Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Fernando Guachalla 554, Sopocachi; 8am-8pm Mon-Sat)
Arco Iris has an extensive
pastelería
(cake shop) and deli featuring fine specialty regional meat and dairy treats like
smoked llama salami, plus products such as fresh palm hearts and dried Beni fruits.
Drinking
There are scores of inexpensive, local drinking dens where men go to drink
singani
(dis-
tilled grape spirit, the local firewater), play
cacho
(dice) and eventually pass out. Unac-
companied women should steer clear of these spots (even accompanied women may have
problems).
There are plenty of elegant bars, which are frequented by foreigners and middle-class
Bolivians. Local, gilded youth mingle with upmarket expats at clubs along 20 de Octubre
in Sopocachi and in Zona Sur, where US-style bars and discos spread along Av Ballivián
and Calle 21. These change as often as fashions, so it's best to ask around for the latest in-
spot.
Bocaisapo
(Calle Jaén, Casco Viejo; 7pm-late Thu-Sat)
This bohemian favorite has live music, a
maddening elixir de coca drink, plenty of affected La Paz artsters and a candlelit ambien-
ce.
PUB
Green Bar
(Salinas 596, Sopocachi)
For a cloistered pub setting with intellectual types, girls straight
out of a Modigliani painting, weirdos, rockers and other ne'er-do-wells, check out this be-
loved hole in the wall.
PUB
Oliver's Travels
(cnr Murillo & Cochabamba, 2nd fl, Rosario)
The worst (or best?) cultural experience in
La Paz is to be had at this pub, thanks to its crowd of mainly foreign revelers, good beer
selection, football, typical English food (including curries) and popular music. It has a
good, if pricey, book exchange.
PUB
