Jacaranda Journey

Founded in 1548 at the foot of the commanding triple-peaked snowcapped Mt. Illumani, it lies at an elevation of 12,007 feet above sea level. It has a population of 1.4 million and is the de facto capital of Bolivia; the official capital is Sucre.

La Paz sprawls below a plateau where the world's highest international airport is situated at an alititude of 13,325 feet above sea level

Three generations stop for an ice cream at Plaza San Francisco in front of La Paz’s old colonial church.

Old colonial church.

Sagarnaga Street behind the San Francisco church is an exotic colorfest of textiles and woven/knitted clothing

Extremely poor boys and older men known as lustrabotas, wear thick balaclavas and sell their shoe-shining services for a pittance. They hide their faces because of the social stigma of handling feet in the Aymara culture.

Changing of the guard

Cholita on ropes - but she will bounce back and win the match!

The audience is made up of locals as well as tourists

These are fearsome luchadoras!

Woman selling pigs ears

Pastel and api

Buying coca leaves

Sculpture at the entrance to the Museum of Contemporary Art

Bolivia's first indigenous President (he is Aymara) has won his third term

Backwards clock and wiphala flag

OMAK is an Aymara women's human rights group, gathering here for the screening of a new anti-discrimination video

OMAK is an Aymara women's human rights group, gathering here for the screening of a new anti-discrimination video

The leader of the OMAK organization

Painter Roberto Mamani Mamani is a well-known contemporary Bolivian artist. His images reflect his Aymara heritage.

A bizarre assortment of curiosities can be purchased to manipulate the indigenous Aymara world of spirits and beliefs.

Dried llama fetuses bring prosperity. We were told the fetuses are stillborn animals.

The Witches Market is found on Calle Linares

The city lies at the foot of Cerro Rico

Casa de la Moneda