La Paz

La Paz is Bolivia's largest city and is the legislative capital.   Referred to as "the city that touches the sky" due to its location high above sea level, it is a sprawling city and as it has grown has climbed the surrounding hills, resulting in varying elevations from 3,000-4,100 metres. Overlooked by snow-capped Illimani, a towering triple-peaked mountain, it was built in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River.

The centre of Le Paz is bordered by the cathedral whose towers were completed just in time for a papal visit in 1997, and by the Government Palace, who entrance is populated by guards in red uniforms.  The red uniforms honour the soldiers of the Pacific War (1879-1884) in which Bolivia lost its coast to Chile. But perhaps La Paz's chief attraction lies in the fact that ancient Andean culture still rests hand in hand with modern bustle as women in traditional costume sell their wares or produce along the streets or in small markets. Explore on foot the historic colonial quarter and browse through bizarre items for sale at the witches' market.