La Paz : The City of Bolivia that Touches the Clouds

La Paz is the seat of the government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia. It is also the de facto national capital of the state, although the constitutional capital of Bolivia is Sucre. La Paz is known for the abundance of attractions which are worth sightseeing. On this article, we are going to identify ten of the best sightseeing destinations that could be found in La Paz.

1. Urban Rush Bolivia

Our first sightseeing attraction in La Paz is Urban Rush Bolivia. This is a 50-meter descent is something many tourists would look after in La Paz. Locals and foreigners alike could scale down the walls like a stunt double using the traditional rappel or the abseil seated method and rush for your life as you fall down to the ground. Before the free fall, you will get to witness the stunning view of the La Paz from the 17th floor. Once you descend, you will be filled with sheer adrenaline as you fall. If you are after exciting adventures, this one is for you.

2. Mi Teleferico

Another distinct attraction that could be found when sightseeing around La Paz is the Mi Teleferico. This is an aerial cable car urban transit system that serves the La Paz-El Alto metropolitan area in Bolivia. It currently consists of 20 stations along six lines, but there are five more lines which are being constructed or planned to be built. Each of the lines has a maximum capacity of at most 6,000 passengers every hour. Each car is capable of seating ten passengers. Each car departs every 12 seconds.

3. Huayna Potosi

Huayna Potosi is a mountain that could be found north of La Paz in the Cordillera Real in Bolivia. Because it could be found 15 miles north of the city, it has become the most popular mountain to climb when in Bolivia. The normal route when ascending is a straightforward glacier climb, but with some crevasses and a steep climb to reach the summit. In addition to the normal route, there are great options of routes to the summits, although some of them are very technical. For mountain lovers, this sightseeing attraction is for you.

4. Muela del Diablo

The Muela del Diablo is a distinct feature that could be found on the landscape of La Paz in Bolivia. This sightseeing attraction is a volcanic neck which is the solidified core of what used to be an active volcano. The rest of this extinct volcano has already been eroded or washed away. Muela del Diablo was named as such because of the shape it is able to form while it is being viewed from the north-west, specifically in the city of La Paz. Aside from sightseeing, Muela del Diablo is a perfect avenue for hiking and mountain biking.

5. Mirador Killi Killi

The Mirador Killi Killi is another great attraction in La Paz that is worth sightseeing. Found on top of a steep hill, Mirador Killi Killi is one of the most impressive viewpoints of La Paz. Named after a small bird of prey which became abundant in the city, the Mirador provides great views of the city, which a range of almost 360 degrees. Mirador Killi Killi could be reached by walking, but it is recommended to take public transport to reach the place due to the altitude of the city and the steep ascent of the hill.

6. Museo Instrumentos Musicales de Bolivia

Aside from natural wonders, La Paz also has stunning museums which are worth sightseeing. One of which is the Museo Instrumentos Musicales de Bolivia, known in English as the Museum of Musical Instruments. Established in 1962 by Ernesto Cavour Aramayo, the museum hosts a great variety of musical instruments which would be enjoyed by musical enthusiasts or just sightseeing tourists. Some of the instruments include tradition instruments of Bolivia such as volcanic rock flutes and guitars made from armadillos. It is also home to over 2,000 percussion, wind, and stringed instruments.

7. Iglesia de San Francisco

The Iglesia de San Francisco, or the Basilica of San Francisco, is a Roman Catholic church that could be found in the city of La Paz under the patronage of St. Francis of Assisi. Found at the heart of the city, the church is a part of the convent group that gave the name of the square adjacent to it, the Plaza Mayor of San Francisco. The Iglesia de San Francisco was built starting sixteenth century in the mestizo Baroque style. The plant is of Latin cross while the roof has been vaulted.

8. Tiwanaku

The Tiwanaku is an archeological site that could be found in the Tiwanaku Municipality in Bolivia. It was first found recorded by Pedro Cieza de Leon, a Spanish conquistador. It was he who came upon the remains of this sightseeing destination in the year 1549 while he was searching for the Inca capital. The Tiwanaku is known for its prehistoric features such as the Pumapunku, the Kalasasaya, and the Pumapunku. If you want learn more about the history of La Paz, this sightseeing destination would be an excellent start.

9. Valley of the Moon

Valley of the Moon, known locally as Valle de la Luna, is a natural sightseeing destination that could be found approximately ten kilometers from downtown La Paz in Bolivia. It comprises an area where erosion has worn away the major portion of a mountain which is mainly composed of clay rather than rock. What was left of the phenomenon are tall spires which are similar to another sightseeing destination in La Paz known as the Valley of the Souls, or El Valle de las Animas.

10. Plaza Murillo

Our last sightseeing destination in La Paz is Plaza Murillo. It is the central plaza of the city and the open space from which most political institutions in Bolivia are connected to. The plaza consists of various prominent structures such as the Presidential Palace, the Cathedral of La Paz, and the National Congress of Bolivia. It was originally named as Plaza Mayor. After the independence of Bolivia, it was renamed as Plaza Murillo in honor of Pedro Murillo. It is an excellent place for sightseeing and unwinding.

◎ Closing

From natural attractions to historical landmarks, sightseeing destinations really are abundant in La Paz. The next time you visit the city, do not forget to add the aforementioned attractions in your itinerary so that you will have an enjoyable and fun-filled trip around the city.