Bolivia Complete Travel Guide
Arriving after the Coup d’état in La Paz
Only a few days after the big news of the failed Coup d’état, I arrived in La Paz, Bolivia. I soon heard from locals that the Coup was more of a set-up by the current president to win popularity votes. Within hours after the event, life turned back to normal.
Entering Bolivia
The most travelled route to La Paz from Cusco is by bus, crossing the border at Lake Titicaca. It seems that I’m the only long-term traveller who refuses the 14 hour bus rides, and prefers flying any day of the week.
At the airport in Cusco, I had to fill in a short online immigration form before departure, and at the checkin counter I was asked for an exit ticket. Another shoutout to onwardticket.com for making it easy for the long-term travellers. At the immigration in La Paz the only question I received was about my hotel information, and got a stamp in my passport before passing through.
La Paz
La Paz is set in a canyon, like a bowl surrounded by mountains of the Altiplano. The city centre is at the bottom of the bowl, with the surrounding area reaching a higher elevation. La Paz is the highest capital in the world with an elevation of 3650 metres.
Cable cars – Teleférico
The main transportation in La Paz are the cable cars. Instead of a metro system, people get around the city with the Teleférico. Besides the obvious use for transportation, these simply are a joy to ride while observing the scenery below. The various lines connect with each other, making it possible to ride a loop around the city. The ride only costs 3 bolivianos, and 2B for every connection.
Mercado de las Brujas – The Witches Market
When in La Paz, you have to make a stop at the witches market. To be honest, there are only a few stalls that sell the odd potions and fascinating items, the rest of the street are mostly souvenir shops. Nevertheless it’s a quaint street with umbrellas and mural art all over. And for me personally a perfect place to get a warm vest for my trip to Uyuni later on.
Valle de la Luna – Valley of the Moon
Just 10km outside of La Paz is the Valley of the Moon. It is said that Neil Armstrong visited the place and mentioned that it looks exactly like the landscape on the moon, hence the name.
Thanks to a fellow traveller I received the tip to take the Collectivo 902, which stops right in front of the church in the centre. For the collectivo (shared minivan) I only paid 2.50 bolivianos (€0,34) and it dropped me off at the Valle de la Luna. To get back to La Paz I took a taxi for 40 bolivianos (€5,40).
When I visited the Valle de la Luna, I had the place almost exclusively to myself. In about an hour you stroll along the boardwalk through different parts of the valley.
Adventure seeking on Death Road
Take a mountain bike tour to the Camino de la Muerte.
Where to stay in La Paz
The neighbourhood Sopocachi and the Urbano Central are the main places to stay when in La Paz. They are right next to each other, and only a 30 minute walk from the far end of Sopocachi to the old town. My first pick was a hostel in Sopocachi, but since it’s cold here at night and most places lack a good heater, I opted for a nicer hotel with a proper heating and hot shower.
I definitely advise staying in Urbano Central, which is just closer to all the main sights. And if you love warmth as much as I do, surely stay at Madero Hotel. Not only was the warmth great, the breakfast buffet was delicious, and the complimentary cocktail on the rooftop was the cherry on top.
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