La Paz, Bolivia, is a mysterious city perched on a plateau two miles above sea level, shaped by the forces of nature. This city resembles a giant beast crouched in a deep valley, surrounded by steep cliffs that seem to be remnants of a great flood from ancient times. La Paz not only boasts magnificent natural landscapes but also exudes a unique and slightly worn charm. Its narrow streets, shadowy residences, majestic cathedrals, and neon-lit cinemas and burger joints create an enigmatic and captivating scene. For hikers, every step in this city is a challenge, especially when your lungs struggle to adapt to the high altitude.
The La Paz airport is located on the edge of the plateau, where temperatures are low and the elevation is nearly 5,000 feet higher than the city itself. When we arrived from Lima late at night, it was already midnight. We huddled in the cold wind, sipping the coca tea provided by the staff to alleviate altitude sickness. After some hassle, we finally retrieved our luggage and hopped into an old American taxi, bumping along as we made our way to the brightly lit valley below.
