La Paz is the capital city of Bolivia and claims to be the highest capital in the world with an average altitude of 3660m, 12000ft.

I recently went to La Paz, whilst on a trip to Lake Titicaca, located approximately 5 hours away, depending on what route you take of course. In La Paz and the rest of Bolivia the currency they use is called Bolivianos. I worked out that at the time of writing this, each 10 Bolivianos (Bs) is worth approximately 95p!

One thing I really liked about La Paz was the markets and not to mention that they were really cheap. For example, below is a list of few things I bought and the prices.

Lipgloss, nail varnish & falsh eyelashes - 20 Bs.. just under £2.00
Pair of jeans - 55 Bs.. about £5.00! (amazing)
Sunglasses - 25 Bs.. about £2.50

In hindsight, I wish I had changed more Bolivianos or I may just have to go back to get some more cheap jeans!

There are many tourism sights to see and do in La Paz to include visiting San Francisco Church, Plaza Murillo, Valley of the Moon, Killi Killi Tower, the Cathedral, shop at the many markets and visit the museums.

Some of the favourite places I visited were:

Valley of the Moon
I thought this place was absolutely amazing. Its structures make of eroded pale rock has similarities of what you would expect of the moon, probably hence the moon. This canyon or gorge like site makes a absolutely fantasic place for taking pictures and if you want for simply relazing. It was 15 Bs for the entrance ticket, which I think is an absolute bargain for what you get.

Black Market
This market was said to be quite dangerous, but as someone who always makes sure my belongings stay as my belongings, I didnt feel too threatened here. Here they sell items, such as clothes, household goods, electrics and shoes. Here is where I bought my bargain jeans, so I definitely like this place and would recommend you visit, if you ever end up in La Paz.

Killi Killi Tower
At Killi Killi Tower, located above the city gives you a fabulous view of the whole of La Paz. Here you get to see the different elevation levels of the city and some of its elegant buildings. A great place to take photos and breath in the fresh air.


Rip-Offs
Something I noticed more than in any other place I have been is that they like to jack up the price by ALOT when they see tourists. A few examples..When we first got off our mini bus in this city, we were asking directions for our hotel and a kind local man told us we would need to get a taxi but also said, it wont cost you any more than 3 Bs. We got a taxi and was charged 8 Bs. We stopped for some jelly and cream at a stall and asked how much it was. We were told 2 Bs.. not bad. Then we heard one woman asking her friend (the jelly and cream vendor).. how much she charged us and then a little giggle at the end. I mean I dont mind that they kinda ripped us off because at the end of the day, everything was still very cheap for us. I guess they thought well we can rip tourists off so why not.

Overall I really enjoyed La Paz and would certainly go there again... especially for jeans and shopping! Alot of the construction of the buildings are magnificent to look at and I didnt realise there was so much history, until I visited some museums.

A great city.