La Paz

About La Paz

  Its full name is “Nuestra Señora de La Paz” (our Lady of La Paz) is the administrative capital of Bolivia, as well as the departmental capital of La Paz Department. La Paz was established in 1542, and is located in the Andes Mountains. Altitude of the city ranges from about 3900 meters (12,795 feet) above sea level (where the airport is located) to 3100 meters (10,170 feet) in the lower residential area; that makes it the highest national capital in the world.

The sight from the air as one fly into La Paz is incredible during the day but at night is just out of this world. First, one sees the sprawling shantytowns of El Alto, slowly giving way to the sight of La Paz itself, clinging tenuously to the sides of what looks like a large gash in the earth.

La Paz was built in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River (now mostly built over), which runs northwest to southeast. The city's main thoroughfare, which roughly follows the river, changes names over its length, but the central tree-lined section running through the downtown core is called the Prado.

Climate

Due the the high altitude in which the city is located, cold and dry temperatures are a common throughout the year, especially in winter time where the temperature can reach -5ºC (23ºF). In the summer, rain falls on most afternoons.

The average temperatures in the coldest month, July, are a maximum of 17 Degrees Celsius and a minimum of 1 Degree Celsius. November is the warmest month in La Paz, with an average high of 19 Degrees Celsius, and an average low of 6 Degrees Celsius.

Back to top

How to get here

By air

El Alto International airport is the world's highest international airport; at approximately 4,000 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level, it's almost half as high as a jetliner's cruising altitude, and takeoffs take a bit longer due to the thin air. See flight availability and airport information by clicking here.

Most South American airlines serve “El Alto” International Airport as well as Lloyd Aereo Boliviano Bolivia's national airlines and Aerosur. Most international flights will make a stop over in Santa Cruz to pick up or drop off passengers. American Airlines is currently the only U.S. carrier serving Bolivia, departing form Miami.

From the airport, the official rate for a taxi into central La Paz is Bs 50 (about 6 USD). Shared vans cost about Bs 4 (0,50 USD).

By land

The main bus terminal is located on Av. Ismael Montes, near el Prado. Note that buses arriving from Lake Titicaca (the route for entering overland from Puno, Peru) terminate at a plaza near the city cemetery ( Cementerio ) farther to the west.

Back to top

Getting around in La Paz

It's easy to get around in La Paz people are very friendly and eager to help tourist also you can get a map from any street vendors that roam Calle Sagarnaga and from stalls along el Prado, just remember that due to the high altitude a simple walk could take a little more effort that at sea level, just remember to take it easy as your body adjusts to it. If you ever find yourself to be lost, in general the easiest thing is to simply walk downhill. You will eventually find yourself on the Prado or another main avenue.

Back to top

Where to stay

La Paz has an endless supply of hotels and affordable places to stay, most of them are located in the down town area allowing the visitor to be close to the action find information on hotels and reservations by clicking here.

Back to top

  What to see while in La Paz

La Paz has a lot to see no matter what you are looking for from cultural to high adrenaline sports here are some suggestions:

Sightseeing

Sagarnaga Street , just south of Plaza San Francisco, is La Paz' main tourist strip. It's mainly a market street with artesano and souvenir stores, but you'll also find budget hostels, tour and travel agencies, cafes, and lots and lots of backpackers.  

The Witches' Market ( Mercado de Hechiceria or Mercado de las Brujas ) is on Calle Linares between Sagarnaga and Santa Cruz. Vendors sell llama fetuses and dried frogs for Aymara rituals, as well as soapstone figurines and aphrodisiac formulas. This street is also the best place to pick up a charango or other Bolivian musical instrument.

The Mercado Negro ("Black Market"), though not very clandestine, is quite comprehensive, selling clothing, electronics, household items, liquor, and other products in its many blocks.

The city old downtown at Calle Jaen and its surroundings is one of the few places in the city with preserved colonial buildings, currently housing several interesting museums.

Plaza Murillo place of the “palacio de Gobierno” (where the Bolivian president has its offices) the Bolivian parliament and the city cathedral.

The Valle de La Luna - surreal, weathered rock. Just outside the city. Take a local bus, or join a tour.

Find tours or tourist guides

Museums

Museum San Francisco located at Plaza San Francisco. A must for all fans of colonial art and artifacts

Tihuanaku Museum located next to the ruins of the same name 40 minutes away from La Paz.  

Museum of Contemporary Art ( Museo de Arte Contemporaneo ), Av. 16 de Julio 1698 (Prado). The permanent collection upstairs (Bs10 admission) contain many works by renowned Aymara painter Mamani Mamani. The downstairs gallery containing work by students and up-and-comers is free.

Coca Museum Calle Linares 906. A favorite of foreign tourists, this small museum details the history and significance of the coca plant, including the effect of the U.S. War on Drugs. The displays are in Spanish, but booklets of complete translations in other languages are provided. According to the museum, crack cocaine is the greatest epidemic since the Plague in the Middle-Ages. And yes, there are free samples of the sniffy stuff for visitors.

Musical Instrument Museum ( Museo de Instrumentos Musicales de Bolivia ), Calle Jaen 711. Displays a huge collection of musical instruments from all around Bolivia and beyond, some of which you can play yourself. The museum was founded by charango master Ernesto Cavour, and some of his creations on display (such as multi-bodied guitars).

