La paz

La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia, while Sucre is the constitutional capital and seat of the Supreme Court. La Paz was founded in 1548 in the Andes. Altitude ranges from approximately 4,058 m (13,313 ft) in El Alto (where the airport is located) to 3,100 m (10,170 ft) in lower residential areas.

The aerial view during the flight to La Paz is incredible. At first, El Alto slum slums are visible, slowly giving way to La Paz itself and adjoining on its sides, which looks like a big wound on the ground.

General information

La Paz was built in a canyon formed on the Choqueyapu River (now it is mainly rebuilt), which runs from the northwest to the southeast. The main thoroughfare of the city, which runs along the river, changes its name throughout its entire length, but the central tree-lined section that goes through the city center is called the Prado.

The geography of La Paz, in particular at the heights, reflects the standard of living of the city's population: the lower you go, the more rich there are. While many middle-class residents (paceños) live in high-rise buildings near the center, truly wealthy homes are located in the lower regions southwest of Prado. The reason for this division is that the lower you go down the city, the milder the weather. And, from the point of view of the center, the surrounding hills are covered with makeshift brick houses of those who fight for hope, being in one day before falling to the bottom of life.

The satellite city of El Alto, in which the airport is located, is spread over a wide area of ​​the plateau to the west of the canyon.

You can book a hotel in La Paz at a booking - here, you can compare prices from different sites here. Another apartment in La Paz is private apartments, rental offers of which can be found here.

How to get there

By plane

hint: La Paz - time now15: 5113 OctoberDifference in hours: Moscow & plus; 7 Kazan & plus; 7 Samara & plus; 8 Yekaterinburg & plus; 9 Novosibirsk & plus; 11 Vladivostok & plus; fourteen

How to get there

By plane

El Alto International Airport (IATA: LPB) (ICAO: SLLP) is the highest altitude international airport in the world: 13.313 feet / 4.058 m above sea level, which is almost one and a half times higher than the flight height of the airliner. Due to the rarefied air, a plane needs a longer runway in order to take off. Flights here can be monitored on aggregator sites, or, for example, here.

  • There is a tax for departure from the airport: $ 25 (or 174 bolivianas) - for international flights, 15 bolivianos - for domestic flights. The tax can only be paid in cash, but some ATMs that also issue US dollars are available at the airport. BoA domestic flights are not taxed (as of March 2015).
  • Most international flights stop at Santa Cruz to pick up or drop off passengers. State-funded BoAs and TAMs (usually at a lower cost) serve major domestic destinations as well as some major South American centers.
  • Amaszonas provides direct tourist destinations, such as to Rurrenabake or Uyuni. LAB (Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano) was the national airline of Bolivia until April 2007, when its work was suspended by the Bolivian government due to financial problems. Another private operator, Aerosur, has also ended its operations due to disagreements with the government over unpaid taxes.
  • If you are used to quickly passing through the border control zone and not standing in line, forget about it in La Paz. Treat everything easier, otherwise you are very out of breath and may suffer from medical complications. Just take your time while passing border controls.
  • The standard cost of a taxi ride from the airport to the center of La Paz is 70 boliviano (about $ 10). Only use a radio taxi with an icon on the roof. Van services cost 3.80 boliviano ($ 0.50).
  • When returning to the airport by bus, be sure to reserve enough time. Often they are crowded, already bypassing San Francisco Square, especially during rush hours - 17.00 - 19.00. The first bus leaves from Isabel de Católica to Sopocachi at 6.15.
  • For 2015, a company called South West Tours offers premium transportation to and from the airport for $ 50. It gained popularity due to safety and comfort especially in the very early hours when flights from the USA depart and arrive.
  • If you depart for a TAM flight from La Paz airport, be extremely careful and check which airport it departs from: some TAM flights depart from El Alto International Airport, and some depart from a military base airport. (As of November 2011, all TAM flights supposedly departed from El Alto International Airport, and in May 2012, TAM flights still sometimes departed from a military airfield.)
hint: The nearest airport is El AltoDistance from El Alto Airport to La Paz - 10.14 km Travel time - 21 minutes

By bus

The main bus terminal is located in Central Park, near the top of the Prado (Google Map) and a 15-20 minute walk from most hostels. Please note that buses arriving from Lake Titicaca (the land route for entry from Puno, Peru) and Sorata go to the square at the city cemetery (Cementerio). Buses from Quime Terminal stop at El Alto Bus Station.

Buses departing from La Paz usually stop at El Alto to pick up more passengers. Sometimes it can take one or two hours to complete before you finally leave the city.

Alternatively, take one of the Bolivia Hop buses to get from La Paz to Cusco, Cusco, Copacabana or Puno. You can go out and sit in any of these places. You will also be assisted at the border if you encounter difficulties with Spanish or English. These buses do not make unauthorized stops. Bolivia hop is designed specifically for foreign tourists and therefore, as a rule, costs more than local buses. They usually use new comfortable buses, but there are exceptions.

Cochabamba, 7-8 hours. On a typical day, buses cost about 20 boliviano, while "full cama" buses (with berths) to, for example, Bolivar cost 90 boliviano. Semi cama is an intermediate option.

Oruro, 3 hours, 15 boliviano.

In Chile, buses go to Arica for about 8 hours, some continue to Iquique (12 to 14 hours). It is better to catch the bus at 7 am, as later buses will arrive in Iquique in the middle of the night.)

By bike

Every year, hundreds of people cycle around Bolivia, and most of them travel through La Paz. If you are one of these, read on. If you are not one of them, but want to be free, get a bicycle and read on.

If you arrive in La Paz from the north (Titicaca, Peru), the west (Chile, Tiwanaku), the south (Oruro, Sahama, etc.), you will have to go through El Alto (however this is best avoided after dark), then you will have to go down to the center of La Paz. The traffic in El Alto and La Paz is chaotic and the pollution makes cycling more difficult.

