitting with some travelers at Café del Mundo, helping them mark places to visit on their offline Google Maps.
Everything was perfectly pinned, leaving no room for getting lost, smooth and efficient as many travelers are getting around today. But watching them plan so carefully made me reflect on how different travel is today compared to a couple of years ago.
That’s how this week’s blog post idea came to life: Why getting lost isn’t so bad after all.
I can’t even count how many times I’ve gotten lost while traveling, in cities, on subways, during hikes, and in so many unexpected situations.
But here’s the thing, as long as you’re not in real danger, those moments can spark creativity and lead to incredible experiences. Getting lost doesn’t always mean chaos; it can open doors to new connections and undiscovered worlds you’d never have seen otherwise.
A Moment That Changed Me Forever
One of my most beautiful travel memories happened in a shanty town outside Cape Town, South Africa.
I was with a small guided group, but after stopping at several corners to chat with kids and take photos, I fell behind. Even though I knew the group was nearby, I ended up enjoying a quiet, solo walk through the area.
Suddenly, I spotted an old lady sitting in the shade outside her little home, sipping juice. I smiled and told her how beautiful she looked and asked if I could take her picture. She invited me into her small yard, and after I showed her the photo, she was so happy she offered me some lemonade.
We sat together, and I started asking her about her life. She shared incredible stories about growing up in apartheid South Africa, about how, as a child, she and the other kids once walked miles to catch a glimpse of a circus coming to town, only to be chased away by grown men with sticks before they could even see it. She talked about Nelson Mandela and what he meant to her and her country.
Sitting in the shade, listening to her wisdom, was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Eventually, some kids came running to find me (the guide had noticed I was missing). But honestly, getting “lost” in that moment gave me an experience I’ll never forget.
Tips for Getting Lost Safely
Before you head out to explore, ask locals or check online to find safe areas and check the weather conditions to ensure you're prepared for any surprises. Let someone know your plans, and always trust your instincts to keep your adventure safe and enjoyable.
Where to Get Lost in La Paz
If you’re in La Paz, here are five safe and fascinating places to wander and discover the unexpected:
This artsy area is full of murals, small cafés, and unique shops. You might stumble upon live music or a quiet park to relax in.
A historic cobblestone street with colourful buildings, museums, and artisan shops. It feels like stepping back in time.
Stroll along this lively boulevard and explore the connecting streets. You’ll find ice cream stands, street food, hidden shops, and plenty of interesting corners.
The Witches’ Market (Mercado de las Brujas)
Wander through the vibrant market and its surrounding streets for unique souvenirs, colorful crafts, and fascinating sights.
This busy market is a maze of fresh produce, flowers, and street food. It’s a great spot to explore and chat with friendly vendors.
The next time you’re traveling, give yourself permission to wander and let the unexpected happen. You might stumble upon something truly special, an experience you wouldn’t have planned but will remembered forever.
And if you’re in La Paz, stop by Café del Mundo to share your stories.
You never know who you might inspire over a warm cup of coffee! Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for fun deals and cool travel tools with discounts to help you get lost and explore more in a beautiful way.
