Exploring 10 nations where sobriety is the law
Sitting in a canyon over 3,600 m (about 11,900 ft) above sea level, the Bolivian city of La Paz has an otherworldly beauty. Surrounded by the snow-capped Cordillera Real mountains, the Bolivian administrative capital is the highest capital city on Earth, and the dizzying altitude is matched only by (literally) breath-taking views. With colorful local culture, delicious food and drink, and extremely affordable prices, it's a place that should be on every travel enthusiast's bucket list.
Curious to know more about this stunning high-altitude city? Click through this gallery to see what life is like in beautiful La Paz.
Although Bolivia's official capital is the lower-altitude city of Sucre, the seat of government is located in lofty La Paz.
Touching down at El Alto International Airport will literally and figuratively take your breath away. Not only are the views astonishing, but the high altitude is a real shock to the system.
The international airport is located in La Paz's little sister city of El Alto, eight miles (13 km) west of the de-facto Bolivian capital. The air is thinner at this altitude, which can make breathing difficult, and visitors are usually advised to take it easy for the first few days.
Altitude sickness is no joke. As arriving by air from sea level can be a sharp shock to the body, some travelers choose to arrive by car or bus in order to ascend gradually. Stops can be made in lower-altitude cities such as Cochabamba and Sucre.
Even a short stroll on the city's hills can feel like a great effort at such high altitude. Colorful local buses are a busy, bumpy, but fun way to get around the city without exhausting legs and lungs.
It's been called "the most spectacular public transport system on the planet," and riding La Paz's dizzying Mi Teleférico system is certainly a magnificent way to get around.
Inaugurated in 2014 and extended over subsequent years, the world's largest high-altitude cable car system takes the legwork out of exploring a city whose districts are spread out over a jaw-dropping canyon.
The cable cars cost very little to ride, and have become a major tourist attraction as well as a way for locals to move around their city.
The Andean city has a colorful cultural identity, with all manner of traditional festivals and events held throughout the year.
The cholas–indigenous women in brightly-colored traditional dress–are a distinctive sight in La Paz. Bowler hats, handmade shawls, and layered skirts are part of the traditional look.
The look has inspired international fashion ranges, even appearing at New York Fashion Week in 2016. But it is rooted in local tradition–mestizo women have been wearing the striking dress code for centuries.
Keeping hydrated is key to enjoying a stroll around La Paz, especially as the glare of the sun can be harsh by day.
Luckily, the city streets are full of locals selling delicious, freshly-squeezed juices. Order your drink and the seller will squeeze the citrus fruit on the spot.
When temperatures drop, locals like to warm up with api, a traditional drink made with red corn, cinnamon, and sugar. It's traditionally served with pastel, a fried pastry filled with cheese.
Eating and drinking while sightseeing is a high point of exploring this mountainous city. As well as abundant food markets, La Paz's streets and squares are lined with sellers offering all manner of intriguing sweet and savory dishes for a tiny price.
Unique to La Paz, cholita wrestling is an exercise in female empowerment that has become a major tourist draw.
Taking a stand against macho culture, local cholitas took on the men at their own wrestling game in recent years, and have proved they can hold their own in the ring.
Food and clothing markets are a key part of life in La Paz. Most stay open late at night, providing ample opportunity to buy Alpaca-wool hats, gloves, and scarves when the sun dips and temperatures plummet.
Undoubtedly the most famous market in the city, the Mercado de las Brujas, or "Witches' Market," sells all manner of fascinating potions and folk remedies.
Among the most infamous products at the market are dried llama fetuses, said to bring luck and prosperity, and dried frogs for use in traditional rituals.
La Paz delivers a visual impact at every turn, and the breeze block homes that cling to the steep mountainside make a dramatic contrast with the grand plazas of downtown.
Dominated by the imposing San Francisco church, this scenic downtown square is always busy with food vendors, street performers, and even political protestors.
La Paz is fast-gaining a reputation as a foodie destination, but while high-end restaurants are cropping up, it's the traditional food in long-standing restaurants that most excites visiting gourmands.
If the locals frequent a place, you can be sure it's good. Venues compete to deliver the best versions of much-loved dishes like sanduíche de chola (a traditional pork sandwich).
La Paz stuns by day and by night. One must-do is to head to a viewpoint at sundown to see the city lights twinkle into life. The looming Illimani mountain adds to the spectacle.
Just when you think the landscape of La Paz couldn't get any more spectacular, somebody is sure to tell you to visit neighboring Valle de la Luna.
Translating as "Valley of the Moon," this is a place where strong winds have eroded a mountainside, leaving mind-boggling clay formations.
Located around 10 km (six miles) from the city center, it's easily reached by local bus or by taking a tour. Trails lead through the 'valley,' and houses have cropped up on the precarious slopes.
Looking for even more high-adrenaline thrills? The twisting, turning North Yungas Road is a terrifying cycle route spiraling out of the city and into the jungle-clad Yungas region. Its "Road of Death" nickname has oddly boosted its tourist appeal.
Sources: (Atlas Obscura) (The Guardian) (National Geographic)
See also: Stunning pictures of the world's strangest and rarest weather phenomena
Life in Bolivia's La Paz, the world's highest capital city
Experiencing daily life in La Paz, a city at the top of the world
TRAVEL South america
Sitting in a canyon over 3,600 m (about 11,900 ft) above sea level, the Bolivian city of La Paz has an otherworldly beauty. Surrounded by the snow-capped Cordillera Real mountains, the Bolivian administrative capital is the highest capital city on Earth, and the dizzying altitude is matched only by (literally) breath-taking views. With colorful local culture, delicious food and drink, and extremely affordable prices, it's a place that should be on every travel enthusiast's bucket list.
Curious to know more about this stunning high-altitude city? Click through this gallery to see what life is like in beautiful La Paz.