To get to La Paz, it is probably best to take the autopista (highway), as there are wide curbs on both sides (watch for the indentations). Driving on autopista can be heavy, but the curb is rarely used, except for public transport. Many other routes are possible, but some streets can be extremely steep. Check the brakes! If you get from yungas (Koroyko), you will pass through Avenida de las Americas. There in La Paz there is an excellent Cyclist House (Casa de Ciclistas).

hint: La Paz - time now15: 5113 OctoberDifference in hours: Moscow & plus; 7 Kazan & plus; 7 Samara & plus; 8 Yekaterinburg & plus; 9 Novosibirsk & plus; 11 Vladivostok & plus; fourteen

When is the season. When is the best time to go?

La Paz - monthly weather

hint: La Paz - weather for the months of January January ± 9.0 February ± 8.9 March ± 8.9 April ± 8.4 May ± 7.3 June ± 6.2 July ± 6.1 August ± 7.1 September September ± 7.8 October ± 9.3 November & plus; 9.5 December & plus; 9.4

When is the season. When is the best time to go?

La Paz - monthly weather

hint: La Paz - weather for the months of January January ± 9.0 February ± 8.9 March ± 8.9 April ± 8.4 May ± 7.3 June ± 6.2 July ± 6.1 August ± 7.1 September September ± 7.8 October ± 9.3 November & plus; 9.5 December & plus; 9.4

The main attractions. What to watch

Sagarnaga Street

(South of Plaza San Francisco. A special place for tourists in La Paz. First of all, this is a street market with artesano souvenir shops and shops, but you will also find hostels, tours and travel agencies there , cafes and countless tourists. Don't fall for the traps of stray sellers, the so-called "petrified trilobites."

Witch Market (Mercado de Hechiceria or Mercado de las Brujas)

Calle Linares street between Sagarnaga and Santa Cruz. Vendors offer llama embryos and dried frogs for aymara rituals, as well as soap figures and aphrodisiac formulas. This street is also the best place to pick up a charango or other Bolivian musical instrument.

Eloy salmon

Shops on this street offer cheap electronics.

Jaen Street

One of the few places in the city with preserved colonial buildings, which currently houses several interesting museums.

Murillo Square

There are government buildings and the city cathedral.

Moon Valley (Valle de La Luna)

A surreal, weathered mountain. Just outside the city limits of Mallasa. A 30-40 minute bus ride (depending on traffic) down the La Paz Valley. Take the local bus number 43 to Mallasa (2.40 boliviano) in Piazza San Francisco or Prado, take the minibus number 273 or number 902 (2.30 - 3 boliviano), taxi (35 boliviano) or join the tour. The park entrance is next to the flags and costs 15 boliviano. Opening hours: from 8 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. As of October 9, 2013: you can end up at a paradero stop near the San Francisco church and Iglesia de San Francisco and Sagarnaga street and drop in on a combi / micro heading to Mallasa and it will cost you only 2 boliviano per person .

Thursday and Sunday Market in El Alto, or Feria de 16 de Julio

A huge market opening in El Alto every Thursday and Sunday. It is one of the largest in the world, and anyone can find anything there. The latest software and DVDs are practically free, as are high-quality commissioned clothes, jackets, sweaters, and in general everything you can imagine. For beginners: stick to the railway, starting with ceja and ending at Plaza Ballivian. Do not bring anything of value with you (such as a camera or mobile phone) and keep an eye on the money in the pockets of your clothes. Take sunblock with you. On fair days, hundreds of minibuses depart from Prado.

Self-guided tour by public transport

The best way to see the real La Paz is by taking minibuses and public micro-buses at random, driving to the end of the line, looking around and getting off at any place that seems interesting. It is almost impossible to get lost there, and each landing and transplant costs about 0.15 dollars. Buy fruit and follow your path. Chat with people. Pretty safe option.

Lucha Libre de Cholitas, Polifunctional de la Ceja, El Alto

Take a minibus in San Francisco to Ceja and stop 200 meters after entering the motorway. Start at 4pm. A tourist entry ticket is more expensive, but includes some snacks and souvenirs. The show begins at about 5 p.m., when a man’s struggle takes place for an hour, and only then do the female wrestling players Cholita enter the ring. You can get there as part of the tour or on your own by minibus (2 boliviano). 50 boliviano.

Museums Which are worth a visit

CIRCULAR: Association of Culture and Art. One ticket to three amazing museums! Visit the museums of La Paz! Three for one ticket per week! In order to promote the cultural and historical heritage of La Paz and Bolivia, a single ticket has been launched to access the chain, which will be sold in travel agencies, hotels and museums of the Association.

The three museums of the Association are the Museum of San Francisco (the face of local Catholicism), the Museum of Ethnography and Folklore (a journey into Bolivian culture), and the National Museum of Art (exhibitions, collections, history and much more).

