The city of contrasts, both topographically and culturally.

Topographically, La Paz has a breathtaking setting and the view is astounding. It is located at the bottom of a large canyon with the snow-capped, three-peaked Illimani mountain as a dramatic backdrop. It belongs in the same scenic league as Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, San Francisco, or Hong Kong.

The multicultural and multiethnic contrast is also fascinating. In no other Latin American capital are there such differences between its inhabitants; from indigenous women in traditional bowler hats and voluminous skirts, selling Andean crops on the sidewalks, to businessmen hurrying to reach their modern office buildings.