Originally founded as Nuestra Senora de La Paz ( Our Lady of Peace ) by a Spanish expedition in 1548 the site had been inhabited by Inca peasants for centuries previously. The city barely existed until 1900 when it was officially named as Bolivia's capital. Today, there is little left of the old colonial & nineteenth century town with the exception of some steep narrow streets & old squares.

The Plaza Murillo, with the city's cathedral, Government legislative buildings, National Museum & Mayor de San Andes university are the focal points of the city.

La Paz provides colourful insights into the local culture with brightly woven shawl draped women wearing black bowler hats creating perfect photo opportunities in the central Plaza. Rich in handicrafts & local art, this is a very inexpensive place to shop. More importantly though, La Paz is the gateway to Lake Titicaca, the worlds' highest lake.

Because of its location & environmental influence, Lake Titicaca since prehistoric times has been one of the main focuses of human settlement in South America.

Lake Titicaca is 60 kms northwest from La Paz & situated at 3800 metres or 12507 feet above sea level. It straddles Bolivia on its north & western side, & Peru to the south & east. Some 200 kms in length, it has a maximum depth of 280 metres. Fed by five major rivers & run off of spring & summer thawed snows, the lake temperatures vary little throughout the year, being all but constantly a chilly 10 C.

The lake includes many inlets, bays & islands with an extensive fleet of small motorized boats to ferry goods & people between Bolivian & Peruvian ports on either side.

Bolivia has so much to offer the visitor. From the high Altiplano, to the steamy tropical & lush jungle regions of the eastern extremity. Culturally, its roots lie deep into past ancient cultures & its topography crosses from the extremes of Andean peaks, to the dense, mysterious 'selva' jungles pulsing with flora, fauna, insect, reptile, animal & bird life that defy the imagination.

This is an inexpensive or better put, a very 'affordable' destination. Local crafts & hand made wood, textile, silver & gold jewelry is prized. Daily living expenses are modest & as a visitor, 2 persons can dine out & eat well on US $ 15 at a good restaurant.