World City Guide

Getting Around

Like most South American cities, La Paz runs primarily on buses. The city’s deregulated public transport network is crowded, cheap and slightly chaotic, with routes usually marked on cards and tucked behind the windscreen. Do as the locals do: simply flag one down and wade in. Beware of pickpockets.

Taxis
Much of downtown La Paz is negotiable on foot but taxis are especially useful for those steep ascents. Collective taxis charge a low flat-rate fare but will stop en route to pick up other passengers. Radio taxis (identified by their roof sign) may charge more but are generally more reputable, especially after dark. Simply flag them down, always agree on fares upfront and make sure that you have lots of small denomination coins - nobody ever, ever has any change. There are lots of private taxis on the road so, if alone, it is best to head for the busy taxi ranks outside the Radisson Hotel on Avenida Arce or Plaza Isabel la Catolica.

Car Hire
To hire a car you will have to be aged over 25, and have your national driving licence and passport. You will also need to present an international credit card. Costs are generally high and you should expect to pay a deposit of up to US$1,000. Always check very carefully what is included in the hire company’s insurance and consider getting your own personal documentation translated into Spanish before arrival. Major providers include Kolla Motors (tel: (02) 241 9141; website: www.kollamotors.com) and Petita Rent-a-Car (tel: (02) 242 0329; website: www.rentacarpetita.com).

Bicycle & Scooter Hire
To rent two-wheeled transport, head for the ex-pat run biking specialist, Gravity Assisted Mountain Biking (tel: (02) 231 3849; website: www.gravitybolivia.com), located just off the Prado in Edificio Avenida. Cycling around the city can be even more hazardous than driving so care should be taken.