High times in La Paz

Our time in La Paz was....interesting. We spent 2 days in the city before heading to the Amazon and then spent another 3 days afterwards. In fact, I didn't see a great deal of the city as I felt pretty sick and out of breath most of the time. The altitude really got me in this city and to make matters worse, this city is sooo hilly so you're constantly huffing and puffing to the point of being close to passing out. However, Tom on the other hand was ok so he did the sightseeing for the 2 of us!





The city of La Paz is really stunning, it sits in a big 'bowl' and is surrounded by the Andes mountains and the altiplano. It is the country's 'administrative' capital and sits at 3650m above sea level. Towering above the city is the snow-capped Illimani mountain which is over 6000m. We met a number of people on our travels planning to climb it, all I can say is 'crazy', I would rather give my left arm than do that!


Not the greatest shot, taken from the micro plane through the misty window, but gives a birds eye view of the city




Getting the trainers cleaned after Amazon jungle trekking






Truly amazing Illimani at sunset



If you've read 'Marching Powder' then you'll be familiar with San Pedro prison which is located slap bang in the centre of La Paz. We took a 'little' walk to the prison (which was about as much as I could cope with on day 2!)and straight away we were cornered by an American prisoner on day release?!? umm yes this prison is slightly bizarre in the fact that you have to buy your own cell, they manufacture cocaine inside the prison and many of the prisoners are wandering outside the jail trying to recruit backpackers for a prison tour 'at a price'. Unfortunately, we were engaged in conversation for a few mins too long as we were guilt-tripped into buying the most expensive soup in the whole of La Paz for this guy. Needless to say we did not take him up on his offer to give us a tour of the prison!


San Pedro prison

And if you have had enough of the sightseeing and trekking up the city's many hills, then there's always tonnes of alpaca paraphernalia and the weirdly bizarre witches market where you can buy various lotions and potions including llama foetus' for good luck. Tempted?