THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Bolivia - page 131

El Mural Av Montes 689; map . Way off the regular peña tourist trail, this earthy, devilishly
painted, mirror-balled venue is conveniently located below the new Bash'n'Crash hostel and
residents get in free. Charges are Bs5 during the week and Bs20 on weekends, though that in-
cludes a free singani and orange juice. Once the charangos and open fire die down, the disco
starts up. Shows 11.30pm & 1.30am.
Peña Huari Sagárnaga 339 02 2316225; map . The longest-established and most popular
peña in town - hence the Bs105 cover charge - with a reasonably authentic folk music show
andgood,ifpricey,traditionalAltiplanofood,includingalistofllamadisheswellintodouble
figures. Shows daily 8pm.
Peña Markatambo Jaen 710 02 2280041; map . Perhaps the most authentic traditional
music and dance show in La Paz, with an ideal setting in an old colonial mansion, though the
food is mediocre. Bs35 cover charge. Shows Mon-Fri 10pm.
Peña Parnaso Sagárnaga 189 02 2316827; map . A very touristy peña , slap-bang in the
middle of gringo alley. The food isn't bad (and they also have some vegetarian options), and
reasonably compelling shows take place amid colonial cornicing, columns and a particularly
tacky backdrop. Cover charge Bs80, though you can sometimes pick up flyers offering a free
drink. Shows Mon-Sat 8.30pm.
< Back to Entertainment
SHOPPING
Given that the city can at times feel like one massive marketplace, it should come as no sur-
prise that La Paz is a good place to go shopping . You'll find a wider range of artesanía
(handicrafts) here than anywhere else in Bolivia, with goods from all over the country, which
means you don't have to lug souvenirs back with you from Sucre or Potosí. Most of what's
on sale is good quality, too, and prices aren't much higher than at the point of manufacture.
ARTESANÍA
ThebestplacestoshopforhandicraftsandothersouvenirsareCalleSagárnaga,CalleLinares
and the surrounding streets, where you'll find dozens of shops and stalls. Many of the differ-
ent magic charms, bracelets and carved stone figures sold in the Mercado de Hechicería also
make inexpensive souvenirs and outlandish gifts for people back home. Note that most of the
fossils sold on the street are fake.
Prices The cost (though not necessarily the quality) of crafts is generally lower on the street
stalls than in the shops and it's worth shopping around and comparing prices before you buy.
There's room for a certain amount of bargaining, but don't expect prices to come down too
much; haggling with someone far poorer than you over a dollar or two will make you look
foolish and mean-spirited.