La Paz Bolivia An Exceptional South American Experience
La Paz Bolivia An Exceptional South American Experience
La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia, while Sucre is the constitutional capital and the seat of the Supreme Court. La Paz was established in 1548, and is in the Andes. Altitude of the city ranges from about 4,058 m above sea level in El Alto to 3,100 m in the lower residential area. It is the highest national capital in the world.
The sight from the air as one flies into La Paz is incredible. 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.
La Paz geography, in particular the altitude, reflects the city's society: the lower you go, the more affluent. While many middle-class paceños live in high-rise condos near the center, the really rich houses are located in the lower neighborhoods southwest of the Prado. The reason for this division is that the lower you go in the city the milder the weather is. And looking up from the center, the surrounding hills are plastered with makeshift brick houses of those struggling in the hope of one day reaching the bottom. The satellite city of El Alto, in which the airport is located, is spread over a broad area to the west of the canyon, on the altiplano.
There are three types of shared public transportation in La Paz: regular buses or "micros"; shared vans, called "mini buses", and shared taxis running set routes advertised on the windshield, called "trufis". The easiest way to get around is by taxi. 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.
La Paz is a city which can be a sight in itself, and there are several viewing places or miradores offering impressive panoramas. Mirador Killi Killi, (from Avenida Sucre take Avenida La Bandera and then walk straight up, the mirador is on the right side). You can get the best view of La Paz from here. No entrance fee. You can either walk or take a taxi to get there.
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 3.50.
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. Av. Camacho, (In the heart of downtown). Points straight to Illimani, and from the intersection with the Prado it's framed by skyscrapers in an interesting juxtaposition.
A lot to see in La Paz Bolivia
The Witches' Market
Valle de la Luna
Plaza Murillo
San Francisco Church
Sagarnaga
Calle Jaen
Illimani
Muela del Diablo
Tiwanaku
San Pedro Prison
Valle De Las Animas
Coca Museum
Ethnography Museum
Sopocachi
Museum of Musical Instruments
Plaza Abaroa
Plaza San Francisco
Cementerio General
16 de Julio
Cotapata National Park and Integrated Management Natural Area
Calacoto
Cholitas Wrestling
Miraflores
Mirador Killi Killi
San Pedro
Mirador Laikakota
Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, La Paz
Obrajes
Irpavi
"Antonio José de Sucre" Square
Museum Precious Metals
Cota Cota
Auquisamaña
Museo nacional de arte
Spain Square
National Museum of Archaeology
Mercado Lanza
San Miguel
Museum of Bolivian Andean Textiles
Museo San Francisco Cultural Center
Plaza Villarroel
Parada Teleferico Naranja - Plaza Villaroel
Museo Litoral Boliviano
St. Peter's Square
Zoológico Municipal Vesty Pakos Sofro
Ciudad Satélite
Museo costumbrista Juan de Vargas
Plaza Isabel La Católica
Casa de Murillo
Museo Tambo Quirquincho
Teleferico
El Choro Trek
Mirador Monticulo
Av. Camacho
Sagarnaga Street
Eloy Salmon
Calle Jaen
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Tiwanaku Museum
Bolivian Andean Textile Museum
( La Paz - Bolivia ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting La Paz. Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in La Paz - Bolivia.
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