  • San Francisco Museum, San Francisco Square. This restored religious complex included some of Bolivia's most important historical moments, including the birth of the 1809 Revolution for Independence. You can also climb the bell tower to enjoy the panorama of both local neighborhoods and the Mestiza districts. There are exhibitions in Spanish and English with personalized guides.
  • Museum of Ethnography and Folklore, Ingavi 916, named after Esquire Jenaro Sanjinés. MUSEF (MUSEF) shows us the Bolivian culture in its historical dimension and at the moment. These cultures live in cities and rural areas, in markets, in schools and churches, in the streets, in the jungle or in minibuses. And to understand all its complexity better, MUSEF offers us an incomparable tour. 20 boliviano per entry. Very good, but everything is in Spanish.
  • National Museum of Art, Comercio Esq. Socabaya. Without a doubt, a tour of the National Museum of Art is a journey through the history of art in Bolivia. You will see her paintings, sculptures, photographs and other works of art.
  • Museum of Tiwanaku (Museo Tihuanaco).
  • Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Contemporaneo), 16 de Julio 1698 (Prado). The permanent collection at the top (15 boliviano) contains many works by famous artist-aymara Mamani Mamani. The lower gallery contains the work of students and is free for those who wish.
  • Coca Museum, Linares Street 906. Monday - Sunday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Attractive to foreign tourists, this small museum details the history and significance of the coca plant, including the impact of the US Drug War. Exhibitions are in Spanish, but booklets with full translation into other languages ​​are provided. According to the museum, crack is the greatest epidemic since the plague in the Middle Ages. And yes, there are free coca leaf samples for visitors. 10 boliviano.
  • Museum of Musical Instruments (Museo de Instrumentos Musicales de Bolivia), Calle Jaen 711. Contains a huge collection of sound devices from Bolivia and from beyond, some of which you can play on your own. The museum was founded by the master of charango and inventor Ernesto Cavour. Some of his creations, which look completely unusual, participate in the exhibition (for example, many different guitars).
  • Museum of Precious Metals (Museo de Metales Preciosos Precolombinos), Calle Jaen 777. Pre-Columbian Treasures of Silver and Gold.
  • Underwater Museum (Museo Subterraneo). Located opposite the city stadium. It is hardly worthy to be called a museum this small open area in a depression in the ground with a huge copy of the Tiwanaku monolith in the middle. Previously, the original was there, but it was transferred back to Tiwanaku for conservation.
  • Museum of Textiles of the Bolivian Andes (Museo de Textiles Andinos Bolivianos). Plaza Benito Juarez 488. Contains a wide variety of textiles and weaving from all Bolivian / Andean communities. This is a must see for lovers of weaving. It also contains some clothing, such as a poncho, from all local regions. The museum also includes a store (90% of your purchases will go to the craftsmen), which is located in a beautiful house in Miraflores.

Panoramic views

  • La Paz is a city that itself is worth a look, and there are several places of interest, or miradores, offering impressive panoramas.
  • Mirador Killy Killy (from Avenida Sucre, get to Avenida La Bandera, then walk straight ahead - the mirador will be on the right). From here you can get the best view of La Paz. No admission fee. You can get there by taxi or walk.
  • Laikacota Park (above Avenida Ejercito (West of the city center). The best panorama inside the bowl with a beautiful view of the city and rugged terrain in the east, right up to Mt. Ilimani. Entrance is 3.50 boliviano.
  • Mirador Monticulo (next to Plaza España).This small park (free admission) has a church and many trees that enclose it from most of the city, but a great view of Iliimani makes the park a popular place for couples in the evening.
  • Avenida Camacho (Camacho, in the city center). Immediately from the intersection with the Prado, it falls into the frame of an interesting overlay of skyscrapers directly in the direction of Ilimani.

What to see in the surroundings

The most popular day trips from La Paz are to Tiauanaco, Chacaltay and Lake Titicaca (the bus stop is located near the cemetery).

Great day trip - Muela del Diablo. Take the combis from Prado to Predregal, continue to the very end and ask the locals for the way to climb the mountain to reach the impressive peak and enjoy the incredible view. In half a day you will return the same road that you came, or along a longer path you can go down to the Moon Valley (Valle de la Luna).

You can go to Quime for a good trip, to Uyuni for the world's largest salt marshes, or to Rurrenabaque for the sake of pampas and Madidi National Park.

Hint: Routes to neighboring cities La Paz - Uatahata 73 km La Paz - Sorata 97 km La Paz - Desaguadero 97 km La Paz - Huli 143 km La Paz - Putina 180 km

The main attractions. What to watch

Food. What to try

For lunch, try some almuerzo cuisine. You will get a decent menu in the range from 10 to 30 boliviano. Often you will order from the window, after which you will receive a ticket for your food, then take a seat, and they will approach you to take your ticket and bring food. If you don’t know what to order, just ask el especial.

Most of La Paz's more fanciful restaurants are located in the lower Prado, near Isabel La Catholica and Avaroa Square.

