Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
B5
59
El Ceibo
D4
E5
(see 38)
61
Tatoo
A4
Information
D5
D5
D5
E5
C6
B5
(see 26)
68
Laverap
A4
D5
Transport
70
Diana Tours
B5
C2
If the founding of La Paz had been based on anything other than gold, its position in the
depths of a rugged canyon probably would have dictated an unpromising future. However,
the protection this setting provided from the fierce Altiplano climate and the city's con-
venient location on the main trade route between Lima and Potosí - much of the Potosí
silver bound for Pacific ports passed through La Paz - offered the city some hope of
prosperity once the gold ran out. And by the time the railway was built, the city was well
enough established to continue commanding attention.
In spite of its name, the City of Our Lady of Peace has seen a good deal of violence.
Since Bolivian independence in 1825, the republic has endured more than 190 changes of
leadership. An abnormally high mortality rate once accompanied high office in Bolivia,
and the job of president came with a short life expectancy. In fact, the presidential palace
on the plaza is now known as the Palacio Quemado (Burned Palace), owing to its repeated
gutting by fire. As recently as 1946 then-president Gualberto Villarroel was publicly
hanged in Plaza Murillo.
Today La Paz is Bolivia's de facto capital (Sucre remains the constitutional capital).