✈️Cielo Bar: Sky High Cocktails in La Paz
An evening of stunning views and world class cocktails at the highest bar in Bolivia.
👨✈️ The Briefing Room:
Notes and open topics from the editor’s desk.
Welcome Departures. The place to be for where to go and what to see.
I am a fool for a good roof top bar. After living in Bangkok for several years, I became quite spoiled at the vibe as the rooftop scene in the city is at another level. To this day rooftop bars remain by far my favorite type of space to explore night life in any city I visit. So when I heard that the highest rooftop bar in Bolivia was a short walk from my accommodation, I just had to check it out.
Now without further ado, let’s take it away!
Alvin
☕️ The Location:
Perched on the 38th floor of Bolivia’s tallest building, Cielo Bar has quickly made a name for itself since it opened its doors in 2023. Fast forward a year later and this gem in the sky is in the spotlight for earning a spot as one of the Top Ten nominees for “Best New International Bar in Latin America and the Caribbean” by the highly regarded Tales of The Cocktail Foundation.
Very well deserved honor if I may say as it’s not just the breathtaking location, soaring 3,250 meters above sea level that sets Cielo apart. The bar’s true allure lies in its beautifully crafted cocktails, inspired no doubt by the stunning panoramic views that surround it. It should come as not surprise that the mastermind behind this innovative cocktail haven is none other than JP Caceres, a seasoned mixologist with over 22 years of experience in the business. I sat down to talk with JP during my visit and his resume is quite impressive. Having honed his craft in some of Washington D.C.’s top bars, including Jaleo and Oyamel under the legendary chef José Andrés, Caceres brought a unique mix (pardon my pun) of creativity and expertise to Cielo Bar.
Under his tutelage, Cielo Bar has emerged as a trailblazer in Bolivia’s cocktail scene. With its extensive menu of both classic drinks, innovative signature cocktails and commitment to excellence in service, it has already made several top national and international hospitality lists.
☕️ The Ambiance:
A visit to any roof top bar begins with a trip up an elevator and the one to get to Cielo is accessed from Avenida de la Fuerza Naval opposite to Avenida Ballivián, the area’s main traffic artery. From the moment you set foot on it you are invited into a world of luxury, style, and breathtaking views all the way up to the 38th floor. The room greets you with panoramic floor to ceiling windows that flood the room with natural light during the day and offer unobstructed vistas of La Paz’s mountains and cityscape below. Sleek marble floors and contemporary furnishings give an air of sophistication, while the vibrant, glass ceiling art adds a bold splash of color and personality.
The centerpiece of the bar is a chic marble counter, surrounded by comfortable leather stools, perfect for enjoying a cocktail while admiring in the dramatic surroundings. Warm, indirect lighting and elegant decor create an inviting ambiance, while cozy booths on the wall opposite to the entrance offer a more intimate setting for unwinding as the sun sets over the horizon. As the night falls and patrons start flowing in, it becomes clear that this is a place you come to be seen. Tables fills up and a smart-elegant dress code prevails throughout, perfectly complementing the room’s sophisticated aesthetic.
☕️ The Experience:
As amazed as I was with the ambiance at Cielo, it is the mixologists and the cocktails they craft the true stars of the show. Full stop. Caceres has assembled a dream team of world class talent behind the bar that makes sure every single drink is as impressive as view. Watching them at work is an artful spectacle of prowess where no detail is too small to be spared.
One of these signature cocktails is the aptly named “Beso en las nubes”. It consists of Swiss Cherry Kirsch, Bolivian Singani, orange juice, simple syrup and Absinthe. A spectacular combination of ingredients with a cupola of citrus smokey drama on top. An extravagant sensory voyage that tastes as great as it looks.
I had the opportunity to visit the bar twice during my stay. The first time as an unassuming patron and the second as professional camera wielding photojournalist. On both occasions I was able to bear witness to the attention to detail that went on to every single drink that was prepared in front of me. From the ingredients to the garnishes, I can’t speak highly enough to the amount of care that gets poured on to every single cocktail.
🍽️ The Menu & Final Thoughts:
Though mostly a cocktail menu, there is modest selection of tapas style plates to choose from. I had the opportunity to taste the “Spice Trucha Salmonada” and it was excellent. After trying several other Trucha based recipes with from other restaurants during my tour of the country, this rendition was one of the more interesting takes on the popular fish.
Another Cielo exclusive is the “Masala Art Tour” cocktail. Vodka, lime juice, masala chai syrup, egg white and matcha art. Well paired here with the “Spicy Trucha Salmonada”, from the Piqueos menu. A lush mix of salmon trout tartare, avocado, sesame oil, locoto carretillero sauce and fresh chives, served over corn discs.
Whether you’re looking to sip on something classic or try one of their signature concoctions, Cielo Bar promises an unforgettable experience that combines stunning design, world class mixology, and unparalleled views. This is a must visit for anyone in search of a unique and elevated bar experience while in the Bolivian capital city.
Cielo Bar: Av. de la Fuerza Naval 1063, La Paz, Bolivia
Phone: +591 78004020
Reservations: barcielo.meitre.com
Instagram: @cielo.lapaz
🛫 About Us:
Departures is a free newsletter about photography, travel & lifestyle. To find out more about what this is, who I am and why should you be here, visit our dedicated about page here:
Wow, your photos are stunning! They really capture the fun time you had at the bar!
👌🏽👌🏽👌🏽 The vibe perfectly OOZES through your description (your review style reminds me of my own on my blog!) and the photos!