Perched at 3,600 meters in the Andes, this Bolivian city blends colonial architecture with modern high-rises. Its markets showcase traditional crafts and local culinary specialties.
La Paz, Bolivia's administrative capital, sits in a deep canyon at over 3,600 meters above sea level. The city's unique setting, with snow-capped Illimani mountain visible in the background, creates a striking urban landscape. In La Paz, you can ride cable cars, visit the Witches' Market, and explore Plaza Murillo. The city also serves as a gateway to nearby attractions like Lake Titicaca and the so-called Death Road.
La Paz: The World's Highest Capital
La Paz is built on the steep slopes of a canyon in the Andes mountains, making it the world's highest capital city. The altitude ranges from about 3,100 meters in the lower areas to over 4,000 meters in El Alto, the city that has grown above La Paz. This extreme elevation affects everything from the climate to how you'll feel walking around - many visitors experience shortness of breath and fatigue due to the thin air.
Riding Mi Teleférico
One of the best ways to take in La Paz's steep topography is by riding Mi Teleférico, the city's cable car system. This network of gondolas serves as public transportation, connecting La Paz with El Alto and giving you views of the city and surrounding mountains. The Red Line takes you from the city center up to El Alto, offering particularly impressive vistas along the way.
The Witches' Market
In the heart of La Paz, you'll find the Mercado de las Brujas, or Witches' Market. Here, Aymara witch doctors known as yatiris sell an array of unusual items used in traditional rituals. You might see dried llama fetuses (believed to bring good luck when buried under new buildings), potions, and herbs said to cure various ailments. While primarily catering to locals, the market allows you to observe Andean folk beliefs up close.
Plaza Murillo: The City's Main Square
Plaza Murillo serves as La Paz's main square and the center of its colonial-era buildings. The plaza is home to several important structures, including the Presidential Palace and the National Congress. The Metropolitan Cathedral, with its mix of neoclassical and baroque styles, dominates one side of the square. Spend some time people-watching here to get a feel for daily life in La Paz.
Indigenous Culture and Markets
La Paz has a strong indigenous presence, particularly from the Aymara and Quechua peoples. This influence is evident in the markets that fill the city's streets. The sprawling Mercado Rodriguez is one of the largest, where you can find everything from fresh produce to traditional textiles. On Thursdays and Sundays, take a trip up to El Alto for the enormous open-air market that spreads across several city blocks.
Culinary Scene
La Paz's food scene includes both traditional and modern offerings. Try local specialties like salteñas (savory pastries filled with meat and vegetables) or api con pastel (a thick, purple corn drink served with a cheese-filled pastry). For a high-end dining experience, visit Gustu, a restaurant that uses Bolivian ingredients in innovative ways. The restaurant was founded by Claus Meyer, co-founder of Copenhagen's renowned Noma.
Day Trips from La Paz
La Paz serves as a good base for exploring some of Bolivia's most famous attractions. Thrill-seekers can take on the Death Road, a narrow mountain road with sheer drop-offs that's popular with mountain bikers. For a more relaxed excursion, visit Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake, about two hours from La Paz.
Practical Considerations
The high altitude of La Paz can cause problems for some visitors. Give yourself time to acclimatize, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity for the first day or two. For safety, take normal precautions against petty theft and be aware of your surroundings, as you would in any large city.