Budgetary

  • Dragon China, 1017 Linares Street (in / next to Lion Palace Hostel), 2900133. Until 22.30. Great Chinese food in Bolivia prepared by real Chinese chefs. Fried trout with noodles, delicately seasoned with ginger, where delicious fried noodles (Linguini) never float in liquid sauce. 13 - 25 boliviano.
  • Jalal Restaurant (Lebanese cuisine), 392 Sagàrnaga Street, llampu corner. From noon to 10 p.m. Great real Lebanese food. Upstairs. Do not be alarmed by the unattractive entrance. Some vegetarian options are served. The best falafel. 30 - 50 boliviano.
  • Carcajada, street October 20, 2060 (Entre Aspiazu y JJ Perez) (Mujeres Creando). Cafe anarcho-feminist culture. Regular servings cost about 10 boliviano, full meals - 25, there are always cakes. Browse through books and reflect on the fall of capitalism and patriarchy while eating.
  • Utama, the top floor of the Plaza Hotel, av. 16 de Julio 1789 (16 de Julio 1789) (Prado). Fidel Castro and Alberto Fujimori (former president of Peru) have earned the attention of Utama with their stunning views of the city, but the main dishes (Bolivian and foreign, in portions sufficient for two) will cost about 50 boliviano ($ 6.50).
  • Tambo Colonial. Located at the Rosario Hotel. Great dinners according to local and foreign customs. Try trout from Lake Titicaca with Beni almonds.
  • Sultan, San Miguel, “zone of sur”. Superb Arabian fast food in a tiny place. Try Falafel for 7 Boliviano. Order "super" for 10 boliviano if you are very hungry and come there for lunch while the boss is not nearby (large portions).
  • Also on the west side of Avenida 6 de Agosto, south of the student square (Plaza del Estudiante), there is a chain of places that offer inexpensive pizzas and hamburgers. “Sergio” is considered the best. It is also good for ordering upcoming concerts.
  • La Mia Pizzeria, Ilampu Street, below one of the two Italia Pizzeria branches on Ilampu Street. Cheaper than Italia, with more American-style pizza. Takeaway food available.
  • 100% Natural, 345 Sagarnaga Street. It is often crowded, especially around 23.00, but it serves large sandwiches and vegetarian burgers in a cozy atmosphere. Good food, best juices.
  • The Star of India, (the best Curry House in the world!) Is one of the few places in Bolivia, you can buy curry (as well as order delivery to your own hostel). Curries and side dishes here are, at best, mediocre, and if you're used to British style curries, you'll be disappointed. Open from 9.00 for breakfast, Monday - Saturday, lunch is served from 11.30 and on Sunday from 16.00 (with enough choice for vegetarians and vegans.) They also offer a free T-shirt "I survived the most dangerous Vindala in the world" for those who really managed with this. Usually there are none. Servings are too small for the Curry House.
  • Cafe Ciudad, students area (lower end of the Prado). Open 24 hours. At best, mediocre. Overpriced does not match the quality. Distinctive features are only the location and schedule. Burgers for 15 - 20 boliviano, main courses - 30 - 40 boliviano.
  • Glam, Sanchez Lima 2237, + 591 2 2423446. Now the bar arranges salsa music and dancing. Pay 20 boliviano and get your first beer for free. 85 boliviano.
  • Sergiu's Pizza, October 20, 7 (at the bottom of the students' square). Cheap pizza (12 boliviano for a big slice).
  • Pescaderia Palacio Real, Jimenez Street (to the left of Jimenez Street 626). 20 boliviano. A good quality local restaurant, located a couple of blocks from Murillo Street. Fast service, tasty and cheap food in a folk atmosphere. Various types of fish are served. Fried Trucha (trout) with rice and potatoes costs 22 boliviano. (Much better than Copacabana.)
  • Chifa Ping, Prado. Notable for the presence of a photo of MaPo Tofu in the front. There are spring rolls, steamed dumplings and the above-mentioned MaPo Tofu, along with more traditional Chinese dishes, cooked by frying in oil. The menu is about 24 boliviano (as of January 2014), but more traditional dishes are a la carte. Menu: 24 Boliviano
  • Villaserena, Llampu and Aroma Streets. The restaurant is located at the top of the Estrella Andina. 11.00 - 22.00. Amazing rooftop restaurant at Estrella Andina. It has a fantastic rooftop terrace with city views against the backdrop of a mountain with a snow-capped peak. The daily menu costs 30 boliviano (12.00 - 14.00) and includes amazing (and one of a kind) salad, soup and tasty meat, which is accompanied by a delicious dessert. One of the best lunch options in La Paz for a decent price. Menu: 30 Boliviano

Mid level

  • EL Tomate Pizzeria is your best choice if you want Italian-style pizza. They also serve vegetarian stuff for those who are passionate about healthy eating. A cozy place in the center of Sopokachi (Avenida Sanchez Lima by Fernando Guachalla). Russians go there looking for a slice of big pizza.
  • Chez Mustache, Heriberto Gutierrez Street 2366, 60524872. 12-10. Affordable bistro style restaurant. The interior is made with a great sense of humor. The menu is seasonal and the offered servings change daily. Full bar, plenty of wines and affordable prices.
  • El Consulado, Bravo street 299 (behind the Plaza Hotel). A new place in La Paz. The best breakfast in town, gourmet food in a beautiful setting. Wi-fi and garden. Works with “New Andean Kitchen”.
  • Sabrosa Taiwanesa Restaurant, 1208 Chichas Street, Miraflores Square, 2221186 (a short walk or short taxi ride from Isabela Católic Square, just on the other side of Puente de Las Americas. New Taiwanese family restaurant. Aromatic dishes of good size. The menu is vegetarian and non-vegetarian.
  • Angelo Colonial, 922 Linares Street. A dark bohemian cafe located in an old mansion and decorated with excess antiques. Serves Bolivian and mediocre foreign dishes. The best drip coffee in La Paz. But too slow service. There is another place on the Prado. Serve lamas (llamas).
  • Alo Cubano, av. Aniceto de Arce. The best place to imagine that you are back in the 50s and are planning a pan-American revolution with Fidel and Che.
  • Contigo Peru, second floor Edificio Alameda (on the Prado). Good ceviche and other seafood dishes.
  • Italia Pizzeria, 809 Ilampu Street, serves a good breakfast with a friendly smile. The pizza is not very good and the prices are overpriced.
  • Cafe Karlovy, av. Claudio Aliaga 1182 - block J-47, San Miguel. 8.00 - 00.00. An elegant cafe in the popular south of La Paz. Serves fantastic food all day.
  • Namas Those, Soylo Flores 1334 (San Pedro). 8.30 - 19.00. In the city center, San Pedro. Perhaps the best service with vegetarian home-cooked cuisine prepared with excellent taste and love. Vegan pies of strong frying. Established lunch begins at noon. Music plus organic coffee / tea / food for you. If you want the del dia menu (del dia: menu of the day), you must reserve it in advance by phone. 20 boliviano.
  • Cafe La Terraza, av. 16 de Julio 1615. On the Prado. A good (and expensive) restaurant-cafe by Bolivian standards, but the room smells of cigarettes. Only a small area is non-smoking. Good coffee, but the pies are average.
  • Ken Chan, Batallon Colorados 98. Esq. Federico Suazo Located 200 m on the right side of the Colorado Battalion from the roundabout in the lower Prado (left street, if we start from the direction of the bus station), +591 2 2442292. The restaurant is run by the Japanese La Paz Society and serves authentic Japanese food. In addition to the expected sushi - Japanese dishes such as ramen, katsu chicken and karaoke. Set meals are served with miso soup, Japanese rice. The main set lunch will cost about 40 - 50 boliviano.
  • La Coca, Rosendo Gutiérrez 482, + 591 2 2410892. Located in the Sopokachi district, about one and a half blocks from Avaroa Square, La Coca is an almuerzo-style restaurant offering a decent four-course menu at a well-deserved price. A choice of three soups and five main dishes, where at least one dish is guaranteed vegetarian. Nice discreet decor, friendly and competent staff. 20 boliviano.

