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A country of two capitals -

Although Bolivia's official capital is the lower-altitude city of Sucre, the seat of government is located in lofty La Paz.

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Touching down on high ground -

Touching down at El Alto International Airport will literally and figuratively take your breath away. Not only are the views astonishing, but the high altitude is a real shock to the system.

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Lofty location -

The international airport is located in La Paz's little sister city of El Alto, eight miles (13 km) west of the de-facto Bolivian capital. The air is thinner at this altitude, which can make breathing difficult, and visitors are usually advised to take it easy for the first few days.

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Avoiding altitude sickness -

Altitude sickness is no joke. As arriving by air from sea level can be a sharp shock to the body, some travelers choose to arrive by car or bus in order to ascend gradually. Stops can be made in lower-altitude cities such as Cochabamba and Sucre.

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Altitude acclimatization -

Even a short stroll on the city's hills can feel like a great effort at such high altitude. Colorful local buses are a busy, bumpy, but fun way to get around the city without exhausting legs and lungs.

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Birds' eye view -

It's been called "the most spectacular public transport system on the planet," and riding La Paz's dizzying Mi Teleférico system is certainly a magnificent way to get around.

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Head for heights -

Inaugurated in 2014 and extended over subsequent years, the world's largest high-altitude cable car system takes the legwork out of exploring a city whose districts are spread out over a jaw-dropping canyon.

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High-flying public transport -

The cable cars cost very little to ride, and have become a major tourist attraction as well as a way for locals to move around their city.

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Colorful culture -

The Andean city has a colorful cultural identity, with all manner of traditional festivals and events held throughout the year.

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Distinctive dress -

The cholas–indigenous women in brightly-colored traditional dress–are a distinctive sight in La Paz. Bowler hats, handmade shawls, and layered skirts are part of the traditional look.

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Traditional style -

The look has inspired international fashion ranges, even appearing at New York Fashion Week in 2016. But it is rooted in local tradition–mestizo women have been wearing the striking dress code for centuries.

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Keeping hydrated -

Keeping hydrated is key to enjoying a stroll around La Paz, especially as the glare of the sun can be harsh by day.

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Fresh-squeezed juice -

Luckily, the city streets are full of locals selling delicious, freshly-squeezed juices. Order your drink and the seller will squeeze the citrus fruit on the spot.

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Warming street treats -

When temperatures drop, locals like to warm up with api, a traditional drink made with red corn, cinnamon, and sugar. It's traditionally served with pastel, a fried pastry filled with cheese.

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Eat and stroll -

Eating and drinking while sightseeing is a high point of exploring this mountainous city. As well as abundant food markets, La Paz's streets and squares are lined with sellers offering all manner of intriguing sweet and savory dishes for a tiny price.

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Cholita wrestling -

Unique to La Paz, cholita wrestling is an exercise in female empowerment that has become a major tourist draw.

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Cholita wrestling -

Taking a stand against macho culture, local cholitas took on the men at their own wrestling game in recent years, and have proved they can hold their own in the ring.

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Night markets -

Food and clothing markets are a key part of life in La Paz. Most stay open late at night, providing ample opportunity to buy Alpaca-wool hats, gloves, and scarves when the sun dips and temperatures plummet.

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The "Witches' Market" -

Undoubtedly the most famous market in the city, the Mercado de las Brujas, or "Witches' Market," sells all manner of fascinating potions and folk remedies.

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Spells and potions -

Among the most infamous products at the market are dried llama fetuses, said to bring luck and prosperity, and dried frogs for use in traditional rituals.

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City of contrasts -

La Paz delivers a visual impact at every turn, and the breeze block homes that cling to the steep mountainside make a dramatic contrast with the grand plazas of downtown.

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Plaza San Francisco -

Dominated by the imposing San Francisco church, this scenic downtown square is always busy with food vendors, street performers, and even political protestors.

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Foodie destination -

La Paz is fast-gaining a reputation as a foodie destination, but while high-end restaurants are cropping up, it's the traditional food in long-standing restaurants that most excites visiting gourmands.

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Eat where the locals eat -

If the locals frequent a place, you can be sure it's good. Venues compete to deliver the best versions of much-loved dishes like sanduíche de chola (a traditional pork sandwich).

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Nocturnal sightseeing -

La Paz stuns by day and by night. One must-do is to head to a viewpoint at sundown to see the city lights twinkle into life. The looming Illimani mountain adds to the spectacle.

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Valle de la Luna -

Just when you think the landscape of La Paz couldn't get any more spectacular, somebody is sure to tell you to visit neighboring Valle de la Luna.

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Mind-boggling rock formations -

Translating as "Valley of the Moon," this is a place where strong winds have eroded a mountainside, leaving mind-boggling clay formations.

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Valle de la Luna -

Located around 10 km (six miles) from the city center, it's easily reached by local bus or by taking a tour. Trails lead through the 'valley,' and houses have cropped up on the precarious slopes.

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The "Road of Death" -

Looking for even more high-adrenaline thrills? The twisting, turning North Yungas Road is a terrifying cycle route spiraling out of the city and into the jungle-clad Yungas region. Its "Road of Death" nickname has oddly boosted its tourist appeal.

Sources: (Atlas Obscura) (The Guardian) (National Geographic)

See also: Mexico from a bird's-eye view

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