The administrative capital of Bolivia is La Paz, the highest capital in the world at 3,600m. La Paz is a busy place with a vibrant culture and it has a spectacular location sitting in a deep canyon, five hundred metres lower than the international airport. Looking up and out of the city and you will see the imposing snow-capped peak of Mt Illimani at an impressive height of (6,400m). If you are flying into Bolivia from the UK or the USA this is where you will land, but flying into La Paz airport isn’t like flying into any old airport for it is at an altitude of 4,050 m (13,000 ft). You will need to take it easy for the first day or two in La Paz to allow your body to adjust.
La Paz is a bustling and friendly place to explore. All around you will see people going about their daily lives in the market places often wearing the traditional dress; Aymara women dress in traditional skirts and bowler hats and often have a child strapped to their backs wrapped in wonderful multi-coloured blankets.
La Paz is often a start or end point of a trip. You may not spend much time here but there are adventures to be had. For instance Chacaltaya which claims to be the world’s highest ski resort, while not to be recommended for skiing is the perfect place for downhill mountain biking. Here you can rapidly descend about 3000m in just over fifty kilometres – fairly exciting stuff!
There are other similar downhill trails (for example starting at 'La Cumbre' pass and finishing at Coroico) which offer adrenalin-fuelled adventure, although if biking isn’t for you then it is also possible to do the same journey by vehicle. The dramatic scenery will change from jagged mountains and icy streams taking you right down to the coffee plantations.
Another good idea for a day trip is to go and see Bolivia’s answer to Machu Picchu albeit on a much smaller scale. The intriguing ruins of Tiahuanaco (also known as Tiwanaku) are 15 miles from the shores of Lake Titicaca - an ancient citadel dating back to 1600BC. Tiahuanaco is believed to be the capital of the Pre-Inca Civilization. It lies over 2 miles above sea-level in the Bolivian Andes. More…
Hotel Europa is the leading hotel in La Paz for those looking for an international standard hotel. It is centrally located, just off the main square and has great views across the city from the higher floors. More…
Hotel Rosario is a small hotel with 42 rooms, all set in a 19th century colonial house, built around a (usually) sunny courtyard. This 3 star hotel has a homely feel and everything you could need for a few nights. More…
5 Things to do in La Paz….More…
Tips on Travelling in Bolivia…..More…
