Plaza Hotel, La Paz

Advantages: Experiencing a different culture
Disadvantages: Possibly experiencing high altitude sickness

...We went to La Paz for 3 days in September 2006. We flew from Buenos Aires and arrived at the airport in La Paz and immediately noticed how different we felt. The air was very thin and we had to slow down. We had been warned to take it easy and providing you take the advice seriously, there is no reason why you cannot enjoy the delights of La Paz. After checking into our hotel we had a stroll around the wonderful markets, decided where to return the following day and then headed back to the hotel for an early night. It is wise to have a long sleep, so arriving in La Paz at night is a good start, so that you can go to bed more or less straight away. I was not too keen about eating from the market stalls even though the smells were delicious, instead we ate at our hotel which had an excellent restaurant. We did buy popcorn... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Unforgettable scenery and people
Disadvantages: Very basic living standards

...sightseeing, but on the positive side you will shedloads healthier by the time you leave! On arrival in the main station, you WILL be tired and exhausted. Its best to time the journey so that you get there at about 10 AM - as the taxi drivers seem to be less cunning at this time. Here I was very lucky, as I had a nice Bolivian chap sitting with me who was kind enough to buy my taxi ride to the hotel! This brings me nicely on to the next point I have; the generosity and amiability of the Bolivians, who by and large seem to have escaped the bitterness that poverty can bring. Hotel and hostel accommodation in La Paz is easy to come by, and relatively cheap. I won't detail this here as there are few travellers who wont bring a lonely planet or rough guide with them, and as ever with these books and hotel accommodation, it is simply a matter... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: World's highest capital that's high on life.
Disadvantages: Oxygen tanks are expensive.

...in Bolivia so if you come across one the best advice would be to avail of it. Travelling in a dusty and sweaty environment means that the clean side of your backpack can be hit hard in just a couple of days. With La Paz you'll find most of the better laundries on calle Sagarnaga. 6B per kilo is the usual charge and that usually includes delivery to your hotel. The Bolivian Times is the only English newspaper printed in the country but it is a very light read. That said the activity of being able to read a paper at all is comforting. There is a 24 hour internet cafe near the children's area (if you are under 3 and not too pushed on your style of transport you can rent beat up tricycles and go-karts to cruise around the uneven surfaces and the deadly steps) in Plaza San Francisco that has very cheap nightly rates (2.5B). If you are after a local... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful