La Paz, BOLIVIA
Airing Date: Apr 19th, 2004
La Paz is the capital of Bolivia in South America and the highest capital city in the world. The whole city is four kilometres above sea level and has the world's highest golf course as well as the world's highest ski lift - even the airport is 4,018 metres up in the Andes Mountains!
La Paz is so high that for the first few days you may experience a touch of altitude sickness, so make sure you see your doctor before you travel.
A local remedy for this ailment is coca tea. This tea is made from coca leaves, but it's not illegal. Coca tea is the traditional drink of Bolivia and is a major source for the Bolivian economy. It's not uncommon to see the locals chewing on a coca leaf.
The city can seem like one giant market place for the largely indigenous population. In fact, there are 12 markets in total, and some of them offer some highly unusual sights.
The Witches' Markets is not as scary as it sounds - the 'witches' are more like spiritual healers. Items like dried llama foetus are used to make a burnt offering to the earth mother, or Pachamamma. This is believed to provide health and wealth to the offerer.
Another type of offering is the Ekeko, a small figure with items such as toy cars attached. The locals believe that if you buy the small toy car, the Ekeko might just give you the real thing.
It's a 25 minute drive to the Black Market, where you can purchase anything from furniture to stereos or jewellery - all at about 30% cheaper than anywhere else. The prices aren't high, but you may experience difficulty getting your items fixed under warranty.
Finally, get into the high spirits the Bolivians are known for by dining at Pena Huara's restaurant, where you can sample a llama steak for around $17. Llama meat is low in cholesterol, and apparently the high altitude makes your metabolism work at a faster rate, so you can eat to your heart's content then sit back and enjoy the Pena Huara's nightly folk dancing show.
The facts
Aerolineas Argentinas will fly you to Buenos Aires in Argentina, with connections to Lima in Peru.
Prices start at $2453 from the east coast.
Aerolineas Argentinas
Tel: 1300 131 744
From there join Gecko's Inca Highlands 15 day trip, starting at $2229 per person. This price includes all meals, accommodation, guides and two nights in La Paz at the Hotel El Dorado.
Gecko's Adventures
Tel: 1300 85 4444
Prices correct at 19/04/04
