Even though I am one to stay away from large cities on vacations because I enjoy the scenic beauty and serene peace of nature more than the hustle and bustle of crowded streets I cannot leave Bolivia without traveling to the city that touches the clouds; La Paz. La Paz sits in a bowl surrounded by the high mountains of the altiplano which is part of the Andes Mountain range. The coolest fact about La Paz is that it is the worlds highest capital, stretching between altitudes of 3,200-4,100 meters above sea level! While Sucre is the actual capital of Bolivia, La Paz is concidered to be the administrative capital because that is where the largest portion of the government is located.
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Where am I to start in this huge city? Back home I live in a small country town which makes city life seem foreign to me. Good thing for me though, I will be able to take part in the Red Cap's free walking tour. This free tour will be the perfect way to get me acquainted to the city and because the tours are run by voluntary locals I will be able to get insight on the rich culture of this city as well as helpful hints on the best places in and around the city to visit.
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Like I said earlier, I enjoy scenic views over bustling streets. So after talking with my tour instructor, I decided to take the scenic route and take a hike up to the summit of Huayna Potosi Mountian which is in very close proximity to La Paz. Even though I hike a lot, I think I am going to take the beginner trails which may take longer to complete but it will offer me more chances to enjoy waterfalls and other scenic viewing spots while I ascend the mountain. No matter how long it takes me to reach the top I will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the Andes Mountain range, a birds eye shot of La Paz and I will even be able to see the beautiful Lake Titicaca. It will be a hike to remember for sure.
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I must be crazy and a complete fool and may end up dead but this is a activity I could not pass up. I have decided to take on, The One! The Only! Cycle Death Road! This is one of the most popular activities in La Paz and is a beacon for adventurous tourists. Yungas Road is known as 'Death Road' due to the notoriously high death rate from entering this path. With the roads being only wide enough to fit a single car this road has been a hot spot for daring cyclists who love the thrill of being inches away from a 4,000 meter drop. Which is exactly why I am going to brave this trail. I do not the outcome of this adventure, only that I hope to live to tell my tale.
There are many other cool locations to visit within the city like the San Francisco Church, Jaen Street filled with bars, restaurants and bustling markets, Plaza Murillo containing the various government buildings and the unique, crazy, weird and hilarious Cholita Wrestling featuring Brazilian women battling it out in a bizarre fashion. Looks like I have my hands full with new activities. I will have to visit La Paz again sometime to finish exploring all this magnificent city has to offer
There are many other cool locations to visit within the city like the San Francisco Church, Jaen Street filled with bars, restaurants and bustling markets, Plaza Murillo containing the various government buildings and the unique, crazy, weird and hilarious Cholita Wrestling featuring Brazilian women battling it out in a bizarre fashion. Looks like I have my hands full with new activities. I will have to visit La Paz again sometime to finish exploring all this magnificent city has to offer