10 Lesser-Known Facts About La Paz – Ramsay Banna’s Insider Guide

La Paz – more than you think

• 1. The World’s Highest Golf Course You might know La Paz as the world’s highest capital city, but did you know it’s also home to the world’s highest golf course? The La Paz Golf Club sits at 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) above sea level, offering stunning views and challenging conditions due to the thinner air, which actually allows golf balls to travel farther!
  
  2. La Paz Wasn’t Always the Capital Many assume La Paz is Bolivia’s sole capital, but the official capital is actually Sucre. While La Paz houses the executive and legislative branches of government, Sucre is the historical capital and home to the judiciary.
  
  3. Moon Valley – A Surreal Landscape Just outside La Paz lies Valle de la Luna, or Moon Valley, a landscape that looks otherworldly. Its unique rock formations, eroded by wind and water, give it a lunar-like appearance. It’s an unexpected and breathtaking escape from the bustling city.
  
  4. Witches’ Market – A Magical Experience One of La Paz’s most intriguing attractions is the Witches’ Market, where you can find everything from traditional herbs and potions to llama fetuses (used in indigenous rituals for good fortune). It’s a surreal place that showcases Bolivia’s deep-rooted connection to spiritual beliefs.
  
  5. The Zebras of La Paz No, not real zebras! La Paz has a unique way of managing traffic – locals dressed in zebra costumes help pedestrians navigate busy intersections. These “zebras” add a quirky and fun touch to everyday life, while promoting road safety and civility.
  
  6. La Paz Has a High-Speed Internet Hub Surprisingly, La Paz is one of the fastest internet hubs in South America. It serves as a gateway for improved connectivity across Bolivia, a fact that contrasts with its rugged, mountainous geography.

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  7. Cholita Wrestling – A Cultural Phenomenon Cholita wrestling is an exciting sport unique to La Paz, where local women dressed in traditional clothing perform dramatic wrestling moves. It’s a mix of sport and theater that draws locals and tourists alike for an evening of action and entertainment.
  
  8. Gravity-Defying Traditions La Paz is rich in indigenous traditions, including a belief in “akulliku,” or the chewing of coca leaves. This ancient practice is not only a social custom but also a remedy for altitude sickness. The coca leaf is revered as sacred and plays a vital role in Bolivian culture.
  
  9. A Culinary Scene On the Rise La Paz’s culinary offerings are expanding rapidly. While Bolivian cuisine is typically overshadowed by its neighbors, La Paz is home to Gustu, a world-renowned restaurant that focuses on local ingredients and innovative cooking. It’s a must-visit for foodies who want a taste of modern Bolivian cuisine.
  
  10. The Twin City of El Alto While La Paz itself is iconic, its twin city, El Alto, is equally fascinating. Sitting even higher than La Paz, El Alto is one of the fastest-growing urban centers in Bolivia and features a colorful blend of indigenous culture and vibrant street markets.

Rich Culture and More…

Ramsay Banna invites you to explore these hidden gems and dive deeper into one of South America’s most extraordinary capitals.
Pack your bags and discover the surprises La Paz has waiting for you!

There is more

By incorporating these lesser-known facts, your next trip to La Paz will be filled with new discoveries. As Ramsay Banna says, “Travel is about more than visiting a place—it’s about uncovering the stories and secrets that make each city truly special.”

For more information, please contact Ramsay Banna

www.trekkingwell.com