4
Look for hotels in the Sopocachi area if possible - it is a very pleasant part of the city, close to the center but not too far like Calacoto (which is an upscale suburb with many upmarket hotels but pretty far from the city center). However, Calacoto is at a lower altitude and warmer. Regardless, try to find a hotel with central heating - La Paz gets very cold at night.There are also many restaurants in Sopocachi as well, but for various reasons we were not able to try them out. The best restaurant we have been to in La Paz is El Consulado - exceptional food and service, but it's schedule is erratic. If closed, a restaurant at a nearby Europa hotel is also very good - has a menu featuring both local and international dishes, excellent service, well-prepared food.
7
It's walkable, as Prado avenue starts basically from Sopocachi. But bear in mind that you will be at a very considerable altitude, and a distance that's easily walkable for you now, will not be in La Paz, at least the first day :) But it is literally next to the center of La Paz, I'd say 20 minutes at regular pace, but that will depend on how quickly you will acclimatize to the altitude.If you want to see, here is my photo of Sopocachi:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/28095414@N02/8038063731/in/photostream
Edited by: elrusomiami
8
Sopocachi is my favourite area of the city, but for a tourist I probably wouldn't recommend as it's a long way to the tourist sites and there are limited budget hotels . There are plenty of good restaurants there so worth heading there for lunch one day. It's about 20-30 minute walk from the city centre.9
I agree with many of the other posts about staying in the area around the Iglesia San Francisco. I have usually stayed at the Hotel Milton a few blocks uphill from the church. The staff there is SUPER FRIENDLY and very helpful. It's near the witches market, etc. and as safe as any hotel/hostel around there can be. Breakfast is included in the price...and it is reasonable. Was $12. to $15. last time I was there a couple of years ago. Free internet and a travel agency next door. Easy walking distance to anywhere downtown. It has been there awhile and is now listed in the Rough Guide, maybe the Lonely Planet as well. (?) Oh, and actually has HOT water. LOLStarturtle
