"Getting a little trim in La Paz" Top 5 Page for this destination La Paz by richiecdisc

La Paz Travel Guide: 376 reviews and 882 photos

Plaza San Francisco's odd mix of buildings

La Paz enjoys not only an envious setting, cupped by the Cordillera Real, but also a great reputation among travelers compared to other large South American cities. Whereas Lima is seen as gray and grim, Rio as dangerous, and Buenos Aires a bit pretentious, La Paz seems to be in everyone's good books. Though hectic and snarled with traffic jams much like any other South American capital, it just seems more user friendly. The markets sprawl in all directions, offering great deals and in general things are good value especially eating out and accommodation. Perhaps this is La Paz' great ace in the hole, its shopping. Travelers try to end their trips here just to buy their presents before returning home and who doesn't enjoy buying gifts when you are getting great deals? Throw into the mix some great places to eat and numerous gringo hotels and you have a fun place to meet fellow travelers, thus ripe for enjoyment. La Paz may not amaze, but it doesn't gets on anyone's nerves either so most find it a very pleasant place to unwind for a few days in between the numerous adventures that Bolivia so readily offers.

Last visit to La Paz: Nov 2002
Intro Updated Nov 16, 2003
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Reviews (16)

cerviche in La Paz? Restaurants (3)

This was a real hole in the wall and though I was initially skeptical about eating cerviche (raw fish) in Bolivia, this... more travel advice

Doreen enjoys some respite from hectic La Paz - La Paz

D gets a well deserved coffee What to Pack (1)

Of course, always carry toilet paper as there won't be any except in the nicest of places. Wide angle is always good... more travel advice

produce markets are the best Shopping (1)

The local markets of La Paz are colorful and full of Indians in traditional clothing. They are great places to wander... more travel advice

sometimes it's better to know Local Customs (2)

When I first saw these drinks I shuddered to think what this thing in the glass was. After eating baby beef hearts on a... more travel advice

Things to Do (3)
See All the cathedral
Hotels (2)
See All cheap but a little noisy
Favorites (1)
getting the perfect haircut

Comments (20)

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hunterV Aug 8, 2010 at 9:37 AM

Thanks for your interesting story and nice pictures!....
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adrienK Aug 20, 2008 at 9:22 AM

I'm not agree with you Richie. In this hotel (happy days, street Sagarnaga) they stole my cellular phone and money !!!!! Becarefull.... adrien le 20/08/08
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toonsarah Aug 29, 2007 at 5:28 AM

I loved your images of some of the quieter parts of the city & could easily see from your photos & writings why La Paz is such a popular destination - another one for the wish list! PS liked your local customs tips especially & of course the haircut story
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sjawahrani Aug 15, 2006 at 4:51 PM

I am leaving on a three week trip to Peru & Bolivia. You have done excellent jonb of traveling and meeting and experiencing the local culture. I might even get a haircut :-)
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wcph Sep 11, 2005 at 9:35 PM

Very nice page - hope to visit Bolivia soon.
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BorderHopper Dec 12, 2004 at 8:22 PM

Loved your stories...we hope to do Peru & Bolivia this coming year. Enjoyed your story of the haircut (reminded me of my really bad chop job in some far off developing world country). Good to be reading ur stuff again!
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Jim_Eliason Dec 12, 2004 at 4:01 PM

Great page, I need to get here to "finish up" the tour of southern South America.
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CourtneyLyn Aug 26, 2003 at 8:56 AM

I love the haircut story. I love running into little cultural tidbits like that. Great pages!
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Sharrie Aug 9, 2003 at 3:41 AM

Hey, where are my gifts from here? ;-)
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frankcanfly Mar 28, 2003 at 7:47 AM

Another great page, packed full of usefull information! I'm craving some Ceviche now...... I'll probably stay at the 'Gringo Hotel'