La Paz, Bolivia — Attractions
Iglesia de San Francisco
People congregate in the plaza in front of this imposing church, a mixture of neo-classical Spanish and mestizo architecture. Construction began in 1549 but it was only finished in the mid-18th century. On Saturday mornings it is often possible to see colorful Indian wedding processions leading to and from the church while on any day of the week this is an ideal place to pass the time and watch Bolivian life go by. Don't miss the atmospheric stairway to the fabulous rooftop offering great views of the city below.
- Region/City Name
- La Paz
- Address
- Avenida El Prado
- Hours
- Mon-Sat 4-6pm
- Admission
- free
The Witches' Market (Mercado de Brujas)
Situated in a maze of narrow alleyways is one of the more bizarre markets in the world. An unusual collection of merchandise is sold here, from herbs and remedies used in Aymara traditions to potions, charms, and dried llama foetuses. Stretching up and around it is the traditional market scene selling a huge variety of goods for everyday needs, as well as Andean art and handicrafts. Expect to see yatiri(traditional healers) with their dark hats and coca pouches offering to read the fortunes of locals.
- Region/City Name
- La Paz
- Address
- Sagarnaga, Linares and Illampu streets
Museo de Coca (Coca Museum)
This is a relatively new museum that describes the place of coca in the traditions and culture of the Bolivians. From as far back as they can remember, coca has been a part of their culture and has a place in legendary history when the gods and goddesses used the divine coca leaf to alleviate hunger, cold, fatigue and pain. At first the chewing of leaves was restricted to use in religious ceremonies and by upper-class families but the Spaniards soon became aware of its stimulating effects. They began to promote it widely among the Indian laborers to increase output and numb the senses against the hardships and anxieties they faced. The displays are very provocative and educational, and also include the use and exploitation of coca in the soft drink and pharmaceutical companies.
- Region/City Name
- La Paz
- Address
- 906 Linares Street
- Phone Number
- (2)231 1998
- Email Address
- info@cocamuseum.com
- Website
- www.cocamuseum.com
- Hours
- Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm
Yungas Road
Not an attraction for the faint of heart, the dangerous Yungas Road, which has been dubbed the 'El Camino de la Muerte' (Road of Death), stretches between La Paz and Coroico in Bolivia and is estimated to claim the lives of approximately 200 to 300 travelers each year. Built during the 1930s Chaco War by Paraguayan prisoners, the road is situated high in the Yungas region of Bolivia and has extreme drops of up to 610 meters (2,000 ft) and has ironically become a popular tourist destination, drawing some 25,000 thrill seekers each year, particularly mountain bikers who love the adrenalin of the continuous downhill riding along 40 miles (64km) of treacherous road. The beautiful location of the road also adds to its allure, but it remains a serious danger as at least 13 cyclists have died since 1998, and trucks have serious problems passing each other. Crosses dotted along the road mark the spots where cars have plunged off the edge of the steep cliff.
- Region/City Name
- La Paz
La Paz Golf Club
Founded in 1912 by British railway workers, the La Paz Golf Club members built a 9-hole course in a suburb of the city El Alto, but the course has long since moved to the nearby Mallasilla area of La Paz. Laid out at a dizzying height of 3048 meters (10,800 ft), the La Paz Golf Club is established 18-hole golf course can stake its claim has the highest golf course in the world. With breathtaking views of the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) below, well maintained greens and rolling fairways, the course was rated by Golf Digest among the most attractive in the world. Probably one of the most exciting holes on the course is the 12th hole where the island tee box is reached by two bridges and golfers are required to drive the ball 180 yards (165m) to the verdant fairway across the plummeting gorge below - an experience of a lifetime!
- Region/City Name
- La Paz
- Address
- Mallasilla
- Email Address
- atencionalsocio@lapazgolfclub.com
- Website
- www.lapazgolfclub.com
Coroico
Coroico is a popular weekend break for La Paz locals and a welcome low altitude chill-out spot for visitors. The trip from La Paz traverses the so-called World´s Most Dangerous Road, which makes for a photogenic and adrenalin charged entrance into this laid back resort town. Perched atop the peak of Cerro Uchumachi, Coroico offers gorgeous views of cloud covered mountain tops, forested canyons, orchards and in the distance on a clear day, the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real. Coroico is a good base for some interesting hikes into the jungle and for mountain-biking trips into the local area, including guided descents of the precipitous highway.
- Region/City Name
- La Paz
