Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Locals call this section the Mercado Negro (Black Market;
6am-8pm) . Every day is
market day in La Paz, but Saturdays are especially fun.
Especially interesting are the sections near Graneros ('designer' clothes), Tumusla and
Isaac Tamayo (everything and anything), and between Santa Cruz and Sagárnaga (tools
and building materials). The best place for electronics is along Eloy Salmón. Be especially
careful when wandering around this part of town: it's notorious for light fingers. It's best
to take a taxi here at night.
North of Plaza San Francisco, on Calle Figueroa, the Mercado Lanza Offline map
Google map ( 6am-8pm) is one of La Paz' main food markets. It also houses the splendid
Flower Market .
Iglesia de San Francisco
Offline map Google map
(Plaza San Francisco) The hewed stone basilica of San Francisco, on the plaza of the same
name, reflects an appealing blend of 16th-century Spanish and mestizo trends. The church
was founded in 1548 by Fray Francisco de los Ángeles, and construction began the fol-
lowing year. The original structure collapsed under heavy snowfall around 1610, but it
was reconstructed between 1744 and 1753. The second building was built entirely of
stone quarried at nearby Viacha. The facade is decorated with stone carvings of natural
themes such as chirimoyas (custard apples), pinecones and tropical birds.
The mass of rock pillars and stone faces in the upper portion of Plaza San Francisco is
intended to represent and honor Bolivia's three great cultures - Tiwanaku, Inca and mod-
ern.
The cloisters and garden of Museo San Francisco Offline map Google map (
231-8472; Plaza San Francisco; entrance B$20; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat) , adjacent to the
basilica, beautifully revive the history and art of the city's landmark. There are heavenly
religious paintings, historical artifacts, an interesting anteroom and a God-like, if quirky,
view from the roof.
As one of the city's focal points, the plaza is often the staging ground for rallies and
protests.
CHURCH
Museo Tambo Quirquincho
Offline map Google map
(Plaza Alonso de Mendoza; admission B$3; 9:30am-12:30pm & 3-7pm Tue-Fri,
9am-1pm Sat & Sun) This intriguing museum is slated to re-open after renovations in
MUSEUM
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