Activities in La Paz
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Alasitas
During Inca times the Alasitas ('Buy From Me' in Aymará, in Spanish it's Comprame) fair coincided with the spring equinox (September 21), and was intended to demonstrate the abundance of the fields. The date underwent some shifts during the Spanish colonial period, which the campesinos weren't too happy about. In effect they decided to turn the celebration into a kitschy mockery of the original.
'Abundance' was redefined to apply not only to crops, but also to homes, tools, cash, clothing and, lately, cars, trucks, airplanes and even 12-story buildings. The little god of abundance, Ekeko ('dwarf' in Aymará), made his appearance and modern Alasitas traditions are now cele…
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Gravity Assisted Mountain Biking
Many different operators offer a range of rides. One of the best known is Gravity Assisted Mountain Biking, a knowledgeable, highly regarded and professional outfit that has an excellent reputation among travelers. In addition to the trip to Coroico (B$600 per person), it offers a Ghost Ride ( whooo! in every respect – think riding to a ‘castle’ in the jungle at night; B$680) plus several rides around La Paz, including road and single-track trips around the Zongo Valley, Sorata and beyond (from B$600). Discounts are offered on second rides.
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Viajes Planeta
Viajes Planeta runs tours of the city and Zona Sur in a red, double-decker, city-tour bus. Short stops include Mirador Killi Killi, San Miguel in Zona Sur, and the Valle de la Luna. The recorded narration is in seven languages and is a bit of a promotional pitch (at one stage it highlights the bonuses of investing in Bolivia) but you'll see a lot in four hours.
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Academia de Música Helios
For musical instruction (in Spanish) on traditional Andean instruments (such as the zampoña,quena,charango ), see Professor Heliodoro Niña at the Academia de Música Helios or inquire at the Museo de Instrumentos Musicales.
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America Tours
Warmly recommended English-speaking agency that organizes trips to anywhere in the country. Specializes in new routes and community-based ecotourism in such places as Parque Nacional Madidi, Parque Nacional Sajama, Rurrenabaque and Salar de Uyuni.
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La Festividad de Nuestro Señor Jesús del Gran Poder
Held in late May or early June, La Festividad de Nuestro Señor Jesús del Gran Poder began in 1939 as a candle procession led by an image of Christ through the predominantly campesino neighborhoods of upper La Paz.
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Ayamará New Year
The Ayamará New Year is celebrated across the Altiplano around June 21, the longest and coldest night of the year. Festivities feature huge bonfires and fireworks in the streets, plus lots of drinking to stay warm.
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Calacoto Tours
Calacoto Tours. Specializes in horseback-riding trail rides in the Valle de las Animas and Muela del Diablo, and also offers tours to Lake Titicaca and the islands, Coroico and other nearby attractions.
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Centro Boliviano-Americano
For paid work, qualified English teachers can try the professionally run Centro Boliviano-Americano in La Paz. Accredited teachers can expect to earn up to US$500 per month for a full-time position.
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Magri Turismo
Established agency and American Express representative offering tours to the eastern, southern and La Paz regions of Bolivia including adventure and climbing activities.
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Diana Tours
Good-value La Paz city tours, plus day trips to Tiahuanaco, Valle de la Luna, Chacaltaya and the Yungas; cheap tours to Copacabana and Puno.
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Downhill Madness
For Coroico trips in particular, try Downhill Madness, which has superior hand-made, double-suspension Canadian Rocky Mountain bikes.
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Zig-Zag
Offers a range of trekking tours (including Choro and Takesi), beginners’ climbs and custom-made adventures around Bolivia.
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Casa del Sol
Yoga, Tai Chi and meditation classes are offered at Casa del Sol. Monthly memberships and student discounts are available.
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San Juan
San Juan is the Christian version of the solstice celebration. The solstice celebrations are most lively at Tiahuanaco.
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Independence Day
This lively public holiday sees lots of gunfire in the air, parades galore and mortar blasts around the city center.
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Virgen del Carmen Holiday
The patron saint of La Paz department gets her own public holiday, which includes many dances and parades.
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Isabel Daza Vivado
A recommended private language teacher. Email or call for more information.
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Alianza Francesa
Offers language classes, exhibitions and promotes cultural events.
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