Expensive

  • Restaurant Gustu, street 10, 300 Calacoto, half a block from the station. Costanera. Noma Klaus Meyer South America is partnered with the NGO Ibis and Melting Pot Bolivia. The restaurant operates as a school for Bolivian youth with the opportunity to learn how to cook and work in the restaurant business. Moreover, the dishes are focused on seasonal and local products, so do not be surprised if you have never heard of the mentioned ingredients or meet the word llama in the menu. In general, the idea is a good idea, the prices are not cheap by Bolivian standards, but they are worth nothing compared to lunch at Noma.
  • Naira, Sagarnaga street 161. Food is mainly for travelers (and hotel guests - see below), but there is a good selection of Bolivian dishes.
  • Eli's New York Deli (on the Prado). Try making an order with a noticeable New York accent and see what comes of it. Prices can skyrocket.

Cafe

  • Alexander The Great, av. 16 Julio 1832 et al.
  • Blueberries, av. October 20, 2475. This is a cafe serving fine coffee and delicious breakfasts. The cafe is located in the eastern part of Avaroa Square, where you will also find "Alexanders Coffee". There is free Wi-Fi for visitors.
  • Cafe Confiteria La Paz, Avenida Camacho and Ayacucho (near Obelisco). 8.00 - 00.00. Free Wi-Fi is available for customers.
  • Papaya's Cafe, Jaen and Sucre Street (Museo Costumbrista Cafe), + 591 791 13 593. 9.00 - 00.00. Llama burgers, terrines, pastes are served. Quinoa dishes, salads, homemade cheeses. Specializes in coca drinks (tea). Sell ​​homemade beer. 20 - 100 boliviano.

Food. What to try

Security. What to watch out for

In crowded places, beware of pickpockets and bag openers. Usually the trick is that one person spills something on your clothes, and while you or he wipes it, another person steals your wallet or opens a bag. Be careful when checking in at a hotel or hostel. Keep your bags and all things in your hands at all times. Pretending to be one of the hotel employees, a thief could tear out the nearest street bag. If plainclothes police come up to you, do not show any valuables or passport. Moreover, do not get in a taxi with them: this is a trap. Secret policemen are strictly ordered not to touch the tourists. There have already been several cases of robbery and missing items from bags or luggage after a "search for drugs." Insist on a trip to the police station before giving access to your belongings. If possible, call 110 - this is a Bolivian emergency number. Beware: in 2006, an Austrian couple was found murdered after they got into a taxi with false police. A recent innovation in higher-level scams is the involvement of accomplices who try to chat with you on the bus, and when a plain-clothes policeman approaches, an accomplice claims that the same thing happened to them and that you should cooperate with them. This is a trap and the same fraud as described above. There have also been several cases of violent robberies in a taxi. Use only the Radio Cabs with a rooftop sign. Taxis, or Gypsy Cabs (gypsy taxis), do not have a roof plate and “taxi” is written only on the side of the car. They are dangerous for traveling at night, as many drivers are paid to take tourists to robbery destinations. Be especially careful if you are in one of the illegal bars after closing, such as Fin Del Mundo or Route 36, as most of robberies occurred in taxis coming from these places.

There are more reliable taxi companies at your service:

  • Magnifico Taxis, +591 2 2410410,
  • La Paz Taxis. +591 2 2221212,
  • Gold Taxis, +591 2 2722722.

La Paz is a safe city, and if you behave wisely, you should not have any problems.

The standard “spinning disk” of your computer’s hard drive can be damaged if you use it at a height, so if you use a laptop or any device that contains one of these hard drives, you are at great risk. Most of those sold today operate normally at altitudes of up to 3,000 m (10,000 ft), but La Paz is one third more than that altitude. Please note that this caution does not apply to new SSDs (Solid State Drives), as they use flash memory and do not have moving parts that suffer from high heights.

