La Paz Things to Do Tips by AlbuqRay Top 5 Page for this destination

Political Center of Bolivia Plaza Murillo Review

Even though the official capital is Sucre, the real political center of Bolivia is Plaza Murillo. It used to be called Plaza de Armas (same as the plaza in Cusco) but was renamed for Pedro Domingo Murillo, the Bolivian hero who helped Bolivia get its independence from Spain. Ironically, he was hanged there in 1810 before independence was gained. In the picture, you can also see the Cathedral and the Palacio Presidential. See also a separate travelogue.

Directions: Downtown La Paz

Plaza and Iglesia de San Francisco Iglesia San Francisco Review

In the middle of La Paz on the busy Avenue Mariscal Santa Cruz are the Plaza San Francisco and Iglesia. Some consider the latter the most beautiful colonial church in La Paz. It was originally built in 1549 by the Franciscans but was collapsed by heavy snow in the early 1600's and rebuilt in the middle 1700's. This is a very busy area with both locals and tourists. Not everyone here is out to welcome you (see my warnings or dangers tips). See also my separate travelogue on Iglesia de San Francisco.

Directions: Center of La Paz

Pucara - A Modern Sculpture Iglesia San Francisco Review

On the north side of the Plaza San Francisco stands the modern sculpture called Pucara. It represents Bolivia's three great cultures - Tiahuanaco, Inca and modern. The sculpture was being cleaned when I was there in Sep 03.

Directions: Center of La Paz

Typical Day Around Pucara Area Iglesia San Francisco Review

Pucara is just below Mercado Lanza on the north side of Plaza San Francisco. This can be a very busy area and there are people around who may try to equalize the distribution of wealth (see my warnings or dangers tips).

Directions: Center of La Paz

Valle de la Luna Valle De La Luna Review

There are many "badland" type areas as you travel down from La Paz through the canyon formed by the Rio Choqueyapu. Many are being encroached upon by housing development. They have set aside one area and made it a park called Valle de la Luna. It does remind one of the starkness of a moonscape. It also looks like what we call Tent Rocks near Albuquerque, i.e., volcanic tuft eroded by rainfall. When I was there in Sep 03, they only asked for a donation to tour the park. In Nov 04, it had been fenced and the charge was 15 BOB.

Directions: 5 km southeast of La Paz

Plaza Arqueologica La Paz Downtown Review

The original Megalito Bennetto Pachamama is now in the new museum at Tiwanku. This large monolith was originally found in the Templete Semisubterraneo there. At one time it was moved to La Paz and displayed here in the Plaza Arqueologica in front of the soccer stadium; however, the plaza now has a replica of the Templete Semisubterraneo instead.

Directions: In front of the soccer stadium in Miraflores area

Calle Jaen - Four Museums on One Street Museums Review

Calle Jaen with its cobblestone street, balconies and stone doorways makes you think you are in Spain. There are four museums here: Museo del Litoral, Museo de Metales Preciosos Pre-Colombinos, Museo de Instrumentos Musicales, and the Casa de Don Pedro Domingo Murillo (first door on the left in the picture). The Museo Costumbrista Juan de Vargas is on Sucre just to the right from where the picture was taken.

Directions: About 0.5 km NNE of Plaza San Francisco at the intersection of Jaen and Sucre streets