Travel Talk

Loving and Leaving La Paz, Bolivia

January 9, 2014May 25, 2019 by SHABL

la_paz_skyline
Hola,

Today we’re going to discuss my recent time in La Paz, Bolivia. It was one of those cities that I instantly started to love and to say that it is unique would be an understatement. It’s literally a metropolis built in the sky and the highest capital city in the world at around 3800m above sea level. With all the crazy vendors it felt like Asia meets the Americas which is a good thing, a really, really good thing.

statue_presents_la_paz_bolivia

The place is super busy and decidedly dodgy but divine for those who don’t mind busy and like bargains. I spent my time exploring old ruins such as Puma Punku and Tiwanaku, playing the world’s highest golf course, drinking tons of street orange juice and walking in and out of spas splurging on $14 massages. If I can get a massage for under $15 anywhere in the world I’m a buyer, in bulk.

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I’d of loved to have stayed longer in La Paz but the show must go on. It was one of those cities that I really enjoyed but also realized there was nothing there for me. It’s possible in the future that I’ll fantasize about renting a small flat on the south side of the city and play La Paz Golf Club daily but that’s just a pie in the sky idea; liked it but it’s not my place and the more you travel the sooner you realize that.

busy_streets_la_paz_bolivia

That said, there is a big expat community in La Paz and it makes sense because Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries in the region just like how there are lots of expats hanging out in Bangkok, right? I will note that the nightlife can get out of hand in a hurry and on my last night I went out on the town with a fist full of fiat currency and a stomach filled with fury, it was fun but have no desire to do it over.

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Besides the activities that I did, the main activity that draws many to La Paz is “The world’s most dangerous road.” Seems like everyone and their 90 year old grandmother was doing it so it kind of lost its appeal. That said, people do get mangled but usually because they are overstating abilities and trying to keep up with the guide or something. I’ve heard it’s just a 4 hour downhill bike ride on an infamous road; I’ll paz(sic) thanks.

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Do get involved with eating out where you’re there. It has some incredibly reasonable prices for great food. You can hit up the three course meals for ~$5US or street hamburgers or sausages for less than a buck. Really, besides SE Asia it had some of the bet street food selection I can remember and haven’t seen three course meals at that price since Hoi An, Vietnam.

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I’d go on but I’m playing catch up hence writing about this from Copacabana which bores me. La Paz is good times and how long you want to stay is up to you. I only spent three nights but if I wasn’t rushing to Lima for a flight to somewhere new I probably would have hung around another few days; the living is easy there and everything you need AND MORE is there.

blue_building_la_paz_bolivia