Bolivian cities
La Paz and Sucre are the best-known cities in Bolivia. Whilst La Paz is home to the legislative branch, Sucre is the country’s capital. Both cities have their own unique charm.
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Mystical La Paz
The highest town in the world, which resembles a fishbowl. From the town centre, you can see the little houses spreading out like a mushroom across the surrounding mountains. Stunning! What’s more, you’ll be thoroughly surprised by the culinary and cultural delights on offer here.
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Stay at the Atix art hotel
The stylish Atix design hotel is an architectural masterpiece built exclusively from local materials. From your tastefully furnished room with large windows, you can look out over a sea of houses that seem to cling to the surrounding peaks of the Andes. Art lovers can admire works by Gastón Ugalde, also known as the ‘Warhol of the Andes’.
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The Witches’ Market
La Paz is home to many anecdotes and mysterious tales. These mainly originate from the Witches’ Market – a market in La Paz where you can buy llama foetuses to place in the foundations of your new home, as this is said to bring good luck. And if you’re having a bit of a run of bad luck in love? Then you can buy a love potion here to bind that special someone to you forever.
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By cable car
The lower-lying city centre is connected to the higher-lying district of El Alto by a cable car. This makes it easy for every resident to reach the city. For travellers, it’s an excellent way to see more of the city. The views are fantastic.
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The white city of Sucre
This is one of the most beautiful historic towns in South America, with a rich colonial history. The beautiful centre of Sucre was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991.
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Scents and colours at the market
If you’re in Sucre, be sure to visit one of Bolivia’s most famous markets. Tarabuco is situated about 50 kilometres from the city of Sucre. The farmers’ market is renowned for its locally made tapestries, bags, hats, jumpers and scarves. It’s a riot of scents and colours! At the market, you’ll meet the Yampara people. They wear beautiful traditional clothing and can teach you about the local culture.
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Dinosaurs
In Sucre and the surrounding area, at least 5,055 perfectly preserved dinosaur footprints from around 15 different species have been found. The most impressive is the 347-metre-long track left by a baby Tyrannosaurus rex, nicknamed ‘Johnny Walker’.
A mysterious past in La Paz
La Paz, at an altitude of around 3,600 metres, is one of the highest cities in the world. The city, with a population of around 1 million, lies in a valley and is surrounded by the high Altiplano. You’ll take a journey back in time to a mysterious past. On every corner and in every street, you’ll find ‘hidden treasures’: the indigenous, colonial and modern buildings, the Indian Market, the witches’ markets and breathtaking panoramic views. All against the backdrop of the majestic ‘Illimani’ mountain. Be sure to visit Plaza Murillo, formerly Plaza de Armas, which is named after General Murillo, a Bolivian independence fighter. From the ‘Mirador Laikakota’ viewpoint, you’ll have a magnificent view of La Paz and Mount Illimani. La Paz is home to the legislative branch. Contrary to what many people think, La Paz is not the capital of Bolivia.
Sucre, the university city
The capital of Bolivia is Sucre. This is perhaps one of the most beautiful historic cities in South America, with a rich colonial history. The beautiful centre of Sucre was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991. The city is situated at an altitude of over 2,700 metres and enjoys pleasant average temperatures all year round. It is therefore rarely very hot or very cold here. The name Sucre comes from the freedom fighter of the same name, who, together with Simón Bolívar, liberated Bolivia from 300 years of Spanish rule. The city is also known as Ciudad Blanca, or the ‘white city’, due to its white buildings. Sucre is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, which also makes it a lively student city. In short, you’ll find a wealth of nature, culture and history here.
Fancy a trip of Bolivia?
Would you like to organise your own trip of Bolivia, including visits to La Paz and Sucre, and are you curious about the options? Then do take a look at our Bolivia and Peru trip, which we’ve put together to inspire you. You can book this trip directly, but we’d also be happy to put together a personalised itinerary based on your wishes and ideas.
Do you have a question? Please feel free to contact us. Call +31 73 610 62 04 or send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl. We’ll be happy to help.