Everything You Need to Know About La Paz

The city of La Paz is not only the gateway to the majestic mountain ranges of the South American Altiplano, but is also a unique and vibrant city in its own right. It’s the administrative capital of Bolivia and the world’s highest administrative capital, at an elevation of over 11,000 feet above sea level. Its main attractions include colonial-era monuments, picturesque natural wonders and cities which embody the richness and culture of an ancient civilization. This article will provide an overview of La Paz, with information about its attractions, culture, nightlife and more.

Location

La Paz is located in the region of South America known as The Altiplano. It is situated on a plateau which is located between the high sierras of the Eastern and Western Cordilleras of the Andes Mountains, and is approximately 11,987 feet above sea level. The city is bounded on the west by El Alto, the country’s second-largest city, and to the east by Lake Titicaca and Copacabana.

History

La Paz is a city with a long and distinguished history. Originally established in 1548 by Spanish conquistadors, the city served as a trading hub for the colonies established in Peru and Chile. It was officially recognized as a major administrative center by the early 1800s, when it became the capital of the province of the same name. Over time, the city grew and developed into an integral part of Bolivian culture and politics. In the late 1900s, La Paz underwent a major urban renewal project, which transformed the city into a modern metropolis with a vibrant culture that remains distinct from other Latin American cities.

Attractions

La Paz has some of the most remarkable sights in South America. Some of its must-see attractions include:

• The Witches’ Market: The Witches’ Market is one of La Paz’s most iconic attractions. Located in the heart of La Paz’s colonial district, this street market sells everything from herbal remedies and souvenirs to llama fetuses and voodoo dolls.
• San Francisco Church: Built in 1548, this sixteenth-century church stands as a testament to colonial-era architecture in La Paz.
• Mi Teleferico: This award-winning cable car system takes travelers on an 8-mile aerial journey from El Alto to La Paz.
• Valley of the Moon: This stunning valley is just a few miles outside the city center and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
• Museum of Music: This museum houses an extensive collection of music and instruments from Bolivia and other countries.
• Moon Valley Natural Park: This park is home to ancient rock formations, salt flats and petroglyphs.

Culture

La Paz is a city with a diverse cultural heritage that reflects its history and contemporary influences. A predominantly Catholic city, it has developed its own unique mix of cultural traditions and superstitions which can be witnesses all around you. The city’s art scene is vibrant and diverse, with both modern art galleries exhibiting cutting-edge contemporary works as well as more traditional displays of Andean art that depict Bolivia’s rich cultural heritage.

The city’s musical scene is also quite interesting. With its own distinct folk music known as Chicha as well as international styles such as Rock, Latin and Reggaeton, La Paz has something for everybody. The city also boasts lively nightlife options with an array of bars, pubs and discos clustered around Plaza Abaroa square in El Centro.

La Paz Bohemian Nightlife

There is no better way to experience La Paz’s rich culture than at its amazing nightlife spots. A great way to do so is to participate in the tours offered by amazing companies like Viator who offer La Paz Bohemian Nightlife. These tours offer insightful exploration of some of the best pubs, bars, discos and clubs in town while introducing you to amazing local music and culture. These tours are conducted by local experts who know La Paz like the back of their hands and offer great value for money. Plus they make sure your nightlife experience is safe and secure, so you can just sit back and enjoy yourself without worrying about a thing!

It’s also necessary to mention that seeing as La Paz is about 11 thousand feet above sea level it’s essential to remember that it might be difficult for some to adjust to these altitudes quickly (as mentioned in this article). So if you’re coming from sea level it’s still definitely possible to have an amazing time here but travelers should be mindful that they may experience mild symptoms such as headaches or light fatigue that comes with acclimating to high altitudes.

In the end there’s no doubt that La Paz has something for everybody looking for an amazing nightlife. From its varied music forms to its exciting histories it’s definitely a must do when visiting Bolivia! So consider booking a tour like La Paz Bohemian Nightlife to experience all that this amazing place has to offer!