La Paz, with its mix of colonial architecture, indigenoustraditions and jagged snow-capped mountaintops, is a city of contrasts. Thisfascinating city mixes traditional, colonial and modern life. Walk through theOld City and the downtown area to pass indigenous Bolivians wearing traditionalclothing with bowler hats and urban workers dressed in the most recentfashions. Within this unique cultural mix are a range of great restaurants,bars, markets and intriguing art museums.
The official name of La Paz is La Ciudad de Nuestra Señorade la Paz (The City of Our Lady of the Peace). Although La Paz is the home tothe Bolivian government, Sucre is the constitutional capital.
The highest point of this mountain city is over 4,058metres (13,313 feet) above sea level and, due to the altitude, can literallytake your breath away. Upon arrival, take the time to acclimatise beforewalking through the steep inner-city streets.
Explore the PlazaMurillo, La Paz’s historical heart where neoclassical colonial buildingsline the square. See the PresidentialPalace, the National Museum of Artand the Cathedral Murillo.
Walk down CalleJaén to find a number of small museums dedicated to Bolivian culture. Seesilver and gold artefacts at the Museode Metales Preciosos, learn about Latin American music and instruments atthe Museo de Instrumentos Musicalesand at the nearby Museo de la Coca,discover the traditional uses of the coca plant. Stop by the Witches’ Market to buy traditionalherbs and medicines from the Aymara women.
Relax in the sun and enjoy the street performances andattractions in the Plaza San Francisco.Admire the San Francisco Church,climb the steps to the tower and look over CalleSagárnaga, a street where visitors and travellers gather. Get a taxi to Mirador Laikakota and take a panoramicphotograph of the city. Notice the divisions between the affluent parts and thesprawling houses that cling to the mountainsides.
Visit the stunning natural landscapes around the city:Climb the jagged peaks of Valle de la Luna the snow-capped Illimani Mountaintrek through the lush tropical jungle of the Amazon walk across the sparsesalt flats of Uyuni and unwind by the shore of Lake Titicaca.
