Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Museo de Arte Contemporáneo Plaza
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(MAC, Contemporary Art Museum; 16 de Julio 1698, Prado; admission B$15;
9am-9pm) Better modern art may be found in various other collections around town, but
this private museum wins the gold star for the most interesting building: a restored 19th-
century mansion (one of only four left on the Prado) with a glass roof and stained-glass
panels designed by Gustave Eiffel. The museum's eclectic collection housed over three
floors is a mix of reasonable - although not mind- blowing - Bolivian and international
work. You might catch an interesting temporary exhibition on the ground floor, sometimes
free if you ask nicely.
MUSEUM
La Paz Cemetery
As in most Latin American cemeteries, bodies are first buried in the traditional Western
way or are placed in a crypt. Then, within 10 years, they are disinterred and cremated.
After cremation, families purchase or rent glass-fronted spaces in the cemetery walls for
the ashes, they affix plaques and mementos of the deceased, and place flowers behind the
glass door. Each wall has hundreds of these doors, and some of the walls have been ex-
panded upward to such an extent that they resemble three- or four-story apartment blocks.
As a result the cemetery is an active place, full of people passing through to visit relatives
and leave or water fresh flowers.
It's possibly most interesting on November 2, the Día de los Muertos (Day of the
Dead), when half the city turns out to honor their ancestors.
Be aware that the area around the cemetery is a little unsavory.
CEMETERY
Sopocachi
Sopocachi has some of La Paz' best restaurants and nightspots. You can spend a few
hours people watching on Plaza Eduardo Avaroa , before hoofing up to the wonderful
views from Monticulo Park .
Be aware that express taxi robberies and muggings are common, especially at night
near Plaza Avaroa and Plaza España. Take a radio taxi.
NEIGHBORHOOD
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