Museum of Precious Metals ( Museo de Metales Preciosos Precolombinos ), Calle Jaen 777. Pre-Columbian treasures in silver and gold.

Tihuanaku Underground Museum (Plaza del Stadium or Museo Subterraneo ), in front of the Hernando Siles stadium. Built on the 1930's with original carved stones from the Tihuanaku civilization around the eleventh century. The display is located on a plaza sunk into the ground it includes a replica Tihuanaku “Stella” monolith in the middle of it.

Views

La Paz is a city which can be a sight in itself, and there are several viewing places or miradores offerring impressive panoramas.

Parque Laikacota , at the top of Av. Ejercito west of the city center. The best panorama from within the bowl, with clear views of the city and the rugged terrain to the east, all the way to Mt. Illimani. Admission is Bs 3.5.

Mirador Monticulo , next to Plaza España. This small park (free entry) has a church and lots of trees which block much of the city, but the clear view of Illimani makes it an evening hotspot for couples.

In the heart of downtown, Av. Camacho points straight to Illimani, and from the intersection with the Prado it's framed by skyscrapers in an interesting juxtaposition.

Local Music

No matter what your likes are, you can find it in La Paz from Brazilian music to jazz there are a lot of place for it, but if you want local o ne of the most recognizable aspects of La Paz is Andean culture and music, which you can enjoy at a number of peñas just click here for details or ask your hotel receptionist or taxi driver and they will point you on the right direction.

Cinemas

There are a lot of cinemas in La Paz some showing Hollywood's latest releases as well as Bolivian production click here for details.

Internet

Internet cafes are on each street corner in La Paz. Current standard fare is 2 Bs. per hour. There are four internet cafes around plaza Alonzo de Mendoza at this price, all with good connection.

Eat

There's a large variety and flavors that you can find in La Paz ranging from Bolivian cuisine to Italian, French, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, etc. click here for details .   Normally Bolivian food has a lot of spice to it, so please be careful on what you chose. Most restaurants don't have menus on other language than Spanish but don't be afraid of asking the waiter. A must try is the salte ñ a (beef or chicken empanada) that you can find almost in every corner of the city. Even though things have improved a lot lately, be careful to select a proper place to get your meal because not all the vendors are known for keeping the highest standards for cleanness and hygiene.  

Back to top

Do's and Don't in La Paz

The cost of living in Bolivia is very affordable so don't be afraid of going out and splurge there's a lot to see in town or out of it be as adventurous as you can, taking always some precautions. In crowded areas be careful for pickpockets and bags lashers . A common trick is that one person spills something on your clothes, and while you or he wipes it off another person lifts your wallet or slashes your bag.

Be vigilant when checking into a hotel or hostel. Keep a hand on all your bags/belongings at all times. Acting as if they work for the hotel, opportunist thieves will create a diversion and snatch the nearest unattended bag.

If you are approached by police in civilian clothes don't show any valuables or your passport. And certainly don't get in a taxi with them. Undercover police are strictly ordered not to hassle tourists. There have been several cases of muggings and things going missing from bags or luggage after "drug searches". Insist on being taken to the police station before giving them access to your things. If you can, call the 110, which is the Bolivian emergency number.

And the most important there have been several cases of violent muggings in taxis . Don't take unregistered taxis. Lock the doors and don't allow other people to share the journey with you.

Back to top

Places near La Paz worth to visit

The most popular daytrip is to Tihuanaku ruins and museum place of birth of the ancient civilization of the same name, great place for pictures and get to know culture up and close, around 40 minutes away from La Paz you can get there by bus there are several tour agents offering the trip, find information on travel agencies and tour guides by clicking here.

Also don't forget to visit Copacabana place of the sanctuary and museum of the Virgin of Copacabana well known for her miracles and beauty at the shores of the highest navigable lake in the world Lake Titicaca normally a 4 hour trip from La Paz there are buses leaving from the el Cementerio almost every hours.

Another popular daytrip is the bike ride down the world's most dangerous road or Death Road. If you dare, it's a 70km long scenic ride downhill on the road to Coroico on a narrow, winding road with big drops on the side, going down by bike is probably the safest way to get to Coroico a small town with nice weather and a resort feel to it there are several tour agents in La Paz offering the trip.   Always look for a recommended tour agent with good equipment.

If you're in to horse back riding adventures you have to try the ride through “el Valle de las Animas” or to “La Muela del Diablo” both taking no more than 4 to 6 hours.

A lot of travel agencies on Calle Sagarnaga and Calle Illampu organize climbing the most popular mountain is Huayna Potosi travel agents will carry you to the top. Bolivia's features such majestic scenery and superb climbing that many climbers consider it one of the most impressive mountain groups in the world. Rising distinctly above the altiplano and the city of La Paz, there are more than 1,000 summits above 5,000 meters – present numerous challenges and rewards for every level of climber. Skiing trips to Chacaltaya are also available, the highest ski resort in the world, the Bolivian Andean Club, offer many packages for it.

Trekking trips organized by experienced guide's can take you as well to “ el Camino del Inca” a three to six day trekking trip through ancient roads built and used by the Incas.

No matter witch one you choose you'll have a great time for sure while visiting beautiful La Paz.

Back to top