La Paz: November Traditions – Souls & Sacred Skulls November 2 – Todos Santos: Farewell to the Souls

Experience two once-a-year November traditions in La Paz: Todos Santos on November 2 or Ñatitas Day on November 8. Choose your edition and explore with respectful local context.
November in La Paz brings two once-a-year traditions connected with memory, family, faith and the relationship between the living and the dead. This experience has two special-date editions. Please choose the correct option when booking.
NOVEMBER 2 – TODOS SANTOS: FAREWELL TO THE SOULS
According to local tradition, families welcome the souls of loved ones on November 1. On November 2, the focus turns to the despedida — the farewell.
Begin near La Merced Church, where your guide introduces the meaning of Todos Santos and the role of t’antawawas, flowers, prayers and food.
Continue by Mi Teleférico to La Llamita Cemetery, a community cemetery where families gather to visit graves and take part in the farewell.
Then continue to the General Cemetery of La Paz to see how Catholic and Andean practices can coexist during Todos Santos.
The most personal part of this edition is joining part of a local family’s despedida. This is not staged for visitors. The family gathering comes first: we follow their rhythm, ask before taking photographs and never interrupt prayers, offerings or private moments.
A small t’antawawa and a small Todos Santos souvenir are included.
NOVEMBER 8 – DAY OF THE ÑATITAS
Every 8 November, people bring human skulls known as Ñatitas to the General Cemetery. Some have names and are cared for by families or individuals who may ask them for protection, health, work or help with everyday problems.
Begin at Mi Teleférico Central Station and travel on the Red Line towards the cemetery.
Before entering, learn about offerings commonly associated with Ñatitas, including flowers and coca. A small offering is included.
Inside the cemetery, explore selected murals and observe the public celebration with context.
Through a trusted local contact, meet a Ñatita and her caretaker and hear the story behind their relationship.
We do not treat human remains as props. We do not touch Ñatitas or offerings, interrupt prayers or ask people to pose. Photography always depends on permission.
Finish with Quita Penas, a traditional water-based cinnamon sorbet.
BOTH EDITIONS
These are real family and religious practices, not performances created for tourism. Our role is to help you understand what is happening while allowing the traditions to remain what they already are.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.