Destinations-La Paz
La Paz was founded in 1548 by a Spaniard called Alonso de Mendoza. It is the country's largest city, and it is the center of industry, commerce and finance. Although Sucre represents the judicial capital, La Paz has usurped most government power, and now is the de facto capital. Today La Paz has more than a million inhabitants, over half of whom descend from Indian heritage.
In the center you will find various interesting sights, like the Witches' Market where you can find medicinal herbs and folk remedies, the Artisan Market, the central square with its government buildings, and the church and monastery of San Francisco dating from 1549. Furthermore, there are several museums such as the Archeological Museum and the Art Museum. Finally, the Moon Valley ; this desert-like landscape and its vegetation inspire the imagination and invite exploration.
- ACCESS ROUTES
La Paz is accessible by plane (International airport, direct flights to Lima, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires amongst others. Due to the high location of the airport, at app. 4 km altitude, no transcontinental flights arrive or depart from La Paz. Being the country's economical and political hart, there are bus services to nearly all destinations inside Bolivia (except Eastern jungle cities like Trinidad and Cobija) and to neighboring countries. - ACCOMMODATION
The whole spectrum of different accommodation types is covered, from 5-star hotels to basic hostels. Quality of 3- to 4-star hotels is generally good. - WHEN TO GO
La Paz can be visited the whole year. Some rain can be expected in the summer months (Dec-march), and the winter months (Jun-Aug) can be rather chilly at night. - HOW LONG
From La Paz, Lake Titicaca is just some hours away. Copacabana, 4 hours by bus from La Paz, is a popular resort on the Lake for habitants from La Paz, escaping city life. We suggest spending at least two days in La Paz.
Destinations-Rurrenabaque | Destinations-Santa Cruz | Destinations-Sucre | Destinations-Uyuni
Excursions
During this city tour we will visit the Plaza Murillo (the city's main square), the Presidential Palace, the National Congress and the huge modern Cathedral called Church of San Francisco. This Church dates from 1549 and is one of the finest examples of colonial religious architecture in South America. It is richly decorated with native religious themes. In the Mercado de Hechicéria (witch market), llama fetuses are sold among other things which are used to protect one against evil spirits. The artisan market on Sagarnaga Street is fascinating, as is the Museo de Metales Preciosos where you can find Inca artifacts. The Killi Killi watchtower is located in the city's southern area, and it is here where one can observe the amazing geological shapes of the Valley of the Moon.
- Included: transport, bilingual guide and entrance fees of the sites mentioned.
- Time: 4 hours.
- Type: this excursion can be booked as a private or a group service.
Tiahuanaco, near the shores of Lake Titicaca, was the center of a powerful, self-sustaining empire in the southern Central Andes. The roots of the Tiahuanaco capital can be found in the village lying under the 1.5 square mile civic-ceremonial core. The city was settled by 400 B. C. on the Tiahuanaco River, which empties into Lake Titicaca 9.3 miles to the north. The small farming village evolved into a regal city of multi-terraced platform pyramids, courts and urban areas, covering a total of 2.31 square miles between AD 100 and 1000. Tiahuanaco society was self-sustaining with its agriculture and its fishing resource base was more than sufficient to support the complex state administrative apparatus and the population under its control. The Tiahuanaco Empire collapsed between 1000 and 1100 A. D. It was a magnificent royal city that was constructed in order to inspire awe in commoners.
- Included: transport and bilingual guide, possible with or without lunch. Private tours include entrance
- Time: Full day.
- Type: this excursion can be booked as a private or a group service.
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