La Paz

La Paz, Bolivia's administrative capital, is one of the world's highest capital cities, perched dramatically at 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) above sea level in the Andes Mountains. This extraordinary city cascades down the slopes of a deep valley, creating a impressive amphitheater of red-brick buildings, colonial architecture, and modern structures that seem to defy gravity. The city serves as Bolivia's political and cultural heart, where indigenous Aymara and Quechua cultures blend easyly with Spanish colonial heritage and contemporary urban life. Visitors to La Paz are immediately struck by its unique geography and busy street life, where bowler-hatted cholita women sell everything from llama fetuses to fresh produce in bustling markets, while the snow-capped peak of Illimani towers majestically over the cityscape. The city offers an intense sensory experience with its thin air, colorful markets, fascinating museums, and proximity to otherworldly landscapes like the famous Salar De Uyuni salt flats and the mysterious ruins of Tiwanaku.

La Paz's food scene ranges from street vendors selling traditional snacks to upscale restaurants featuring modern interpretations of Bolivian cuisine. The central markets offer the most real feel with hearty soups, fresh fruit juices, and local specialties at incredibly low prices. Sopocachi and Zona Sur neighborhoods have the best selection of international restaurants and trendy cafes. Don't miss trying salteñas for breakfast, anticuchos from street vendors, and traditional restaurants serving llama, quinoa dishes, and hearty stews. Vegetarians will find options, though meat features heavily in local cuisine. Always choose busy establishments for street food and be cautious with raw vegetables and tap water.

La Paz enjoys a subtropical highland climate with relatively stable temperatures year-round due to its altitude, though nights can be quite cold. The dry season (May to October) offers the best weather with clear skies, minimal rainfall, and excellent visibility of surrounding mountains, making it ideal for sightseeing and photography. The wet season (November to March) brings afternoon rains and cloudy skies but also lush landscapes and fewer tourists. June through August can be particularly cold, especially at night, while December through February are warmest but wettest. The altitude affects weather perception, so pack layers regardless of season.