Quezi

La Paz - courtesy NeilsPhotography - CC-BY

La Paz is the capital of Bolivia and together with El Alto and Viacha forms the largest metropolitan region in the country.  Sucre is the other capital of Bolivia and will be covered later.

La Paz (the city, that touches the sky) was founded in 1548. In 1898, La Paz became the de facto seat of the national government, and Sucre remained the nominal historical as well as judiciary capital. At 11,942 ft, elevation, La Paz is the highest capital in the world, home of the world’s highest golf course, football stadium, and landing strip. La Paz is now on travelers’ radars. La Paz opportunities for cultural and adventure activities and off-the-beaten-path exploration have expanded enormously. The first glimpse of La Paz will, literally, take your breath away, and not just because of the elevation. The city’s buildings cling to the sides of a canyon and spill spectacularly downwards. On a clear day, snowy Mt Illimani dominates the background.

La Paz is one big shopping center. The streets teem with vendors peddling everything you can imagine. And in the Witches Market, you can buy a ghoulish variety of charms, spices, and magic potions to help cast any spell you want.  La Paz offers all the amenities of any large city with excellent restaurants, many museums and good shopping.

The political situation in Bolivia remains tense. There continues to be a risk of civil unrest, including roadblocks, violent protests and strikes in the city. In addition to rallies and street demonstrations, protesters sometimes block streets. They have reacted with force when travelers attempt to pass through or go around roadblocks and occasionally have used explosives to make their point.

Because of the city’s altitude, temperatures are consistently cool through the year. The average temperature in winter is 15C (59F) and 22C (72F) in summer. No matter when you go, be ready for wind and cold nights. Buildings are not always heated at night. Be prepared to feel the altitude.

La Paz is served by El Alto International Airport.  Public transportation is bus and taxi.

La Paz population is 877,363 (2008)

+591 is the international calling code for Bolivia
2 is area code for La Paz

For more information about La Paz