Before arriving in La Paz, Bolivia I had heard mixed reports from other travelers. Some said it was a boring city with not much to do, others warned me against the danger of both the people and the food. So upon arrival I was expecting to be overwhelmed and unsure. Thankfully, I instead found La Paz to be an awesome city I wish I’d spent longer exploring.
The country of Bolivia is a dichotomy, with so many differing environments, activities, places and experiences. La Paz reflects this dichotomy in the format of a massive city.
The first activity I did upon arrival was to take the free walking tour operated by Red C&P. Though it’s not actually free anymore due to law requirement a charge for their service, the USD$3 fee is worth it. The tour starts in Plaza San Pedro in the busy downtown area of Santa Barbara. Walking through the local fruit and vegetable market, the witches market, San Francisco Plaza and Plaza Murrillo, the centre of La Paz, the tour leaders are incredibly knowledgeable on the city’s history and the tour is the perfect way to get the layout of a small section of this city.
La Paz is filled with beautiful cathedrals, parks and squares where locals sit and watch the world go by, children chase the ever-present pigeons and street performers are out in force both day and night.
But as I said in the beginning, La Paz is a dichotomy. From the downtown area of Santa Barbara you can jump into a taxi (which is really a moving van with boys yelling out a direction and you jump in and out at your own risk) and travel to the newly constructed Mi Teleférico.
With three lines currently running around the city and more planned, for the low cost of 3 Bolivianos (approximately USD$0.50) you can travel this spectacular transport system and see sprawling La Paz from above.
Once at the top of the Red Line it’s a short walk to the largest Witches Market in La Paz. With views of the Andes Mountains as a reminder the city is at an elevation of 3500 meters, the witches market covers many blocks, creating a very stark contrast to the modern Teleférico system that transported you there.
Llama foetuses hang from most stalls, offerings are placed on the ground and you must ask the ladies manning the stalls if you can take photographs. The market is an experience for the senses. Colours and sights and smells are everywhere, and it’s a great place to wander.
Returning back down to the city, the Teleférico Yellow Line will deliver you into a richer, modern area with nice houses, paved streets and trendy stores and cafes.
There is so much in this city to explore. I only had the opportunity to spend three days, but those were filled with great food, friendly people and so many great sights. I never once felt unsafe, even when I explored the city alone. Sure I asked hostel friends to walk with me back to my hostel late at night as it wasn’t a journey I wanted to make alone, but that’s a standard safety precaution no matter where I am.
La Paz is a place that completely obliterated my expectations, and I highly recommend everyone visit.
Leave A Comment