Health

  • Often upon arrival in La Paz, travelers fall ill. Why? La Paz is 11,900 feet above sea level and is the tallest metropolis in the world. People with a heart condition or bronchial disease are warned to avoid this place. Even those who are completely healthy, as a rule, cannot avoid some diseases due to height.
  • Altitude in La Paz is within the area where altitude sickness can be a problem, especially for those arriving from places at (or near) sea level. Just one or two days spent at an intermediate height may not be enough. It is highly recommended that you have good insurance, are familiar with the symptoms of altitude sickness, and your doctor is notified of the altitude at which you will travel (up to 4,000 m / 13,000 ft for La Paz and 6,000 m / 20,000 ft if you want to climb Huayna Potosi).
  • Taking Ginkgo Biloba supplements for several weeks before climbing to a height is known to help eliminate altitude sickness. The first night in La Paz, you will probably have difficulty breathing and you will wake up feeling that you are suffocating. Mate de Coca (Coca leaf tea) is a popular medicine. Take a walk around the city without unnecessary worries, and even if you are young and healthy, do not be fooled by a false sense of security. Even marathon runners can suffer from altitude sickness, while much less healthy ones can detect only a few symptoms.
  • Despite being only 16 degrees south of the equator, in the high parts of La Paz a little snow falls annually (1–4 times a year) due to an altitude of 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) above sea level, so warm clothing necessary throughout the year. Snowfall can be much more abundant if the winter is not very dry, and in summer the snow falls not so rarely - sometimes only once every few years. It’s also freezing upstairs every month.
  • The highest part of La Paz is in the climate of the "equatorial tundra", when there is always snow, and in the middle of a temperate climate, where it is often frosty but not snow (except in rare cases), and the low part is in the subtropical climate, where it snows extremely rare and very few annual frosts. And this height with a year-round mild climate, where hotels, shopping centers and high-class residential buildings are located, is very different from the tundra in the upper part of the city, where sometimes it snows in the summer.
  • Public health assistance (Asistencia Pública: basic tests, medical advice, prescriptions) can be found at 1519 Camacho Ave. (at the corner of Bueno Ave.).

Things to do

  • Teleférico. Take the "teleférico" cable car running over the city from the Taypi Uta Central Station (near the bus station) and head to the Ajayuni cemetery or the Feria de Junio ​​16 in El Alto. Great view of the city with snow-capped mountains in the background. 3 boliviano per ticket. (Opened May 30, 2014) Opening hours: 5.30 - 22.30. Soon two more lines will open around Obrajes, Alto district.
  • The highest golf course in the world, 777 32300 ([email protected]). La Paz Golf Club, which every golf fan should visit. In addition to being the highest golf course in the world, the club is also known for its Moon Cave, recognized as one of the most exotic caves in the world. The best way to visit this place as a tourist is to go on a trip with Golf and Tours in Bolivia. For a reasonable fee, they organize anything.
  • Track El Choro. This is an amazing path starting in the mountains in La Cumbre (4,700 m) and ending in the jungle in Chairo (1,500 m). From Chairo, you will take the road to Corico, which can take a long time. You can catch transport from Chairo to Corico, a private taxi or a ride on the road. Maps with the route can be purchased in La Paz in most stores with different little things. There are many places along the way to camp and buy the necessary food, as well as hot dishes. On the road, you can buy bottled water, which is so popular, or purify your own. The journey from La Cumbre to Corico will take 3 days, since it is about 60 km, however, depending on the time of your arrival in Corico, you may be able to catch a bus back to La Paz on the same day (return after about 3 hours) .

Peñas

One of the most recognizable aspects of Andean culture is its folk music, which you can enjoy in a number of peñas, or music clubs.

  • Huari, Calle Sagarnaga 329. Its location is very convenient for foreign tourists, so be prepared for overpriced and slightly clumsy decor. (The ancient Incas certainly did not use black lighting.) Nevertheless, the musical and dance performances here are excellent.
  • Marka Tambo, Calle Jaen 710. It is considered one of the best for lovers of good music.

Cinema

  • Megacenter (cinema), (at the entrance to Irpavi in ​​the "zone of sur"). You need to get from the city center by public transport.
  • MultiCine, 2631 Avenida Arce (a couple of blocks south of Isabel de Catholica) The new Multiplex cinema with three 3D venues, featuring new Hollywood blockbusters as well as independent films.
  • Bolivian cinema (Cinemateca Boliviana), (Guachalla and Federico Suazo St). The most modern movie theater in the city. You can see new mega-releases, as well as local films and international festivals.
  • Monje Campero, (at the beginning of Avenida 16 de Julio).
  • 16 de Julio (next to the student area).
  • Cine Azul, (at the beginning of Avenida 16 de Julio). Despite all efforts to censor him, the first Bluey Showhouse underground in Latin America is still working.

Study

  • Exclusive Institute (Instituto Exclusivo), Avenida October 20 (Avenida 20 de Octubre) 2315, +591 2 242 1072. Learn Spanish, English, Aymara, Quechua, Dutch, German, French or some other foreign languages ​​with experienced and friendly teachers. Classes - from salsa, singing to local excursions, including visiting a museum or market, depending on desire. Free internet, coffee, milk, tea. Homestay and private transport are available upon request.
  • Languages ​​Pico Verde, Sagarnaga Street 363 (compared to San Francisco, closer to the corner with Calle Illampu), +591 2 231 8328 or +591 737 18240. Monday - Friday: 9.00 - 18.00, Saturday: 9: .0 - 13.00. Cozy Spanish school in the heart of the historic district of La Paz. He specializes in crash courses for travelers who want to learn to speak Spanish or improve their knowledge, as well as longer courses for those who stay in the city for a long enough time. Group or individual lessons at any level with experienced teachers, each of whom speaks fluent English, some in French, German and Italian. Homestay and volunteering opportunities can be provided, as well as other events. Competitive pricing and relaxed atmosphere. 4.50 - $ 8 per hour, depending on class size and classes.
  • Speak Easy Institute, Avenida Arce 2047, +591 2 244 1779. Highly qualified, experienced teachers and tailor-made courses, Spanish for a short time, consolidating what you already know, preparing for international exams, understanding of what exactly is the subjunctive mood. Homestay, volunteer work and cultural events are offered.

