• Pickpockets, Purse snatchers & petty crime

  While La Paz is not one of the most dangerous cities in South America, tourists are often victimized by pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Thieves often work in teams and utilize a variety of ruses to separate you from your valuables. Be especially careful when strolling through crowded marketplaces.

• Zebras

  Downtown La Paz is usually choked with traffic. To help referee traffic at the busiest intersections, the city employs a special squad of Zebras

• Medical Clinics

  If you need medical attention or travel inoculations, your best bet is to go any number of of private medical clinics scattered around La Paz. The best clinic in my humble opinion is Clinica del Sur located in Zona Sur, the more affluent part of La Paz. Service is very fairly efficient and relatively affordable.

• Haircuts

  Believe it or not, you can get a haircut in central La Paz for as little $2.50USD. In Zona Sur - the upscale part of La Paz - a haircut will cost you more monies. I paid about $7.00 at a middlebrow beauty salon in Zona Sur. More upscale establishments charge even more than this!

• Altitude Sickness

  Many tourists have problems with the high altitude of La Paz, which at 11,800 feet above sea level is the highest capital in the world. You can combat altitude sickness – symptoms are headaches, dizziness, nausea and diarrhea - by drinking several cups of Coca tea during your stay.

• Cocaine bars

  Many establishments that cater to tourists are now freely offering cocaine (for a price of course) in addition to the standard array of libations and drinks. Be careful, as cocaine is still illegal in Bolivia.

• Vegetarian restaurants

  There are many vegetarian restaurants in La Paz. One of the better places for tasty vegetarian meals is Namaste Café and art gallery. One of the older hotels in downtown La Paz (forgot the name) also offers a vegetarian buffet for lunch. Cost was about $3.00USD. Very Cheap!

When I was in La Paz earlier this year, I looked for a medical clinic where I could receive my 3rd and final inoculation for rabies. I received my first two inoculations in the USA prior to my departure. Not too many travelers bother with preventive shots for rabies when traveling to Bolivia (or other countries, where rabies is prevalent), but the CDC in USA recommended that all travelers to Bolivia (and Brazil) get the 3 part inoculation, so I decided to go by “the book.”

La Paz has a number of private medical clinics that cater to expats as well as tourists. The first clinic I went to was Clinica Alemana (The German Clinic) located not too far from the busy downtown area. What a total waste of time! The small clinic was severely understaffed; it seemed there was only one doctor and nurse on duty - she doubled as the receptionist. As the nurse couldn’t administer the rabies shot, I asked her how long would it take before I could see the doctor, but she couldn’t give me a definite time frame. Even though there were only two other people in the waiting room, I figured I was in for long wait, so I decided to walk out the door.

Upon recommendation from somebody at the hotel front desk, I decided to go the Clinica del Sur, a medical clinic in an upscale neighborhood in Zona Sur. Service was fast and relatively affordable (about $45USD), and most of the staff had some facility with English. On the way out, I met some young bloke from Holland who had broken his leg when his bus toppled over on the perilous Yunga pass.

The other alternative for travel inoculations is to have a doctor pay you a visit at your hotel. Most hotels in La Paz have access to these private, mobile doctors who specialize in travel inoculations – a little more costly, but very convenient.

In hindsight, I am glad I went to the Clinica del Sur as I had the opportunity to see the more affluent neighborhoods of La Paz. Highly recommended!