The administrative capital of Bolivia, La Paz was established in 1548. Residing at 4058 meters above sea level, the city is known as being the highest capital city in the world. Various elevation levels define the city. The more affluent portion of the population resides in the lower neighborhoods that are located southwest of downtown La Paz. The downtown area is often referred to as the Prado. The middle class population resides in the high-rise condos closer to the Prado. The more affluent population settled in the lower terrains because the weather is milder in the valley. In the winters, the sky is clear and sunny. The average temperature is 59 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summers, most afternoons experience some form of precipitation. The average temperature is 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
La Paz possesses many attractions for a tourist to explore. Sagarnaga Street is one of the main tourist locations in La Paz. This area is comprised of several souvenir stores, cafes, travel agencies, and budget hostels. Tourists visiting the Mercado Negro will find a great selection of household items, clothing and liquor. While near the airport area of El Alto, peruse the bargains on vintage clothing and antiques at the Thursday and Sunday Market. Eloy Salmon Shops possess numerous deals on electronic gifts for individuals.
Individuals seeking the more cultural side of La Paz will enjoy trips to Plaza Murillo, Valle de La Luna and Calle Jaen. The city cathedral and government buildings are located in Plaza Murillo. Visitors flock to this location to experience the historical perspective of La Paz. To view a popular landmark, visit Valle de La Luna located outside of the city. The cost is minimal, but the experience is worth the expense. Visitors also enjoy Calle Jaen. In this location, visitors experience a carefully preserved piece of Bolivian history complete with museums and colonial buildings. The Witches Market possesses authentic Bolivian musical instruments or other aphrodisiacs. Bolivian instruments are a focal point of Bolivian culture. The Musical Instrument Museum also displays wonderful instruments created by artisans.
Tourists, who desire museums, will find a plethora to select from in La Paz. Museum San Francisco is one of the most coveted museums because it symbolizes and marks the birth place of the Independence Revolution that occurred in 1809. A panoramic view is available to guests from the church tower. The Museum of Contemporary Art is known for its display of works by the esteemed Aymara painter Mamani Mamani. Visitors, who are fascinated by the coca plant and the U.S. War on Drugs, find the Coca Museum intriguing. Tourists learn the history of the plant and the effects of its product on populations since the Middle Ages. The Bolivian Andean Textile Museum, the Submerged Museum, and the Museum of Precious Metals are also museums that visitors frequently visit.
Some of the more popular sites consist of the Titikaka Lake, Copacabana, Tiahuanco, and the Presidential Palace. The Titikaka Lake resides on the highest elevation in the world. Visitors are enchanted by its glorious views and surroundings. Copacabana is the site of the Virgin of Copacabana festivities. The town is located on the shores of Titikaka Lake. Visitors enjoy learning of the ancient culture of the Tiahuancu people, while roaming the ruins of a 1,000 year old ancient city. The Presidential Palace attracts tourists because of its interesting history consisting of multiple fires. Consequently, the palace is known as “Palacio Quernado,” which literally means “burnt palace.” Visitors enjoy the activity, culture and tourism that La Paz offers its guests.
If you are driving or taking a bus, drive time to La Paz from Cochabamba is about 4 hours 45 minutes and 218 miles. Thinking of driving La Paz to Santa Cruz Bolivia? you are looking at almost 15 hours drive time and 665 miles.
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