Private teachers

  • Pablo Fierro, 777 32300. 8.00 - 20.00, Monday - Sunday. Studying with Pablo is a great option. He has been teaching for more than five years. Pablo offers an absolutely natural learning environment to practice in various surroundings. One of the popular options is “Spanish on foot”, where students can make a trip to the city with Pablo and practice their conversational skills with the locals. Students also have the opportunity to study in a more relaxed atmosphere, for example, in the Pablo class in the city center, in a quiet cafe of the city or within their own hotel. Classes will definitely be fun thanks to the friendly personality of Pablo and a good sense of humor. Prices are more than affordable with discounts for long-term students.
  • Rita Clavijo, Pasaje José Manuel Loza 420 (Calle Prudencio) named after Esquire Juan de Vargas (Miraflores, between Laicacota Park and Obrero Stadium), +591 728 89 364 (rc @ ritacij com) .For those who find it difficult to study in a formal school environment or whose routine does not fit into the school schedule, Rita offers personal instruction at any convenient time, either at home, or in your hostel or quiet cafe - your choice. Rita has over 10 years of Spanish teaching experience, specializing in helping students who do not work. to those with tough, traditional approaches.
  • William Ortiz (service for ABC Spanish Tuition), Miraflores, Avenida Simon Bolivar, Pasaje 1880, 1785 (opposite China Motors Company, walk down the lane to the end), +591 2 2220582 or +591 72552871 ([email protected]). Monday - Sunday, 8.00 - 20.00. Mr. Ortiz, a Spanish teacher since 1992, in La Paz, is a 20-minute walk from Sopokachi and 10 minutes from the center. The class schedule is very flexible, and the student can start training on any day of the week. Individual, group and custom classes are possible. Homestay, volunteer work and educational tours are also organized for students throughout the course. Intensive lessons 3 to 4 hours a day or short-term intensive classes 5 to 10 hours a day. Free delivery to the hostel.
  • Iris Palacios, Calacoto District, 23, 7870. 9.00 - 19.00. Private Spanish classes in the center of the southern part of the city. Certified teacher with five years of experience. Flexible schedule, cuisine, Wi-Fi, places for volunteers, homestay and family sharing.

Shopping and shops

  • Handicraft market on Santa Cruz street in La Paz.
  • Shop “Fair trade shop”, 958 Linares street (Calle Linares). Excellent weaving of better quality than things on the street at comparable prices. Beautifully decorated with wood inlays and ready for hanging.
  • A Manos (A Manos), street Carlos Bravo (Calle Carlos Bravo) 299 (behind the hotel "Plaza" on the Prado). Handicrafts of good quality. Includes a cafe (Café El Consulado), travel agency: Topas Adventure Travel Bolivia and 5 large halls.
  • Aini Bolivia (hand-made works by “Fair Trade”), Avenida Ilyampu (llampu) 704 (in the same area as the Witch Market), +591 2 279 2395 ([email protected]). Monday - Friday: 8.00 - 20.30, Saturday: 10.00 - 18.30. The store, as well as a member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), has 26 different varieties of crafts in a wide assortment (alpaca, wood, ceramics, local textiles, tablecloths, greeting cards). One store is located inside the Rosario Hotel, the other is on the street. Prices - from 2 to 50 dollars.
  • Bookstore and equipment store “The Spitting Llama”, 947 Linares street (inside Posada de la Abuela hostel), +591 79770312 ([email protected]). Monday - Saturday, 10.00 - 19.30. It offers a wide range of equipment for hiking, camping and the like. Rental items such as tents and sleeping bags are also available.
  • Many books in English and many other languages, as well as the best book exchange in Bolivia. English speaking staff available. This is basically a bookstore.

Cards

  • La Paz is a great place to buy a country map. Topographic maps are available at 1: 50,000, 1: 100,000, and 1: 250,000. The most popular maps, including version 1: 250,000 of Cordillera Real and version 1: 50,000 of Sajama volcano. They are sold by street vendors that roam Sagarnaga Street, and at kiosks along the Prado. But the best place to buy maps is the "Military Geographic Institute" ("Instituto Geografico Militar", IGM). The institute has two offices in the city, listed below.
  • Edificio Murillo 100, Calle Juan XXIII, parallel to Calle Murillo at the end of Calle Rodríguez. This office will most likely be the closest to your place of residence and will be able to offer one or two cards or ask you to return mañana (tomorrow) if the required card is not available.
  • Central Office, General Staff, Avenida Saavedra 2303. It is open in the afternoon, but it is best to choose a time for a visit between 9 and 11 o’clock in the evening. It does not work if there is a game of football in a nearby stadium.

Bars Where to go

Local laws prohibit the sale of alcohol after 4am. There are a number of pubs that sell booze illegally.

