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basurero · Joined: 14 Mar 2005 Posts: 4

Hello everyone!
What can you tell me about La Paz, Bolivia? Is it very run down, high crime, entertainment etc??? Also how is the climate? Is it much cooler up in the mountains?

Thanks all

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

It is much, much cooler than you might expect. Winter approaches in two months or so. It can go well below freezing.

gambasbo · Joined: 23 Nov 2003 Posts: 93 Location: Cochabamba, Bolivia

Also remember some people have problems with the altitude, so certainly don't try and do too much for the first few days. And drink plenty of water when acclimatising and avoid alcohol until you have.

Mike

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

La Paz seemed a little run down to me. I was there January 2004 but did not spend so much time there so I cannot really tell you much. All I know is that the moon crater thing is cool.

Weona · Joined: 11 Apr 2004 Posts: 166 Location: Chile

La Paz! Loved the city but I never lived there... just visited for a few weeks. It was very run down, poor, and underdeveloped but I found the people incredibly kind so the physical characteristics didn't really matter much to me. The poverty did, though... which I found very unfortunate.

Crime in La Paz is just like any big city where you gotta watch your back no matter where you are. I never had anything stolen and no one tried anything weird with me. I went out walking late at night with a girlfriend of mine and we were not bothered (two young gringas downtown at night... imagine that... we felt very safe!)

Never tried the nightlife scene but I'm sure there are some good bars/pubs and discos to go to. The only thing I found discomforting was the topographic layout of the city... it is very hilly and difficult to get around and transportation is generally a nightmare. I didn't take buses and instead took taxis which I found out is a bad idea for a foreigner. They'll charge you triple!

The altitude definitely has an effect on you but it goes away after a few days. The first few days were actually pretty miserable for me because I felt very light-headed and nauscious and didn't eat a thing. I suggest chewing the cocaina leaves or just drinking lots of water and resting a lot with minimal body movement (no long walks, runs, hiking, etc).

I was there in December and it was very warm but not uncomfortably hot or anything.... not sure what it's like in the winter.