Plaza Murillo, is the main square in the city, where two of the three political powers are located at the Palacio de Gobierno and at the Palacio Legislativo respectively.
The Catedral Metropolitana was built in the year 1831, when the contraction started, with a neoclassic style and a magnific interior distributed in 5 naves with capes.
Basílica San Francisco was funded in 1549 y reconstructed between the years 1743 and 1753 has a magnific interior with an altarpiece and golden bread pulpit.
Iglesia de Santo Domingo, is an old building created in 1760.
San pedro, located at the San Pedro square was built by the indians in 1790
La merced Located in calle colon and comercio was built in 1700.
San Calixto Church Calle pichincha was funded in 1882 with a neogothic style.
La Recoleta Church, was concluded in 1894. Located in the América Street.
Famous Streets and Markets
Sagarnaga Street, Preferred by tourists for the sale of typical Bolivian style souvenirs. One can find articles made of Llama wool, alpaca and vicuña that are specially designed for the Bolivian lifestyle. There are a great variety of artifacts made from tin and silver among other materials.
Witches Market, A traditional market where one can observe the beliefs and ancestral customs of the Andean society, located on Sagarnaga Street, perpendicular to Linares Street.
Museums
Street Jaen Museum. Located between Jaén y Sucre Street, composed of 4 different museums, In addition the same street offers a vision of what a colonial La Paz was like. Museum Costumbrista, a place where one can enjoy folkloric dances, “tambos” and personalities among other themes related to Bolivian Customs. Museum Litoral, Four environments which exhibit photography of the pacific ports that were once Bolivian territory before the wars with Chile. In these wars Bolivia lost its access to the Pacific Ocean in 1825. Museum of Pre-Colombinan Precious Metals, place where one can see goldmanship and manufacturing of pre-colonial ceramics as well as the handicraft of scarves, shawls, and dresses created in this precious metal that is globally coveted. Museum House of Murillo, The former home of the Bolivian hero of La Paz, Pedro Domingo Murillo of the Revolution of 1809. Museum of musical instruments, A museum of musical instruments both national and international pieces that originate in different eras of music, located on Linares Street and Sagarnaga Street. National museum of art, counts on four salons of exhibition in which are displayed Bolivian art pieces from the 16th to 20th centuries. Includes iber-american and contemporary art among other styles located on Comercio Street and Socabaya Street. Museum of Ethnography and Folklore, exposes Chipaya Culture (Oruro), Hand-woven pieces of the Uru culture as well as information about Tarabuco and Pujllay dancing, located on calle Ingavi Esq. Genaro Sanjinez. Museum Tambo Kirkincha, Hostel and residence of the Quechua Chief Quirquincha, houses 12 salons of exposition permanently y one temporarily. Exhibits collections of silver from the Republican and Colonial times. Photography of the colonial times of the city as well as masks, paintings, and contemporary sculptures of La Paz. Located on calle Evaristo Valle and Plaza Alonso de Mendoza. Museum of archaeology, exhibits Incan ceramics among others located on calle Tiahuanacu. House Of The Culture, Located on Plaza de los Cóndores, Pérez Velasco y Potosí, which exhibits bith artwork and theatrical plays.
Viewpoints
Viewpoint “Laikacota”, Located in park Raúl Salmón Av. del Ejército. Viewpoint “Killi killi”, Av. las Banderas. Montículo, one block from Av. Ecuador
CINEMA
“Cinemateca Boliviana”, Calle Federico Suazo casi Esq. Rosendo Gutiérrez, Tel. 2117408-2444090. www.cinematecaboliviana.org Municipal Cinema “6 de Agosto”, Av. 6 de agosto #2284 Tel. 2442629 (Projects both European and Latin American films) Cinema “Monje Campero”, Av. 16 de julio n. 1495 (el Prado) Tel. 2323333 – 2329015 Cinema “16 de Julio”, Av. 16 de julio (el Prado) #1897 Tel. 2441099 Municipal Theatre, Genaro Sanjinez Street and Indaburo.
