La Paz

La Paz, aptly called the city that touches the sky, truly lives up to its name. Perched at an impressive altitude of 3,660 meters (12,008 feet), it is the highest capital city in the world. Nestled within a natural bowl surrounded by the high-altitude plains, the city’s sprawling neighborhoods climb the surrounding hills, reaching elevations between 3,000 and 4,100 meters. Dominating the skyline is the majestic, snow-capped Illimani, a triple-peaked sentinel that watches over the city. Serving as both the administrative and departmental capital of Bolivia, La Paz boasted a population of 789,585 according to the 2001 census. When combined with the neighboring cities of El Alto and Viacha, it forms Bolivia's most populous urban area, with over 1.6 million residents.

La Paz stands as Bolivia’s cultural heart, brimming with vibrant marketplaces that are woven into the city's fabric, ensuring you encounter them wherever you wander. The city also boasts a rich tapestry of museums and historical landmarks. Key sites include the Cathedral of San Francisco, where the saint's remains are interred; the Metropolitan Cathedral, which houses the remains of Sucre; and the Quemado Palace, the seat of the executive branch.

You can also visit the Congress building, which occasionally opens its doors to the public, and stroll along Jaen Street, a preserved relic from the Spanish era, home to ten intriguing museums. Other notable attractions are the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) and the Muela del Diablo (Devil's Tooth), a striking geological formation ideal for hiking. Don’t miss the Cine-Teatro Municipal, a 19th-century gem, the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, the largest state university in Bolivia, and the General Cemetery, the resting place of many Bolivian presidents. Explore the historic house of Simon Bolivar and take in the unique landscapes and cultural landmarks that make La Paz a city like no other.