Founded in 1548 as Nuestra Señora de La Paz (“Our Lady of Peace”) by the conquistador Captain Alonso de Mendoza on the site of an Inca village, the city was renamed La Paz de Ayacucho in 1825, in commemoration of the last decisive battle in the wars of independence. The seat of national government was established there in 1898, but Sucre remains Bolivia’s constitutional capital, home to the country’s Supreme Court; La Paz is the seat of the executive and legislative branches. The Plaza Murillo, on the northeastern side of the river, is the heart of the city and site of the huge modern cathedral and government and legislative palaces. Although few colonial buildings survive, the narrow, steep, older streets, red-tile roofs, many skyscrapers, and highland Indians in colourful dress, with Nevado Illimani (21,004 feet [6,402 metres]) and other snowcapped peaks of the Cordillera Real in the background, give La Paz a distinctive atmosphere. La Paz is the site of the University of San Andrés (1830) and Bolivian Catholic University (1966). The National Museum of Art, a children’s museum, the Museum of Ethnography and Folklore, the National Museum of Archaeology, and the Mercado de Brujas (“Witches’ Market”), where herbs and other remedies used by the Aymara are sold, are among the city’s cultural assets. The city was hit by an earthquake in 1998 that killed hundreds of residents and destroyed many buildings.
Set at a staggering 3,600 metres above sea level, La Paz is likely to literally take your breath away. To help your body adjust to the altitude, get your hands on some coca tea and take it easy for a couple of days. To truly explore this crazy city, you’re going to need your strength!
La Paz’ markets are a great place to pick up South American souvenirs, though some rather wackier than others. The Witch’s market is thus named for all the weird and wonderful concoctions sold at the stalls there.
You can find a potion for every purpose, from ‘follow me’ dust to attract new partners, to ‘repel me’ powder to rid yourself of unwanted attention.
La Paz is fast becoming a must-visit destination on the South American gringo trail, partly due to its convenient location between many of Bolivia and Peru’s greatest sites. But this bustling metropolis at a breathtaking 11,600 feet (3,600 meters) above sea level has plenty of worthwhile attractions of its own. Let’s take a look at the top 20 things to see and do in what was recently declared one of the New Seven Wonder Cities of the world.
