La Paz, Bolivia

Hey Steemians,

The capital of Bolivia has to be one of the most interesting cities in all of Latin America. In most cities, everyone dresses pretty much the same as you would expect in western countries, such as businessmen in suits or people in jeans and t-shirts. The only indigenous people you typically see in traditional clothing are unfortunately either begging or offering to take photos with tourists for money.

But La Paz is completely different. When walking through the streets many of the people you see will be wearing traditional dress while going about their business. The indigenous culture is also very much alive in the city with many interesting markets, the best of which is undoubtedly the Witches’ Market.

There are all kinds of interesting things for sale in the Witches’ Market. In the photo above you can see llama fetuses which people bury under their houses for good luck. You can also buy sweets, candles, tonics, herbs, and wine for a variety of purposes ranging from finding love, good luck, money, health, happiness, and getting rid of bad spirits and energy. And I know for a fact that they work. My wife bought a love potion for a single friend of hers. She used it and has been living with her boyfriend ever since, and this was almost five years ago.

The dead cigarette-smoking toad in the above photo is meant to bring prosperity, although if you asked him I don’t think he would tell you that he’s feeling very prosperous.

Here’s a view of modern La Paz with Illimani Mountain rising above it in the background. At just under 12,000 feet above sea level La Paz is the highest capital in the world. The photo above was taken from another city called El Alto which is 13,600 feet above sea level and even larger than La Paz! If you ever visit it might be a good idea to make sure your hotel has an oxygen tank.

A couple more views of La Paz. The first one is Jaen Street, in the small area of what is left of colonial La Paz and the second is from inside the bell tower of the Basilica of San Francisco.

More llama fetuses.