La Paz

Surrounded by the high Altiplano mountains, La Paz, on a Bolivia vacation, is situated in a “bowl” in western Bolivia. While the official capital of Bolivia is Sucre, La Paz is often considered the “de facto capital” as it hosts more governmental departments.

Originally founded by Spanish conquistadors on a Native American settlement in 1548, La Paz was later moved to its present spot in the valley of Chuquiago Marka. Initially prosperous as a result of the gold found in the area, the settlement remained steady due to its location on the main trade route between Lima and Potosí. Spain greatly controlled the city, imposing religion and lifestyles on the local people until Bolivian independence was granted in 1825.