La Paz

La Paz


La Paz is one of the highest large cities in the world and the seat of the Bolivian government. It is situated on the bottom of a canyon, about 4 km above sea level. The surrounding area is barren and oxygen is thin. La Paz has a very colorful population, women wear bowler hats (worn on the side when they're single and straight if they's married) and large skirts, while most men wear casual clothing. There are many beggars in La Paz.

Construction of the Iglesia de San Francisco began in 1549 and it is a mix of mestizo and Spanish styles. Immediately behind the church is the Witches' Market where all sorts of potions, amulets and silver jewelry are for sale. There are several interesting museums in La Paz. The Museo Costumbista Juan de Vargas has some nice dioramas of the city, while the Museo de Metales Preciosos Pre-Columbinos has an impressive exhibition of silver-, gold- and copper jewelry dating from pre-Conquest times.

Around La Paz

11 km east of the city is the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), which is a collection of barren canyons and eroded pinnacles.

Further east, at about 60 km from La Paz is the 6460 m high Illimani, one of the most famous mountains in Bolivia.

The Zongo Valley is absolutely magnificent. It boasts ice caves, turquoise colored lakes and the peak of Huayna Potosí. The Zongo Valley is about 50 km north of La Paz.

The ceremonial center of Tiahuanaco, 70 km west of the city is the most important archaeological site in Bolivia.

There are numerous hotels and restaurants in La Paz. Many of the cheaper places are situated in the district around Calle Manco Capac and the Prado. There are also countless music-bars and discotheques in the city. Bring warm clothing, as it can get very chilly in La Paz because of its high altitude.


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Miscellaneous Information

Latitude:    16°30' S
Longitude: 68°08' W
Elevation:  3,658 m (12,001 ft)

Population: 1,000,000
Cost-of-living compared to Washington D.C.: 93%

Hours from UTC: -4
Daylight savings time: n/a

City phone code: 2
Country phone code: 591

Average Weather Patterns

 TemperaturePrecipitation
January11.7°C (53.1°F)11.4 cm (4.49 in)
April11.4°C (52.5°F)3.3 cm (1.3 in)
July8.6°C (47.5°F)1 cm (0.39 in)
October11.7°C (53.1°F)4.1 cm (1.61 in)

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