[Highland City La Paz] A city where chaos and tradition intersect at an altitude of 3,600m
La Paz, the capital of Bolivia. It is one of the highest administrative capitals in the world, at an altitude of about 3,600m. Even just walking around here makes you out of breath, but the people who live there are very strong and energetic.
[The hustle and bustle of the city and the local feel]
Walking around the city center, women in colorful ethnic costumes sit on the roadside and sell handmade goods and food. Taxis and minivans pass each other honking their horns, and the city is lively like a festival every day.
What was particularly impressive were the colorful buildings lined up on the sloping alleys and slopes. The cityscape, with its orange, blue, and green painted walls and its unique mix of European architecture and indigenous elements, makes you feel like you've traveled back in time.
[The appeal of walking around the city]
In the city full of slopes, traditional cholitas (indigenous women) walk around in colorful skirts and bowler hats, and the streets are lined with food stalls and small shops. Handmade sweets, fruits, and folk crafts are lined up, and you can enjoy interacting with the locals. As you can see from the photo, the streets are full of life and are full of travelling spirit.
[Colonial architecture with a scent of history]
Beautiful colonial buildings such as the presidential palace and the parliament are lined up in Plaza Murillo. The heavy columns and balconies, as well as the national flag and the indigenous symbol "wayfaras" fluttering proudly were impressive. This is also a place for citizens to relax, and there are an incredible number of pigeons (lol)
[Enchanting Caracol Street (Sagarnaga Street)]
I walked around the area lined with souvenir shops, and there were plenty of Bolivian items, so it was fun just to look around. It's perfect for finding souvenirs such as ponchos, knitted items, and llama-patterned goods. There are many slopes, so comfortable shoes are a must.
[The spectacular aerial transportation "Mi Teleférico"]
You should definitely ride "Mi Teleférico", the world's highest cable car transportation system. This vehicle that travels through the city from the sky is not just a tourist attraction, but also a means of commuting for local people. The panoramic view of La Paz, which connects the valley floor of the city to the top of the hills, is sure to be a highlight of your trip.
The view from the line heading towards El Alto in particular makes you feel like you are looking down on the heart of the city, and you can feel the energy of the entire city.
[La Paz local food]
One of the attractions of the high mountain city of La Paz is the simple yet unique local cuisine.
[Gourmet List] 🍽️
• Salteña
Sweet and salty meat-filled empanadas that can be eaten for breakfast or as a snack. The inside is soupy and hot, so be careful not to spill it.
•Choripan
Street food with sausages sandwiched between bread and topped with a spicy sauce. It's especially delicious when eaten on the streets at night.
•Pique Macho
A hearty dish with a mountain of beef, sausages, French fries, and vegetables topped with a spicy sauce. The normal size is 2-3 servings.
•Api and empanadas
Api, a hot, sweet drink made from purple corn, is perfect for cold La Paz mornings. It goes well with cheese empanadas.
Honestly, Bolivian food isn't as impressive as neighboring Peru. But there are many unique dishes, so it's worth experiencing. If you miss the familiar flavors, head down the mountain to the south of La Paz, where you'll find many foreigners living there and can eat Chinese and other foreign cuisines.
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🔻Additional information: Things to do in La Paz
•Measures against altitude sickness: Coca tea is often available locally, and drinking it makes you feel a little better (I think).
•Transportation: The ropeway is super convenient and cheap (about 3 bolivianos per trip).
•Public Safety: The center is relatively safe, but be careful of pickpockets in crowded places.
•Language: Only Spanish is spoken in most cases, so it's useful to remember some basic phrases.
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