Welcome to La Paz
Introducing La Paz
La Paz is dizzying in every respect, not only for its well-publicized altitude (3660m), but for its quirky beauty, which can be taken in during rides on Mi Teleférico, the aerial cable car system.
Most travelers enter this extraordinary city via the flat sparse plains of the sprawling city of El Alto, an approach that hides the sensational surprises of the valley below. The first glimpse of La Paz will, literally, take your breath away. The city’s buildings cling to the sides of the canyon and spill spectacularly downwards. On a clear day, the imposing showy, snowy Mt Illimani (6402m) looms in the background.
Since La Paz is sky-high, warm clothing is desirable most of the year, at least in the evenings. In summer (November to April) the climate can be harsh: rain falls most afternoons, the canyon may fill with clouds and steep streets often become torrents of runoff. In winter (May to October) days can be slightly cooler, but the sun (and its UV rays) is strong and temperatures reach the high 60s, and sunblock is highly recommended. At night the temperature drops to around 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
For more information about La Paz and Bolivia, check out these sites:
BoliviaBella: First-hand information shared by people who live and work in Bolivia. Features detailed travel planner and a Living in Bolivia section for expats.
LonelyPlanet - Bolivia: Comprehensive info. includes facts, maps, history, culture, etc.
Bolivia Sin Limites: Video that highlights Bolivia's culture and landmarks (In Spanish).
Remarks
Although your adventure in Bolivia will be unique to you, there are commonalities everybody shares, including frustrations with a new culture. The good news is there are people here to help you. Assuming an attitude of adventure, flexibility, and self-reliance will help you to minimize the frustrations, adapt easily, and make a successful adjustment to a new environment and culture.