26. Activities in La Paz

La Paz briefly

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- La Paz, highest capital in the world (3600m above sea level), has been nominated as one of the 7 wonder cities of the world. And it worths it!
San Francisco

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- The church San Francisco is located in the close centre of La Paz. We could find there minibus hub, the market place, tourist agencies and the whole set of current animations (Christmas creche, cholitas...) around the central square.
Valle de la Luna

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- The name of this valley comes from its moon alluring. 10km far away from La Paz, these unreal sceneries contrast strongly with the surrounding mountains and the city.
Paragliding

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- To enjoy completely the landscape, you have to jump into it! And we did it! A 15mn baling out in front of Illimani mount, Huayna Potosi and dozens of other mounts. While this activity is very expensive in Europe, we got a very good price here.
The Takesi trek

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- It's possible to go trekking for 2 days on an ancient inca road that used to be highly busy, like an old style highway. The road was the main way connecting the Altiplano to the Yungas valleys, and furthermore the "Selva" - aka rainforest...
- The path first passes through a dry valley
- Then the path reaches a pass at 4700m above sea level. We left a souvenir on the cross at the summit.
- The climate shifts and is as different as the valleys are. Green wet plains full of lamas and ducks come after the rocky parts, the vizcachas' kingdoms (the local rabbits).
Vegetation

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- The vegetation become luxurious and the valley blossomed (see pictures at the end of the article).
The Death road

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- Its name scares people. But going down this road biking is now possible since a new road transferred the traffic towards another valley. Since 2005, we can enjoy a 3400m altitude descent without slaloming between crazy trucks! It was awesome! (More information on challenge 11)
Coroico

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- Small city downstream the Death Road, Coroico is a pleasant place lost in the heart of Yuncas valleys. There are only few activities around but it remains a peaceful stay between jungle and coca plantations.
And many others...

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- There are tons of activities in La Paz. For climbers, go ascend the Huayna Potosi armed with your hand sticks to pick up the snow. Want other hikes? Go to Illimani volcano and Mount Chipolata. Visit San Pedro prison, coca museum, attend to the street fight when Cholitas dislocate the king of the ring in front of mad Bolivians, discover vestiges of the civilisation Huari (700-1200) in Tiwanaku or just have a flight to Amazon and go to Rurrenabaque... La Paz is worth the detour!

26. Activities in La Paz

La Paz briefly

San Francisco

Valle de la Luna

Paragliding

The Takesi trek

Vegetation

The Death road

Coroico

And many others...

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