Lyla Lindsey
Bolivia is one of the few countries in the world with two capital cities. Sucre is the constitutional capital, while La Paz is the seat of the government and executive capital. The two cities are located in different parts of the country and have distinct characteristics, each offering unique experiences to visitors.
Sucre, located in the south of Bolivia, is one of the country's oldest cities, founded in 1538. It is considered the historic capital and the seat of the judiciary. The city's well-preserved colonial architecture, whitewashed buildings, and historical landmarks have earned it a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sucre's name honours General Sucre, the right-hand man of the country's first president, Simón Bolívar.
La Paz, on the other hand, is the political and administrative capital of Bolivia. It is the country's most famous and developed city, serving as a financial, social, academic, and cultural centre. La Paz is the seat of the executive and legislative branches of the government and is home to the presidential palace, foreign embassies, government ministries, and the central bank. It is also the third most populous city in Bolivia, with approximately 755,732 residents as of 2024.
What You'll Learn
Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia
The city's well-preserved colonial architecture, white-washed buildings, and historic landmarks contribute to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sucre is also considered the historic capital and the seat of the judiciary. The Supreme Court of Bolivia is located in this city.
La Paz, on the other hand, is the seat of the executive and legislative branches of the Bolivian government. It is also the most famous and developed city in Bolivia and a financial, social, academic, and cultural center. It is home to the foreign embassies, government ministries, and the central bank. La Paz is the third most populous city in Bolivia, with around 835,000 residents as of 2024. It is located in a magnificent canyon carved out by the Choqueyapu River and is the highest capital city in the world.
The debate over which is the true capital of Bolivia continues, with many considering La Paz as the de facto capital. However, Sucre remains the only official and constitutional capital of the country.
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La Paz is the seat of the government and executive capital
La Paz is the site of the Palacio Quemado, the presidential palace, and is the seat of the Bolivian legislature, the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, and numerous government departments and agencies. It is also an important political, administrative, economic, and sports centre of Bolivia, generating 24% of the nation's gross domestic product.
La Paz is the home of several landmarks dating from colonial times, such as the San Francisco Church, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Plaza Murillo, and Jaén Street. It is also renowned for its markets, particularly the Witches' Market, and for its nightlife. Its topography offers views of the city and the surrounding mountains of the Cordillera Real from numerous natural viewing points.
La Paz is the capital of the La Paz Department and is the seat of government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia. Its metropolitan area is the second most populous urban area in Bolivia, with a population of 2.2 million.
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Sucre is the judicial capital
Sucre was established as a city under colonial rule in 1538. It was first known as La Plata because of its proximity to the famous Potosí mines, from which large quantities of silver were extracted until the 17th century. Sucre was proclaimed Bolivia's provisional capital in 1826 and became the official capital in 1839.
Bolivia's seat of government is La Paz, which contains the executive, legislative, and electoral branches of the government. La Paz is also the third most populous city in Bolivia, with around 755,732 residents as of 2024. It is the highest capital city in the world, perching at 3,650 m (11,975 ft) above sea level.
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La Paz is the third-most populous city in Bolivia
La Paz is the seat of government of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, and is the site of the Palacio Quemado, the presidential palace. It is also the seat of the Bolivian legislature, the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, and numerous government departments and agencies. The city is an important political, administrative, economic, and sports centre of Bolivia, generating 24% of the nation's gross domestic product.
La Paz is located in west-central Bolivia, 68km southeast of Lake Titicaca, and is set in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River. At an elevation of roughly 3,650m above sea level, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world. Due to its altitude, La Paz has an unusual subtropical highland climate, with rainy summers and dry winters.
La Paz was founded in 1548 by the Spanish conquistador Captain Alonso de Mendoza, at the site of the Inca settlement of Laja. The city was later moved to its present location in the valley of Chuquiago Marka. La Paz was under Spanish colonial rule as part of the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata before Bolivia gained independence.
La Paz is also an important cultural centre of South America, hosting several landmarks from colonial times, such as the San Francisco Church, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Plaza Murillo. The city is renowned for its markets, particularly the Witches' Market, and for its nightlife. Its topography offers views of the city and the surrounding mountains of the Cordillera Real from numerous natural viewing points.
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Sucre is one of the country's oldest cities
Sucre is one of Bolivia's oldest cities, founded in 1538 under colonial rule. It was first known as La Plata, owing to its proximity to the Potosí mines, from which large quantities of silver were extracted until the 17th century. The city was later renamed Sucre, in honour of General Sucre, Simón Bolívar's right-hand man and the country's first president. Sucre was established as the provisional capital of Bolivia in 1826, and became the official capital in 1839.
Today, Sucre is the only constitutionally recognised capital of Bolivia, and is considered the historic capital and the seat of the judiciary. It is known as the most beautiful city in Bolivia, with its whitewashed buildings, picturesque rooftops, and well-preserved colonial architecture. Its historic significance is deeply rooted in Bolivia's struggle for independence, as it was the site where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1825, leading to the establishment of the Republic of Bolivia.
Sucre is located in Bolivia's Central Highlands and is famous for its whitewash buildings, earning it the nickname la ciudad blanca. It has a mild climate and a relaxed atmosphere, and is one of the cheapest and safest cities in South America. Its city centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Frequently asked questions
Bolivia has two capitals: Sucre and La Paz. Sucre is the constitutional capital, while La Paz is the administrative and governmental seat.
The two capitals were established to balance power between the highland and lowland regions of Bolivia.
Sucre was established as a city under colonial rule in 1538 and became the official capital in 1839. La Paz was founded in 1548 and became the de facto seat of the national government in 1898.
Sucre is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, white-washed buildings, and historical landmarks, and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. La Paz is an important cultural centre, with several landmarks dating from colonial times, such as the San Francisco Church, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Plaza Murillo.
