La Paz
Overview
La Paz is known as the de facto capital of Bolivia because it is the seat of government while the judicial centre remains in the official capital, Sucre. The main part of the city sits in a huge crator, built here by the Spanish to protect the city from the harsh winds of the altiplano, but now surrounded by its poorer, higher-altitude subburbs such as that of El Alto. The crator gives the city a dramatic horizon: surrounded by cliffs and overlooked by a huge snow-capped volcano.
The city is mostly a functioning city with not a huge number of activities for tourists, spending time here however is certainly one of the best ways of getting to know the country of Bolivia and its people. La Paz has a small but pretty collection of colonial buildings and churches although they are less well cared for than in Bolivia´s richer, neighbouring countries they are certainly worth a look. The city´s markets are rich with food, everyday items and in the witch´s market, the somewhat more bizaar llama faetuses and frog charms. The notorious prison of San Pedro, made famous by Thomas McFadden in his book ´Marching Power´ can also be found in the city although is not easily visited by tourists. More tourist friendly is the excellent museum of the coca leaf which tells the visitor all there is to know about the traditions of the plant grown for centuries in the Andes and its relationship to local communities, Coca Cola and...more
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When to Go
[Edit]Transport
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General Health and Safety
In crowded areas be careful for pickpockets and bagslashers. 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. Take care - an Austrian couple was found murdered in 2006 after following false police into a taxi. 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...more
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Accommodation
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Entertainment
[Edit]Maps
La Paz is a good place for buying maps of the country, but be aware that Bolivian maps has a reputation of containing errors. Topographical maps are available in 1:50 000, 1:100 000 and 1:250 000. The most popular maps, including the 1:250 000 version of Cordillera Real and the 1:50 000 version of Volcan Sajama are sold by street vendors that roam Calle Sagarnaga and from stalls along el Prado. But the best place to buy maps is the "Instituto Geografico Militar", IGM
[Edit]Sights
[Edit]Views
La Paz is one of those cities which is 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 Bs1. Mirador Monticulo, next to Plaza Espana. 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.
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