Bolivia's largest city is dizzying in every respect.

The first glimpse of sky-high La Paz will, literally, take your breath away. The city's buildings cling to the sides of the canyon and spill spectacularly downwards. La Paz is best savored over time, not only to acclimatize to its well-publicized altitude but to experience its quirky beauty.

Most travelers enter this extraordinary city via the flat sparse plains of the sprawling city of El Alto, an approach that hides the sensational surprises of the valley below. From a dizzying elevation of 3660m (12008ft), wander at leisure through La Paz's alleys and lively markets.

Travel Warning: Protests and Demonstrations - Crime at Parque de la Luna

Street protests, strikes and demonstrations are reasonably common in Bolivia and have the potential to become violent. Travelers should avoid becoming caught up in such events and check local news sources to be aware of any developments.

Travelers have reported incidents of armed robbery at the Valle de la Luna. If visiting this area exercise caution and be alert to possible sources of threat.

severity: Mid-level alert

Fast Facts

Population

829,000

Currency

Name: Boliviano
Code: BOB
Symbol: B$

Electrical Plugs

European plug with two circular metal pins Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades
220V 50Hz

Languages Spoken

Official: Quechua, Spanish, Aymara

Time Zones

GMT/UTC -4 

Country Dialing Code

+591

Weights & Measures

Metric

Trekking in the Central Andes - Pick & Mix Chapters

Trekking in the Central Andes - Pick & Mix Chapters

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Traveller Tips & Discussion

Thorn Tree Forum

  • la paz
    Post by: lola00, 04 May 08
    20 Replies
    Last reply: 13 days ago
  • La Paz to Cusco
    Post by: trebex, 24 Jan 08
    10 Replies
    Last reply: 114 days ago
  • Must-Sees in La Paz
    Post by: dencman, 18 Oct 07
    13 Replies
    Last reply: 211 days ago
  • 4 days in La Paz
    Post by: Hoagy123, 04 May 07
    7 Replies
    Last reply: 379 days ago
  • carnival in la paz
    Post by: steve486435, 12 Jan 08
    2 Replies
    Last reply: 126 days ago

View more Thorn Tree threads ›

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