Exploring The Highest Bolivian Capital City

Bolivia has two capitals: Sucre, the constitutional capital, and La Paz, the administrative capital. La Paz is the highest administrative capital in the world, sitting at an elevation of 3,650 to 4,100 metres (11,975 to 13,250 feet) above sea level.

La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia

La Paz is the third-most populous city in Bolivia, with 755,732 residents as of 2024. Its metropolitan area, which includes El Alto, Achocalla, Viacha, and Mecapaca, is the second most populous urban area in Bolivia, with a population of 2.2 million.

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 originally named Nuestra Señora de La Paz ("Our Lady of Peace") in commemoration of the restoration of peace following the insurrection of Gonzalo Pizarro and fellow conquistadors against the first viceroy of Peru. The city was renamed La Paz de Ayacucho in 1825, in commemoration of the decisive victory of the republicans over the Spanish army.

La Paz is an important political, administrative, economic, and sports centre of Bolivia. It is home to numerous government departments and agencies, as well as all foreign embassies and international missions in the country. The city also generates 24% of the nation's GDP and is the headquarters for several Bolivian companies and industries.

La Paz is situated at an elevation of roughly 3,650m (11,975 ft) above sea level, making it the highest capital city in the world. The city's unusual subtropical highland climate is characterised by rainy summers and dry winters.

Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia

However, Sucre is not the seat of the Bolivian government. The seat of government was moved to La Paz at the start of the 20th century, due to Sucre's relative remoteness from economic activity after the decline of Potosí and its silver industry. La Paz is now the administrative capital of Bolivia, where the executive and legislative branches of government function.

Sucre remains the only official capital of Bolivia, but La Paz is considered by many as the de facto capital. La Paz is home to the foreign embassies, government ministries, and the central bank. It is also the third most populous city in Bolivia, with around 755,732 residents as of 2024.

The debate over which is the true capital of Bolivia continues to this day.

La Paz is the world's highest capital city

La Paz is the highest capital city in the world. It is the administrative capital of Bolivia and is located in the west-central region of the country, 42 miles southeast of Lake Titicaca. The city is set in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River and lies between 10,650 and 13,250 feet above sea level.

La Paz was founded in 1548 by the Spanish conquistador Captain Alonso de Mendoza and was originally named Nuestra Señora de La Paz ("Our Lady of Peace"). The city's name was changed to La Paz de Ayacucho in 1825 to commemorate the decisive victory of the republicans at Ayacucho over the Spanish army.

La Paz has a unique subtropical highland climate due to its altitude, with rainy summers and dry winters. The city is known for its markets, nightlife, and archaeological sites, as well as its stunning natural surroundings. The Illimani mountain, with its snow-covered peaks, can be seen from many parts of the city.

La Paz is the seat of the Bolivian government, housing the Palacio Quemado (the presidential palace), the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, and numerous government departments and agencies. It is also a cultural centre, boasting several landmarks from colonial times, such as the San Francisco Church, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Plaza Murillo.

The population of La Paz as of 2024 is 755,732 residents, making it the third-most populous city in Bolivia. The metropolitan area, which includes the cities of El Alto, Achocalla, Viacha, and Mecapaca, has a population of 2.2 million, making it the second most populous urban area in Bolivia.

La Paz is Bolivia's third-most populous city

La Paz, officially known as Nuestra Señora de La Paz, is the administrative capital of Bolivia and the seat of the country's government. With 755,732 residents as of 2024, it is the third-most populous city in Bolivia. However, its metropolitan area, which includes the cities of El Alto, Achocalla, Viacha, and Mecapaca, is the second most populous urban area in the country, with a population of 2.2 million.

La Paz is located in west-central Bolivia, 68 kilometres southeast of Lake Titicaca. The city is nestled in a canyon formed by the Choqueyapu River and sits at an elevation of roughly 3,650 metres above sea level, making it the highest capital city in the world. Due to its high altitude, La Paz has a unique subtropical highland climate with rainy summers and dry winters.

The city was founded on October 20, 1548, by the Spanish conquistador Captain Alonso de Mendoza at the site of an Inca settlement. La Paz served as a connecting point between commercial routes from Potosí and Oruro to Lima. The full name of the city was originally Nuestra Señora de La Paz, meaning "Our Lady of Peace," commemorating the restoration of peace following an insurrection against the first viceroy of Peru.

La Paz is an important political, administrative, economic, and cultural centre of Bolivia. It is home to the Palacio Quemado, the presidential palace, and the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, the country's legislative body. The city also hosts numerous government departments and agencies, as well as foreign embassies and international missions. La Paz generates 24% of Bolivia's gross domestic product and is headquarters to many Bolivian companies and industries.

La Paz has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its markets, nightlife, and archaeological significance. The city boasts several landmarks from colonial times, such as the San Francisco Church, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Plaza Murillo. La Paz is also renowned for its Witches' Market, where herbs and remedies used by the Aymara people are sold.

Sucre is known as the most beautiful city in Bolivia

Bolivia's constitutional capital, Sucre, is known as the most beautiful city in the country. Located in the south-central part of the country, Sucre is set in a valley surrounded by low mountains and lies at an elevation of 2,790 to 2,800 metres. This relatively high altitude gives the city a subtropical highland climate with cool temperatures year-round.

The city's pleasant climate and low crime rates have made it popular among foreigners and locals alike. Sucre's well-preserved Hispanic colonial and republican historic city centre earned it a designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991. The city's architecture illustrates the blending of local traditions with European styles. Whitewashed colonial buildings, bell towers, rooftop terraces, and tranquil patios are the main form of construction in Sucre. The city has held an important place in Bolivian history, serving as an important centre in the Real Audencia de Charcas and later as the first capital of Bolivia.

Sucre is also an educational and government centre, housing the Bolivian Supreme Court. The city's university, Universidad Mayor Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca, is one of the oldest in the New World. Sucre's importance in Bolivian history is further highlighted by the Casa de la Libertad (Liberty House), where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1825.

The locals are also part of Sucre's charm. As one source notes, "the most memorable part of the visit to Mercado Central was meeting locals and hearing their stories." Sucre's relaxed and proud character, combined with its rich history and beautiful architecture, make it a captivating destination in Bolivia.

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