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La Paz, Bolivia
La Paz, Bolivia is known as the city in the clouds. It sits at an altitude ranging from 3,600 meters to 4050 meters (11,811 feet - 13,287 feet) in El Alto, where the airport is located. The city sits in a sunken valley, surrounded by the snow capped Andes Mountains. Half of the population of 1.5 million is in the city of La Paz in the valley, while the rest live in ramshackle housing, above the city on a huge plateau called El Alto. The airport of La Paz is in one of its suburbs called El Alto, which is the world's highest international airport. El Alto is basically set on a huge plateau much higher than La Paz city. Nothing can prepare you for the city, you will be surrounded by new sights, sounds, and smells. The city is a mix of past and present thrown together. It is like stepping into a different world. The city maintains its authentic traditional roots of Andean culture. You'll see women and men walking around wearing colorful traditional indigenous clothing. While you will find the city to be a bustling city of commerce, you'll see skyscrapers, suited businessmen, busy traffic and tourists. When to GoAlthough La Paz can be visited year round, April to October is a great time to go. April to October will have the cool, crisp, clear days. Summer is the wet season from November to March. Summer is a bit warmer but heavy rain falls most days and low clouds hover over the region. The city has an average year round temperature of 35-65F. No matter when you go, always be prepared for wind and cold nights.Bolivia - Get FREE Travel Brochures! Remember La Paz ranges in altitude of 4050 meters (13,287 feet) to 3100 meters (10,170 feet). So, Be prepared to feel the altitude. Follow these High altitude travel tips. Getting ThereBy airLa Paz's airport is called El Alto International Airport. The airport is above the city, and planes come in fast, due to the thin air and high altitude of 4050 meters. This is the world's highest international airport. When leaving, there is an airport departure tax of $23 for international flights, Bs15 ($2) for domestic flights. From the U.K. there are no direct flights from the United Kingdom to Bolivia at this time, but there are numerous options. U.K. travelers can take American Airlines direct flight from London to Miami, and then Miami to La Paz, Bolivia direct flight. Other options would be to get on a flight from London to Brazil and then Brazil to Bolivia or London to Argentina and then to Bolivia. One more option is London to Lima, Peru and then to Bolivia. From Australia the easiest way to to get to Bolivia is take Aerolineas Argentinas. They fly from Sydney to Buenos Aires. From Buenos Aires, Aerolineas Argentinas offers daily flights to Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Another option, but long is take Qantas Airlines from Australia to Los Angeles. Then Los Angeles to Miami and Miami to Bolivia. From South America Most South American airlines TACA, TAM, LAN, and others serve El Alto Airport as well Bolivia's airline Aerosur and Lloyd Aéreo Bolivia. Gol airlines out of Brazil flies to Bolivia, and Aerolinea Argentina has good deals to Bolivia. There are also flights from Peru to Bolivia. From the airport, you can get a car to rent. You can also take a taxi or minibus into town, or make arrangements with your hotel to send a taxi for you. The rate for a taxi into the city center is Bs 50 ($6). Shared vans cost about Bs 4 (.50cents). Search for Hotels in La Paz Buses arrive and depart from the Terminal de Buses in the city. There are many connection between neighboring countries and major Bolivian cities. The terminal is located west of the city center on Avenida Peru. Getting AroundTaxi is one of the easiest way to get around in La Paz. You'll find many taxis driving around in La Paz. Tourist should look for Radio Taxis. Radio Taxi is the safest and most reliable taxi company. Radio Taxis will have a lit sign with telephone numbers on their car. Fares are fixed and are not metered. Expect to pay around 8Bs($1) for trips within the city center.Trufis are shared mini buses. You'll see trufis everywhere in the city. Routes are indicated on the windshield. Some routes can be confusing to tourists. It is best to take trufis in the center of town because they have straight routes without turns. There are no designated stop for drivers. You have to flag them down for them to stop and to get off yell "¡voy a bajar!" Trufis cost about 2Bs(.25cents) Walking can get tiring due to the altitude. Most streets are uphill and walking up those will make you feel winded. After staying a few days you get used to the altitude and walking will become easier. Don't try to walk long distances. It is best to walk short distances and know where your going. Rental Car can run about $25 to $75 per day, depending on the vehicle type. Driving can be tough in the area, the streets can be confusing, there are steep hills and traffic is horrible. If driving outside the city it would be a good idea to get a 4X4 vehicle. Roads are poorly maintained outside of the city. Always inquire about road conditions before leaving the city. Roads are subject to flash floods and landslides. You'll find some of the world's most dangerous roads in Bolivia. Hotels & AccommodationsLa Paz offers a wide variety of hotels for all budgets with some great value. The only place I do not recommend staying is in El Alto. El Alto can be unpredictable and dangerous. Click Here for some Hotels to stay at.Places to Eat - RestaurantsThe restaurants in La Paz will be much cheaper compared to what you pay at home. Much cheaper in fact, probably half of what you pay at home. Even the fancy restaurants are reasonable priced compared to what you'll find in your home country. Making it all the better reason to travel Bolivia, especially if your on a tight budget.Since La Paz is a big city, you'll find that there is a wide variety of international foods and of course the local Bolivian food. Click Here for a list of Restaurants that are worthy of a try or you can add your own review. Nightlife - Discos, Bars, Pubs & Live MusicBars, clubs, discos, pubs, live music; determined bar & club hoppers need never be bored by La Paz nightlife. Thursday-Saturday nights are the busy days and the rest of the week is relatively quiet. Click Here for some good places for a night outHave A Story About Your Visit in La Paz?Do you have a story about your visit to La Paz? If so, share it for other readers! Tell us about anything, such as: a strange or fun experience you had, a hotel or restaurant that you think is a hidden gem or you had an awful experience at. Whatever it is, the floor is yours!! Go ahead Blog Away! What Other Visitors Have SaidClick below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
Flight and Taxi Ride Into La Paz
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Fake Police in Bolivia
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The drive from the airport is something you'll never forget. You bounce around on bumpy roads and pass many slums and markets on the way. Soon you round a corner and the ground suddenly slopes down and the breathtaking valley of La Paz unfolds before you. It is especially breathtaking at night when millions of lights fill the canyon and crawl up the sides of the mountains.