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La Paz is in a valley
high in the Andies. It has a median temperature of about 35-65 degrees
year round. It is either very dry and dusty and windy, or very wet and
muddy and windy. The summer months (November and December) see highs in
the 60's. Still the nights are very cold and heaters are not used (and
sometimes not available) at night.
La Paz is the capital of
and is located at the unlikely altitude of 12,500 feet, its airport is
appropriately called El Alto meaning "the high" at over 14,000 feet.La
Paz is below the airport. The road corkscrews into an immense bowl like
canyon. It's a big city of but dwarfed by its setting at the foot of Nevado
Illimani.
The traveler will see the
tremendous differences in the people and buildings that are a result of
's economy, the poorest in South America. From adobe huts to glass skyscrapers,
it is a contrast that leaves a profound impression on the traveler.
Actually founded in 1548
as the "city of peace" its history was punctuated by various revolutions
and wars and in the 1809 gained independence from Spain.
La Plaza de los Españoles,
that today is the Plaza Murillo, is the location for government buildings
and the main cathedral.
Today La Paz is a vibrant
city, growing and expanding in all directions. with a population of more
than a 1,500,000million.
Climate
Within La Paz there are
different climates according to each zone's altitude. The average temperature
in winter is 59F and 72F in summer. In the summer, rain falls on most afternoons.
In the winter, days are slightly cooler, but the sky is mostly clear and
sunny.
Taxis are plentiful and
not expensive although some are of dubious ancestry. The city of La Paz
is best "walked" to appreciate the changes that have occurred in the establishment
of the city. There have been, historically, three 'city centers' and the
influence of each, helps you appreciate what we see today. Again a guide
makes these areas come alive. A word of caution. The extreme altitude dictates
flatlanders take it easy especially for the first few days. You may want
to take along some medication to help you cope.
Main Attractions
Presidential Palace: Also
known as the Palacio Quemado (Burnt Palace) due to repeating fire episodes
the building endured in the past.
The Cathedral: Built in
1835, the cathedral is an impressive building worth seeing. It is located
in the Plaza Murillo next to the Presidential Palace.
Mercado de Brujas (Witches'
Market): Merchandise sold here includes herbs, remedies as well as other
ingredients used in Aymara traditions.
Tiahuanaco: This ruins,
built over 1,000 years ago by the Tiahuancu people, are one of the most
exciting places to visit.
Some details
Now La Paz is a relatively
safe city but like all big cities the traveler should be prudent in the
areas visited and display of jewelry or cash.
The electric currency is,
as in most of South America, 220 volts most better hotels have converters
you can borrow or rent.
The currency is the no which
exchanges for the USD at about 8 to one although as in the rest of the
world, bank money machines are pretty easy to find.
Spanish is of course the
main language and except for the more upscale commercial areas and hotels
English is not often found. |
