La Paz
Most government offices and banks are located around El Prado, the main thoroughfare in La Paz.
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To Get There
El Alto airport is located six miles from the city center. Some international flights are routed through the Viru Viru airport in Santa Cruz, in the eastern lowlands. The international departure tax is $25.
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To Stay
We like the
Radisson Plaza
(Avenida Arce 2177, tel: 5912-244-1111), located in the heart of La Paz. Just minutes away from the financial district and tourist areas, it is the most business-oriented hotel in the city. Room rates range from $160-$650. Visit www.radisson.com or send email to: radisson@radissonbolivia.com.bo.
Hotel Europa
(64 Tihuanaco, tel: 5912-231-5656) is also centrally located in downtown La Paz, and features in-room communications and a fully equipped business center. Room rates range from $135-$355. Visit www.hoteleuropa.com.bo or e-mail: ventas@hoteleuropa.com.
Another good choice is the Ritz Apart Hotel
(Plaza Isabel La Católica 2478, tel: 5912-243-3131), located in the heart of La Paz’s most traditional area and within walking distance of most embassies, banks and nightspots. Room rates range from $79-$118. Visit their website at www.hotel-ritz-bolivia.com or send an email: info@hotel-ritz-bolivia.com.
To Eat
We recommend
Duke’s Restaurant
(Plaza Isabel La Católica 2478, tel: 243-3131), located in the Ritz with a cozy, quiet and elegant décor, offers a varied menu that includes Argentine grilled beef and an exquisite Bolivian buffet on Saturdays.
At Chalet La Suisse
(Avenida Múñoz Reyes 1710, tel: 279-3160), Swiss chef Markus Ruegg and Bolivian chef Fernando Ayala serve international dishes that use local ingredients. La Suisse is popular with the business crowd, so reservations are advised.
La Comédie
(Pasaje Medinacelli 2234, tel: 242-3561), decorated with beautiful Moroccan woodwork, offers a traditional French menu.
To Drink
A popular spot is
Rockhouse
(Avenida Muñoz Reyes and Calle 25, tel: 279-7910), a pub where you can enjoy a drink with live music. Two other good choices for cocktails are
Capostrate
(Avenida Montenegro and Calle 18, tel: 277-2856), and
Thelonius
(Avenida 20 de Octubre 2172, tel: 242-4405).
To Unwind
La Paz has some good museums, including
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Museo Costumbrista
with its historical photographs and dioramas, the
Museo Nacional de Arte, and the
Museo de Metales Preciosos, home to a dazzling collection of pre-Columbian metalwork.
To Buy
Knit
2004 National Holidays
alpaca
products are the most treasured local crafts. Beatriz Canedo Patiño’s weaved shawls at Avenida Arce and San Miguel make nice gifts, as do gold and silver jewelry.
May 1- May Day
June 10 – Corpus Christi
August 6 – Independence Day
November 2 – All Saints Day
December 25 – Christmas Day