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La Paz Bolivia

INTRODUCTION

Known as "the city that touches the clouds", La Paz is one of the highest cities on earth and does indeed touch the clouds.

If you are into myths, legends, and the mysteries of South American Indian culture, then La Paz is a wonderful place for you. Your imagination will literally soar.

With amazing ruins that have been wonderfully preserved and are still largely still in use today, you will really get a sense of time being stilled.

HISTORY

La Paz was originally founded near the Tiahuanaco road in present-day Laja, but shortly thereafter was moved to its current situation in Chuquiago Marka valley. Under Spanish rule, the king strictly controlled the city and had the final say in all of its politcal affairs. For 6 months in 1781 a group of Aymara people, led by Tupac Katari, laid waste to the city, detroying government property and church buildings. Thirty years later the city fell under siege by Indians for 2 months.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Climate: Winters are cool, but generally sunny and clear. Summers are warm and tend to experience a lot of rainfall in the afternoons.

ATTRACTIONS

It really is a must to take a stroll through the colonial-era plazas and drink in the bronze statues of Spanish rulers and military leaders. The architecture alone will leave you in awe.

The Valley De La Luna is also a must to visit. Its church, built in 1549, is still in use in this predominately Catholic country.

A deep, dark blue and undoubtedly startling to the eye, Lake Titicaca is a beautiful lake that is held in high esteem. Many people in the region still practice the tradition of weaving light boats out of reed, which they use to travel Lake Titicaca and the Islands of the Sun and the Moon, as they have been doing for hundreds of years.

Another great way to spend a day here is to hike the ancient temples of the hallowed city of Tiahuanaco.

The witches market is definitely a must see--this is not something you will come across often. The predominant religion here is Catholicism, which is heavily interwoven with native traditions and belief.