Cultural Festivals
Alasitas, Festival of abundance celebrated on the 24th of January Carnaval, The biggest festival of Bolivia, its date varies between February and March. Gran Poder- Date varies between May and June, a festival in devotion to the Lord of Great Power with an homage of national folkloric dancing. Winter Solstice - Aymará New Year on the 21st of June. Ancestral ceremony to receive the first rays of sun for the new year, the ceremonial sunrise occurs in Tiahuancu. University Entry, University parade, where students show off their national pride with a parade of national folkloric dancing, usually takes place at the end of July
Enjoy La Paz Department
COROICO
Distance: 90 Kilometers from La Paz. With an Aymara population, and with the presence of afro-Bolivian groups. Although the topography of the region is hilly there is plenty of flora and fauna giving any visitor the illusion of having found a natural paradise. Its touristic potential is enormous especially considering its attractive biodiversity, which is appreciated by both national and foreign tourists. It is interesting to make the ascension to Uchumachi. The promenade to Vagantes. In addition to visiting the natural sites there is also the pre-Colombian hike of Chucura - Apacheta. The cultural Festival of the Virgin of the town is held on October 20th.
LAJA
The topography of the region is comprised of lakes and cliffs of residual columns with elevated plateaus its climate is cold with a minimum temperature of - 3°C., and a maximum temperature of 22°C. The existence of typical artifacts and the elaboration of “chullus”, “ponchos”, “aguayos”, “scarfs” and blankets. La Paz, was founded in this city on the 20th of October of 1548, currently it is a tourist attraction because of the beauty of the village church that was constructed of rock. In the portal there is a series of awesome pillars with carvings of eagles, monkeys, all in a baroque style and in its interior lies a great tablet and a frontal adornment of pure silver in the neo-classical style.
COPACABANA
Distance: 155 Kilometers from La Paz The peninsula of Copacabana is located at an altitude of 3.800 meters above sea level. The climate is cold with a temperature that fluctuates between 9°C., and -10°C. An interesting visit to the sanctuary of the basilica of the Virgin of Copacabana (1.588) colonial monument of the baroque renaissance style. The islands of the Sun and the moon. Hotels in Copacabana, La Paz Hotel “Rosario del Lago”: Located on the shores of Titicaca Lake. Address: Costanera Avenue Esq. Rigoberto Paredes Hotel Gloria Copacabana: panoramic view of the lake from its rooms and restaurant. Address: Av. 16 de Julio - Copacabana, Bolivia Hotel La Cúpula: Calle Michel Pérez 1-3 Copacabana, Bolivia tel/fax: 00591-2-862-2029 - National long distance: 010-2-862-2029 - Local call: 862-2029 Reservations
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- www.hotelcupula.com Hotel Las Olas, Calle Michel Pérez (Final) 1-3 Copacabana, Bolivia tel/fax International 00591 2862 2112, from a public phone 02862 2112 Local calls 862 2112 Reservations
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www.hostallasolas.com
LAKE TITIKAKA
At only 65 km. From the city of La Paz, one encounters the beautiful and mysterious Titicaca lake; this major island sea is located 3.900 meters above sea level with an extension of over 8.300 km. Its country landscape, its history, its archeological sites, its inhabitants, all come together to offer a special experience to its visitors.
TIWANACU
Distance: 53 Kilometers from La Paz Tiwanaku, formerly the capital of the vast Incan Empire is located in the highlands of La Paz with a cold climate and average temperature of 8°C., and an altitude of 3.830 meters above sea level. Tiwanaku, recognized as the cradle of American civilization, where one can find priceless monuments. It is interesting to visit the islands of “Puerta del Sol” (Door of the Sun), la “Puerta de la Luna” (door of the moon), the “Templete” the semi-subterranean of Kalasasaya, and Monolitos (Inca totems). Hotels en Tiwanaku, La Paz Wiracocha Hostal Restaurant A comfortable and spacious hostel, its rustic style harmonizes with its impressive landscape. At only 2 blocks form the main square and only 200 meters of the archeological complex.
