​LA PAZ

Hello, ​La Paz.

La Paz is a metropolis and the highest capital city in the world at around 3,800m above sea level. The frenetic high altitude city welcomes you with headaches, altitude sickness and befuddlement for the first couple of days. If you find yourself huffing and puffing from walking a few meters up hill, fear not - it's just the altitude sickness. 

Founded as a centre of Spanish power in the Andes, La Paz still maintains an European society and an Indigenious society. The indigenous culture, reflected on the traditional outfit of the Cholitas and their ancient superstition, is still very much alive in Bolivia, unlike neighboring countries like Chile, for example.

La Paz has a reputation for being unsafe and women digital nomads should avoid walking alone after dark. It is safer to order a taxi using the EasyTaxi app, but if you do need to hail a taxi, avoid gypsy taxis at all cost. Gypsy taxis are unlicensed taxis with a cardboard sign that says taxi on the windshield. They are cheaper but more dangerous, and kidnappings are not unheard of.

You should also beware of fake police, who dress up in a police uniform and approach tourists to 'check' their passports, while an accomplice uses the distraction to steal your valuables. It is also worth noting that you should not allow a 'friendly' local to help you with getting a taxi (a grandmother, woman with a baby etc), or let anyone else join you in the taxi. These are reported scams to get you into a gypsy taxi where you will be taken to a place and robbed of your belongings.

The best time to visit La Paz would be between May and October (winter). This is the dry season, although it is also the high season for tourism. Road conditions are also better, and days are generally warm and nights become cold. December to March (summer) is the rainy season. No matter when you go, be prepared for chilly nights.