Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LA PAZ IN…
Two Days
Given the altitude and hills, La Paz is best explored at a leisurely pace. Allow a solid day to acclimatize before
really hitting the town hard. You should be able to 'do' much of the city in just two days. Start your morning with
breakfast on the
Prado
or a snack - try
salteñas
(meat and vegetable filled pastry shells) - around
Plaza Avaroa
,
both perfect spots for watching one of the world's highest cities wake up. Stroll the historic cobblestone streets
around
Iglesia de San Francisco
and Calle Jaén, home to the wonderful
Calle Jaén Museums
. Tie some cultural
threads together at the
Museo de Textiles Andinos Bolivianos
, or wander through the interesting (if slightly over-
the-top) artesanía alley
Calle Linares
, and
Mercado de Hechicería
(Witches' Market). From here, head up to the
Mercado Negro
(Black Market) for amazing sights, sounds, smells and tastes (but be sure to watch for pickpock-
ets).
Come dusk, head back downhill along the Prado and, if you're traveling with a special someone, treat yourself
to a sunset smooch at the
Mirador Laikakota
before donning your evening threads for a night of fine dining in
one of the international eateries in Sopocachi. Alternatively, kick back in one of the many popular bars around
town or enjoy a taste of traditional music at one of the
peñas
.
Four Days
Follow the two-day itinerary, then on your third day do a
guided walking tour
of La Paz or the wild rock gardens
that surround the city in the
Valle de la Luna
or
Muela del Diablo
. It's always fun to bring a picnic of fresh
foods from the markets. On the fourth day take a day trip out to
Tiwanaku
to explore the ruins. Or, depending on
the season, you could visit
Chacaltaya
or do a day's
bike trip
on the outskirts of La Paz.
Sights
Most official sights, including museums, are closed during the Christmas holiday period
(December 25 to January 6).
WEST OF EL PRADO
The areas west of the Prado include the fascinating markets around Rosario, Belen and
San Pedro, the cemetery and the sophisticated Sopocachi neighborhood.
MARKET
Markets
La Paz' buzzing, frenetic markets are easily the highlight of any trip. It is here that the
commerce and culture of this modern-day capital collide in a wonderful riot of honks,
shrieks, smells, tastes and Kodachrome moments. There are open-air markets from Plaza
Pérez Velasco uphill to the cemetery - past Mercado Lanza, and Plazas Eguino and Garita
de Lima. The narrow cobblestone streets off Max Paredes are the center of the action.