ILLIMANI
Illimani with its 6.462 meters, is the mountain that adorns the horizon of the city of La Paz, it is the highest point of the “Cordillera Real” . Its contrast is the valley in which the city of La Paz is located, the extensive and radiant Illimani is awe inspiring and difficult to imagine without having the full experience of seeing a truly impressive landmark. Illimani in the aymará language means Golden Eagle, due to the fact that Illimani was once a volcano that is now no longer active. Illimani’s last eruption took place in 1869. It is a massive mountain that is over 8 km tall and houses four caves that are over 6,000 meters above sea level. Illimani, whose image is the main symbol in the coat of arms of La Paz, is recognized by the aymara people by a variety of names, including, the birth of the sun “illemana”, others call it “Jilir- Mamani”, eldest son, Still others named it Khunu Urucuncu, bear of snow; in the central zone it was known as, Chapa Punku, door of foam, to the east it was known as Khunu Chaubiri, watcher of snow. From the city you can witness this magnificent mountain with its brilliant con and sharp peaks resting over a square base of rocks, which is comprised of many leagues and kilometers in perimeter, all covered 100% in snow, which often changes in color due to the atmospheric changes and the movement of the sun. The density of the water vapor that comes from the tropics of Yungas also affects the coloration of this illustrious mountain. This incredible mountain has two routes available for the hike up to the peak, considering each one as an itinerary we describe them as follows: Itinerary 1: • La Paz - Puente Roto (Base of the Mountain) • Puente Roto - Campo Alto (Condor’s Nest) • Nido - Cumbre - Base (Puente Roto) This itinerary considers the need for acclimatization in order to ensure a successful hike. Itinerary 2: • La Paz - Puente Roto (Base of the Mountain) • Puente Roto - Porteo (Condor’s Nest) • Puente Roto - Campo Alto (Condor’s Nest) • Nido - Cumbre - Base (Puente Roto) This itinerary although it considers the need for acclimatization is much more physically demanding than the previous itinerary. Obtained from "http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illimani"
VALLE DE LA LUNA (Valley of the Moon)
The valley of the moon can be found as 10 km from the city of La Paz, Bolivia. It is not difficult to arrive to this site since it is located next to a highway on the way to the city zoo. A section of land where erosion has consumed the superior part of the mountain, being that the ground was unstable, made of clay rather than rock. With the passage of time nature created a work of art that presents a type of stalagmite desert. The mountains surrounding the valley are also made of clay and contain a variety of other minerals and as a consequence they have a distinct coloration creating a very attractive optical illusion.
CHULUMANI
Chulumani a fertile land that is famous for its production of the coca leaf, about a 4 hour drive in bus, it is a journey of adventure due to its distinct route which is so narrow in some areas that one car can pass at a time. Complete with beautiful landscapes where one can appreciate waterfalls, coca leaf plantations, and cliffs that give one the impression of being in the clouds. A beautiful village where one can find a variety of fruit, fresh coca, and fun places to visit, as well as excellent woodcraft.
CHACALTAYA
A ski site at 5,375 meters above sea level. Was once the highest ski resort in the world at an altitude of 5,421 meters above sea level. A great tourist destination for ski lovers. Located at 30 km from the city allowing visitors to have a view f the southern part of the Cordillera Real, like the city of “ El Alto” and the highlands of La Paz.
MUELA DEL DIABLO
Found at the south of the city of La Paz at an altitude of 3.825 meters above sea level, an attractive naturist tourist site that has unique geological formations caused by rain and erosion. The Devil’s Tooth, is an inactive volcano that from a distance gives the appearance of being a cavity rich tooth. Up close it resembles a petrified dinosaur, one can identify the head, the body, and a tail. The tallest part of the mountain is the center where there is a plateau or altar for the people of the community. In the month of August there is the tradition of making offerings to the gods “achachilas”, to please them and be blessed with a good harvest. The travel to the top of the mountain to make the offering must be done on foot, which is about a 3-hour hike.
CANYON OF PALCA
Located 30 kilometers southeast of the city of La Paz, one find a pictures village named Palca. The canyon of the same name possesses an amazing view of the Illimani mountain. At every step one can see geological formations that resemble gothic cathedrals and obelisks created by water erosion.
VALLEY OF THE SOULS
At 25 kilometers from the city of La Paz one finds the Valley of the souls that, because of its rocky landscape, is comprised of hundreds of cliffs and peaks that are impressive due to their great altitude. Vegetation is scarce. The surroundings however compliment the rocky formations and transform this valley into an amazing exhibit of nature’s art.
TAKESI
The pre-colonial adventurer’s route for those who like long walks, this route passes by various eco-systems in a true work of natural art. This is where and adventure’s dreams begin.