  • Paladar-Cozinha Brasileira, S. Ferrecio B-28, San Miguel (to the right of Alexander Coffee), +591 2 2774337. Tuesday - Sunday: 12.00 - 15.30, Tuesday - Saturday: 19.00 - 23.30. It serves traditional Brazilian cuisine. Feijoada (a hot bean dish with smoked pork ribs, smoked sausage, dried meat and bacon in a pot), Seafood Mokeka (white meat of Amazonian arapiama river fish), stewed in coconut milk with spices). The Caipirinha cocktail is ideal for these dishes, or if you want something less exotic, drink wine or beer. It also offers several types of meat, chicken and grilled trout (not a buffet). A cozy place, the owners are a couple from Canada. The average price is $ 5 - $ 15 with drinks.
  • Hallwright's, Avenida Sanchez Lima, 2235, between Rosendo Gutierrez and Guachalla, tel. +591 6803 1510. Open Monday through Saturday from 5 hours to midnight. A wine bar serving cheese and sausages. They sell Bolivian wines and locally produced food. There are also Argentinean and Chilean wines, local home-made beer and a large selection of liquors. Pleasant, relaxing atmosphere with good staff (most speak English). Nice place to relax. There is a free Wi-Fi. No smoking allowed. The time of discounts is every day from 5.00 to 6.30.
  • The English Pub, Linares Street, around the corner of Tarija Street 89, tel. + 591 2124302. Northern English is a bar for tourists with typical English cuisine at average prices. The atmosphere of the holiday reigns in the institution, you will find a warm welcome from the English-speaking staff. There is Wi-Fi, a TV for watching sporting events, and a book exchange is possible (very good, but expensive). Discounts from 17.00 to 18.00 every day. On Fridays and Saturdays, amazing parties and surprises. Available to order for large and tourist groups. Great food, good breakfast, especially during a hangover. A good place to talk with the locals and practice your Spanish.
  • Sol Y Luna, address: corner of 999 Murillo Street and Cochabamba Street, tel. +59122115323. Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 09.00 to 01.00. Prices range from 3 to 9 dollars. The meeting point for tourists is owned and operated by the Dutch. Nice atmosphere, 4 different zones, live music on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. It includes free Wi-Fi, a large-screen TV and a projector for watching important sporting events. There is also a pool table. Try mojito with coca leaves. Try the famous Dutch appetizer Bitterballen (meat croquettes), or if you can’t choose something, take one of their mixed dishes for two.
  • Irish, Piazza Aurora. They offer delicious food and cocktails at inflated prices, although they are not as good as in some other bars. Themed bar popular with Bolivians.
  • Traffic, San Jorge. Bar with a pleasant atmosphere and good music. There is a large dance floor and a cozy bar.
  • Antique Pub, Pichincha 662. In order to keep your attention, the institution has rock music records, various old things, including a wristwatch, photographs, a children's tricycle and a revolver. In addition to drinks, food is also served.
  • Pomp Pomp Salty Man, Loisa and Comerseo. Known for its banned drinks. The institution has an ATM.
  • Hard Rock Cafe, 399 Santa Cruz Street illampu, +591 2 211 9318. 22.00 - 4.00. Open all week. They hold large parties, play all genres of music. The largest bar, which serves a lot of different drinks. It has a pleasant atmosphere, good music plays and is always full of tourists and locals.
  • BackStage, La Florida, Calacoto. A trendy karaoke lounge with a great atmosphere and an amazing variety of songs in Spanish and English. A good option if you want to visit the “sur zone”.

Clubs and nightlife

  • Mongo's, Hermanos Manchego 2444. Since 1995 it is considered one of the most popular places for tourists and locals. Every night there is a lively atmosphere.
  • Forum Located near Plaza Espana. Good place for parties and discos. Another similar establishment is called Soundbar. Mods often come to the club. Worth a look if you are looking for a famous and luxurious club.
  • La Gitana, “sur zone”, 8 de Calcoto street, bar-club for the golden youth of southern La Paz. Dress code.
  • Dry Law, “sur zone”, Cota Cota, is a pretty good hip club in the rich southern zone of La Paz, which is considered a luxury. A good alternative to Mongo's or RamJam, if you are tired of bumping into gringos all the time. Dress code.
  • Ttkos, Mexico Street 1553, San Pedro, is considered a famous reggae, ska, punk club. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and good cocktails. Try Tutum.

Things to do

How to get around the city

Taxi. What features exist

The easiest way to ride is by taxi. The fare is not standardized, so arrange it before boarding; a trip to the city center should cost about 6 - 8 boliviano. If you want to drive further, first ask a few taxi drivers. A regular taxi ride from the city center to a place within the city limits will not cost you more than 20 boliviano.

Make sure that the taxi has a yellow sticker on the windshield and the rear passenger side window, the figure on which displays the number “4”. This is the only sure way to make sure that you are actually using registered taxis and not the dangerous “gypsy taxis”. Gypsy taxis can be painted in the same way, even have a roof plate, so always pay attention to the yellow stickers.

On foot

If it suddenly turns out that you are lost, the easiest option is to just go down. In the end, you will find yourself on the Prado or other major avenue. Then you can take a taxi to the center if you are on the south side of the city (Zona Sur).

Buses

There are three types of general public transport in La Paz: regular buses (or “micros”), shared vans called “mini buses”, and shared taxis operating on specific routes shown on the windshield, and called "trufis".

All types of routes they have are indicated on the windshield, but minibuses have a bonus: a conductor working outside and shouting routes in a fast, auctioneer-like manner. You can catch a bus or minibus anywhere, but to get out, just shout: "¡voy a bajar!"

Vehicle rental

There are several large car rental companies in La Paz, both at the airport and in the city center, you can see car rental prices, for example, here. At Budget, renting a Suzuki Jimny costs $ 59 per day and the cars make a very good impression. Beware of extra fees when you return your car to Budget. Roads around La Paz can be unpaved, so the car can get a little dirty inside and out.You may be asked for an additional cleaning fee. It’s a good idea to use 4x4 rentals, as the surroundings are amazing: visit Chacaltaya and Valle de Las Animas and you will not regret it.

Bicycle

You can take a day trip around La Paz by bike. You can ride the famous death road on your own bicycle, taking a minibus (25 boliviano, including a bicycle) from the bus station on Ramiro Castillo to La Cumbre, then ride a bicycle to Koroyko and return by minibus (30 boliviano with the bike) to the same terminal. Check the brakes!

You can take a bike to Chakaltaya (5,300 m above sea level) and climb the remaining 150 meters on foot. Drive along the motorway to El Alto and continue along the road to Chakaltaya. Take the motorway right after the turn, head along the first local street on the right (turn right at the footbridge over the highway) and follow it until you reach the gravel cover - and you get to a school called Siete Lagunas). Turn right and follow the signs first to Zongo and then to Chakaltay.

You can also take a bicycle to go around Zongo with fantastic views of lakes, dams and peaks. This is a great option for acclimatized people. Check the brakes!

How to get around the city

Ski vacation

Ski vacation

Watch the video: FORGET CABO. .Come Here Instead! La Paz Ep. 1 (March 2024).

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