The Sounds of the Andes: Discovering Andean & Bolivian Music in La Paz
March 2025
Can you believe another week has flown by?
We’re already in the middle of March! As I mentioned last week, we decided to start some renovations during Carnival, and well, things have been moving as slowly as I feared!
But we’re getting there, and soon it’ll be an even better space for travelers to eat, meet, and share stories.
Another exciting thing happening very soon is that Café del Mundo is launching a podcast!
Yes, it’s a little stressful (everything is new!), but it’s also so much fun! The Podcast will be all about exploring Bolivia and South America, the joy of travel, and the incredible people you meet along the way. We’ll also be chatting with travelers visiting Café del Mundo and sharing their amazing stories, plus some great travel tips. The other day, for example, we met a Polish guy who’s been traveling around South America for three months on his motorbike! You’ll hear about him soon, along with plenty of other cool adventures. So, stay tuned!
Andean Music, A Sound You’ll Never Forget
The other night, we had one of our live shows at Tambo Restaurant, our sister restaurant here in La Paz. Sitting there, listening to the musicians playing their beautiful Andean instruments, is always something special. A lot of travelers always come up to the band after their performance, asking about the instruments, how to play them, and where to find them. So today, let’s talk about the magical sounds of the Andes!
Andean music, people say, is the heartbeat of the mountains, warm, emotional, and full of stories.
Whether it’s the playful sound of a charango or the beautiful notes of a panpipe, these sounds bring Bolivia’s culture to life. You’ll hear them on the streets of La Paz, in small peñas, at live shows, or sometimes you even get the chance to play one yourself! And even if this kind of music isn’t usually your thing, I promise it’ll make you feel Bolivia!
Meet the Instruments, The Magic Behind the Sound
Andean music is full of unique instruments, each carrying a long time of tradition and a deep connection to the land.
Whether played during celebrations, ceremonies, or quiet moments in the mountains, these instruments are the soul of Bolivian music. Here are some of the most known ones you’ll hear:
Where to Buy Them:
You can find all of these instruments in music shops along Sagarnaga Street and Linares Street.
Even if you’re not planning to buy one, it’s worth stepping inside just to look around, try out some instruments, and chat with the owners. Many of the people running these shops are musicians themselves, super passionate about their craft, and happy to play something for you!
3 Fun Facts About Andean Music
The World’s Biggest Charango
The largest charango in the world is in Serrano, Bolivia! Standing at 6 meters tall, this massive version of the traditional 10-stringed instrument is a tribute to Bolivia’s rich musical heritage.
Zampoñas Played in Two
Traditionally, zampoñas (panpipes) are played in pairs, with two musicians alternating notes to create a continuous melody. This technique, called hocketing, is a signature of Andean music and symbolizes unity and cooperation.
The Charango’s Surprising Origins
The charango was originally made from armadillo shells, giving it a unique look and sound. Today, most charangos are crafted from wood, but you can still find traditional armadillo-shell versions in artisan shops!
Where to Listen, The Best Places to Experience Andean and Bolivian Music
The best way to truly feel Andean music is to experience it live. In La Paz, you’ll often hear musicians playing on the streets, especially around Sagarnaga Street and Plaza San Francisco, where panpipes and charangos bring the city to life.
To full enjoy this experience, visit a peña, a traditional music gathering where musicians play live Andean folk music, often accompanied by dancing, storytelling, and traditional Bolivian food and drinks. Peñas are an amazing way to experience the deep cultural roots of Andean music in and welcoming atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a cozy spot with a cultural touch, Tambo Restaurant hosts live Andean music every Tuesday at 7:30 PM, free entrance. The perfect atmosphere to enjoy dinner with traditional sounds. In our weekly TravelZine, we also keep travelers updated on special music events happening in the city (HERE) Oh, and don’t miss the Saya performances every Thursday that you can also find more information about in the Travelzine! Saya is an Afro-Bolivian dance and music style, full of powerful drumming, energetic movements, and deep history. While it may be less Andean, it’s still Bolivian culture and you can even join in the show!
Not in La Paz? No Problem!
If you’re not in Bolivia right now, you can still get that Andean music vibe! Check out these legendary Bolivian groups on Spotify:
Los Kjarkas
The most famous Bolivian folk band! They even wrote Llorando se fue, which later became the hit Lambada.
Savia Andina
A group that helped define modern Bolivian folk music, blending traditional instruments with deep storytelling.
K’ala Marka
A dynamic band that brings Andean music to life with a mix of zampoñas, quenas, charangos, and traditional percussion.
Your Andean Music Checklist
If you’re in La Paz (or planning to visit), here’s a challenge for you! How many can you check off?
✅ Listen to live music at a peña
✅ Try playing a quena or panpipe
✅ Buy a handmade charango
✅ Capture street musicians in a photo
✅ Dance to the rhythm of Andean music
Be bold, try an instrument, dance to the rhythms, and make the most of your travels! If you ever have questions about Bolivia or need travel tips, just stop by Café del Mundo, our travel experts will be happy to help! Or, if you’re not in La Paz, send us a message, we’ll do our best to make your trip smooth and unforgettable!
