Bolivia - La Paz

[B. Anthony Burroughs]

La Paz was founded in 1548 by a Spaniard called Alonso de Mendoza. It is the country's largest city, and it is the center of industry, commerce and finance. Although Sucre represents the judicial capital, La Paz has usurped most government power, and now is the de facto capital. Today La Paz has more than a million inhabitants, over half of whom descend from Indian heritage.

In the center you will find various interesting sights, like the Witches' Market where you can find medicinal herbs and folk remedies, the Artisan Market, the central square with its government buildings, and the church and monastery of San Francisco dating from 1549. Furthermore, there are several museums such as the Archeological Museum and the Art Museum. Finally, the Moon Valley ; this desert-like landscape and its vegetation inspire the imagination and invite exploration.