First thing that impresses when arriving in La Paz are the crisp clear sky of the highlands all surrounded by beautiful snow caped peaks. Then driving down to La Paz canyon the views of the complicated topography of the city are just astonishing.

We begin the day driving through La Paz downtown towards the south (wealthier) neighborhood located in the lowest part of the city; a big contrast with the suburbs with its houses hanging from the steep slopes of the valley and a real cultural shock. There we will drive up towards “La Muela del Diablo”, visit the “Animas” pass with great views of Illimani and Mururata mountains, and drive through the wealthiest neighborhoods of La Paz.

From the south we will drive through agricultural valleys enclosed inside the city towards Pampahasi; a humble neighborhood with the best views of the city; then descend to Achachicala; once the industrial area of the city; and then towards “El Alto”. The higher we go the poorer the houses are until eventually we will pass by the “fabellas” with precarious illegal constructions.

The area around the airport on the Altiplano has grown into a city in its own right. Some suggest that its the fastest growing city in South America thanks primarily to peasant migration from the land. Although of no aesthetic merit, it is a colorful and lively city. Although, “El Alto” is considered a poor city (which is a cruel reality in some areas), there is an elite of very rich people who made their incomes either legally or illegally. For instance, there is people who made fortunes with commerce selling whatever the market (read La Paz city) needed, public transportation, clothing or furniture manufacturing, construction and other similar business. In the other hand, there is a big mafia that deals with less legal business like: smuggling or drug dealing.

After traversing “El Alto” we will drive down to La Paz city through the microclimatic valley of Achocalla that lead to the south neighborhood again. On the way we will enjoy the views of the city contrasting with the mountains that surround the valley. Once there we will visit the moon valley and take you back to your hotel.