La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia sits at 3,660 metres above sea level. Located in a canyon, the city climbs steep hills as it expands outwards creating an unforgettable urban setting. The poor neighbourhoods and brick houses of the surrounding hills contrasting with high rise commercial buildings and middle class neighbourhoods below.
The daily street life of La Paz fascinates as much as its magnitude and altitude. This photo essay offers glimpses of the city from the streets of the Central District and the hillside neighbourhoods above.
Looking down on La Paz from a hillside neighbourhood.
Looking out from the the Central District, a backdrop of brick houses on the hills above.
As the city has grown brick houses have expanded outwards and upwards.
At the end of the street, a hill rises up covered in brick houses.
A busy street bustles with mini-buses, market stalls and street traders.
Two traditionally dressed women share a moment under posters of Evo Morales.
Markets and street stalls are commonplace along the streets of the Central District.
Streets in the Central District of La Paz ascend steeply, many providing vistas of the houses perched on the hillsides above.
Matthew Blaikie is an urban sustainability advisor currently based in Auckland. He has a particular interest in the role that cities can play in creating a sustainable future.
