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!