Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Where It's Happening
It's everywhere. The Sopocachi and the areas around Sagárnaga have especially high rates of attacks on foreign-
ers. You should avoid El Alto, the cemetery and higher-elevation neighborhoods altogether at night. Use special
caution in the bus terminals.
Other Concerns
La Paz is a great city to explore on foot, but take the local advice '
camina lento, toma poco…y duerme solo
'
(walk slowly, drink little…and sleep by your lonesome) to avoid feeling the effects of
soroche
(altitude sickness).
Soroche pills are said to be ineffective, and can even increase altitude sickness. Acetaminophen (also known as
Tylenol or paracetemol) does work, and drinking lots of water helps, too.
In the last couple of years, it seems traffic has increased tenfold due in part to secondhand car imports - take
care in crossing roads and avoid walking in busy streets at peak hours when fumes can be overwhelming.
Protests are not uncommon in La Paz, and they do sometimes turn violent. These center around Plazas San
Francisco and Murillo.
Comart Tukuypaj
(
www.comart-tukuypaj.com
;
Linares 958, Rosario)
Offers export-quality, fair-trade llama,
alpaca and
artesanías
from around the country. Upstairs the Inca Pallay women's weaving
cooperative has a gallery with justly famous Jal'qa and Candelaria weavings.
ARTS & CRAFTS
ELECTRONICS
Tatoo
(Illampu 828)
Part of a South American chain, this outdoor outlet has climbing gear and
name-brand outerwear.
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT
Spitting Llama Bookstore & Outfitter
(
www.thespittingllama.com
;
Linares 947)
Inside Posada de la Abuela, this friendly one-
stop shop stocks everything from maps to gear, including tents, backpacks and hiking
boots.
OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT, BOOKS
