Location

La Paz is the administrative capital and seat of government of Bolivia, making it the world's highest national capital, with its central area situated at approximately 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level.

Geographic and Topographic Marvel

The city is famous for its dramatic topography, nestled in a deep canyon created by the Choqueyapu River, part of the Amazon basin. It is surrounded by the towering, snow-capped mountains of the Cordillera Real, with the triple-peaked Nevado Illimani (6,402 meters or 21,004 feet) dominating the skyline and serving as a guardian of the city. The elevation difference between the lower downtown area and the adjacent plateau, home to the city of El Alto, is significant, with El Alto's international airport sitting even higher at 4,601 meters.

Political and Economic Center

While Sucre remains the constitutional capital (home to the Supreme Court), La Paz is the de facto capital, hosting the executive, legislative, and electoral branches of the national government, including the Presidential Palace (Palacio Quemado) and the Plurinational Legislative Assembly located at Plaza Murillo. It is the country's most important political, financial, and economic hub, generating a significant portion of Bolivia's Gross Domestic Product.

Transportation and Lifestyle

La Paz is home to the world's largest and highest urban cable car network, Mi Teleférico. This modern and extensive system was built to connect the city's neighborhoods, particularly bridging the gap between the canyon and the plateau city of El Alto, offering both a crucial transportation link and stunning panoramic views for tourists and residents alike. Despite the modernity of the cable cars, traditional transport like colectivos (shared mini-buses) and bustling markets maintain a strong presence. Visitors often find the rarefied atmosphere at this high elevation challenging upon arrival.