La Paz is Bolivia’s largest city and holds the distinction of having the highest airport in the world. When you fly into the city you’ll be appalled by the gray, garbage filled, poverty stricken sprawl of El Alto. This is the bleak looking home of more than 500,000 inhabitants. Just at the edge, the land seems to swallow all the poverty and ugliness, and there 4100m above sea level is La Paz. The snowcapped peak of Illumine stands watching over the city. More than a million Bolivians live in this city that is a centre of commerce, finance and industry.

Alouso de Mendoza founded the city in 1548 after gold was discovered in the Rio Choqueyapu. In mid-20th century, a sizeable peasant migration from the countryside contributed to the city’s growth. La Paz is the seat of government power and is the de facto capital of Bolivia. Suree is the judicial capital.