La Paz: The Andean Metropolis Between Heaven and Earth

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dyohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-syahs]
• Excuse me/SorryPerdón
  [pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-reeah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-reeah pah-gahr, por fah-vohr]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un doctor!
  [yah-mah ah oon dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-reeah kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [eh-soh ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes rebajar el precio?
  [pweh-dehs reh-bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dyah (diez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [says]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rehk-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (bus)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

La Paz was founded on October 20, 1548, by the Spanish conquistador Alonso de Mendoza. The city was originally named Nuestra Señora de La Paz, which means 'Our Lady of Peace,' to commemorate the restoration of peace following a civil war in Peru. Its location in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River was strategically chosen for its defensible position and access to water.

During the Spanish colonial period, La Paz became an important administrative and commercial center. The city's economy flourished due to its role in the silver trade from the nearby Potosí mines, which were among the richest in the world. The wealth generated from silver attracted merchants and settlers, leading to significant urban development and the construction of many colonial buildings that still stand today.

La Paz played a pivotal role in Bolivia's struggle for independence from Spanish rule. On July 16, 1809, the city was the site of one of the first major uprisings in Latin America, known as the La Paz Revolution. This rebellion, led by Pedro Domingo Murillo, was a precursor to the broader South American wars of independence. Although the uprising was initially suppressed, it set the stage for Bolivia's eventual liberation in 1825.

In 1898, La Paz became the seat of the Bolivian government, a status it retains to this day, while Sucre remains the constitutional capital. This move was largely driven by La Paz's economic and political importance, as well as its more accessible location compared to Sucre. The decision led to a period of rapid modernization and expansion, with the city becoming the political and administrative heart of Bolivia.

The Chaco War (1932-1935) between Bolivia and Paraguay had a significant impact on La Paz. The conflict over the Gran Chaco region, believed to be rich in oil, resulted in heavy casualties and economic strain for Bolivia. La Paz, as the administrative center, was deeply involved in the war effort, and the aftermath saw political instability and social unrest, which influenced the city's development and the nation's policies in the following decades.

La Paz is renowned for its rich cultural and ethnic diversity. The city's population is a vibrant mix of indigenous Aymara and Quechua peoples, Mestizos, and European descendants. This diversity is reflected in La Paz's festivals, markets, and daily life. The city's annual 'Gran Poder' festival, for example, is a major event that showcases traditional dances, music, and costumes, celebrating the syncretism of indigenous and Catholic traditions.

In recent decades, La Paz has experienced significant growth and modernization. The construction of the Mi Teleférico cable car system has transformed urban transportation, providing a unique and efficient way to navigate the city's challenging topography. La Paz has also become a hub for tourism, attracting visitors with its stunning landscapes, including the nearby Andes mountains and the breathtaking Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley).

La Paz is served by the El Alto International Airport (IATA: LPB), which is located about 13 kilometers from the city center. Several international airlines operate direct flights to La Paz from major cities in South America, as well as from Miami in the United States. Alternatively, you can reach La Paz by bus from other Bolivian cities such as Cochabamba, Sucre, and Santa Cruz. The buses are generally comfortable and offer a scenic route through the Andes.

La Paz has a variety of transportation options. The Teleférico (cable car) system is a popular and efficient way to get around the city, offering stunning aerial views. Minibuses and micros (small buses) are the most common forms of public transportation and cover extensive routes throughout the city. Taxis are also widely available, but it is advisable to use registered radio taxis for safety. Walking is feasible in some areas, but be mindful of the city's high altitude and steep streets.

The official currency of Bolivia is the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB). Credit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants, and shops in La Paz, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in the city, and you can withdraw local currency using international debit or credit cards. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and exchange bureaus around the city.

La Paz is generally safe for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid carrying large sums of cash and keep your belongings secure in crowded areas. Areas such as El Alto and certain parts of the city center can have higher crime rates, including pickpocketing and scams targeting tourists. Be cautious when walking alone at night and consider using registered taxis for transportation during late hours.

In case of emergency, dial 110 for police assistance and 118 for medical emergencies. Major hospitals in La Paz include Hospital Arco Iris and Hospital del Norte. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies are widely available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. The U.S. Embassy in La Paz can also provide assistance to American citizens in emergency situations.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly due to the high altitude. Avoid flashy jewelry and expensive accessories. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches and religious sites. Public Transport: Do be prepared for crowded minibuses and micros. Don't expect English to be widely spoken; learning some basic Spanish phrases can be helpful. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'buenos días' (good morning) or 'buenas tardes' (good afternoon) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as salteñas and anticuchos. Don't drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience La Paz like a local, visit the Mercado Rodríguez for fresh produce and traditional Bolivian foods. The Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) offers unique souvenirs and traditional remedies. Engage with locals by attending a football match at the Estadio Hernando Siles or exploring the vibrant nightlife on Calle Jaén. Don't miss a visit to the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) for an otherworldly landscape just outside the city.