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La Palma

La Palma is an island of the Canary Islands, which are an integral part of Spain. It is near Morocco, Cape Verde and the archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira, both Portuguese. The nickname of the island is "La Isla Bonita" (the beautiful island).

Understand
The island has a small population of just under a hundred thousand. It has one major port (Santa Cruz de la Palma), a second small port (Tazacorte) and an international airport (SPC). The populous municipality is Los Llanos de Aridane.

Ethnically the population is mostly Hispanic (actually a mix of Spanish, Berber and Portuguese), with a small number of European immigrants and a very small number of African immigrants.

The island exports bananas, rum, gofio and some tobacco, and hosts a major international astronomical observatory.

By sea
Daily ferries connect La Palma to Los Cristianos on Tenerife (3 hours). Less frequently, a larger ferry runs all the way to Cadiz or Huelva on the Spanish mainland, via Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The main companies are Fred Olsen and Armas. The ferries operate in the.

Get around
A hire car is the best option for discovering the remote wilderness regions. Roads are well-maintained and marked for traffic control. Only sharp turns and verticals on side roads may challenge some drivers.

By bus
Buses provide an excellent and reliable service. You can print a copy of the timetable here http://transporteslapalma.com/transportes/index.htm. A bus ticket never costs more than €2 if you don't need to change bus. Do not expect the drivers to know more than a couple of sentences in English or German, though they will try to be helpful.

By taxi
Taxis can be expensive, and inside a city they are not worth the money unless you are in a real hurry or can't balance yourself after a shopping day. It is unlikely that you would be cheated. From the airport to Puerto Naos costs roughly €35 (May 2006).

By bike
Cycling in La Palma can be practiced at all levels of difficulty. In addition to hiking trails, road cyclists will be able to enjoy the well-developed road network, which will allow them to tour the entire island. Mountain bike enthusiasts will find volcanic tracks, secondary roads, flat terrain and forest routes, as well as mulateras.

You don't need to bring your own mountain bike, as you can rent high quality bicycles in the vicinity of Los Llanos and Puerto Naos. Some specialized suppliers, such as those in Los Llanos de Aridane, rent dual-suspension mountain bikes from manufacturers such as Specialized, Banshee and Nicolai. Bicycle transport services to some parts of the island are also available; they take you and your bike to the highest places, and from there, you can pedal without making too much effort on flat terrain, or simply go back downhill.

In general, the island is not ideal for bicycles, but due to its low density of cars, you can move comfortably.

See
There are a few nice towns, but the main attraction is the countryside. Spectacular volcanic landscapes reaching up above the clouds with dense vegetation in the valleys make for some spectacular hiking.

The highest point on the island, El Roque de los Muchachos (2426m -- about 8000 feet), is easily accessible by car most of the year and the views from there are spectacular and provide a good introduction to the geography of the island (note that access is restricted at night as this is the site of a major international astronomical observatory -- always read the signposts -- also note that roads and trails can be closed for a few days in the winter due to snow). There is a very extensive network of marked walking trails over the whole island which are well signposted and walking maps are available from the tourist office in Santa Cruz.

Along the northeast coast, you'll find masses of intricately terraced crops (especially bananas) interlaced with small towns and villages.

In the middle of the island there is Caldera de Taburiente, a huge erosion crater which is one of the biggest in the world. Guided hikes to the caldera are available. During winter months hiking on the river bed in the caldera can be really dangerous because rain can cause flash floods.

The capital of the island, Santa Cruz, has lots of well preserved old buildings and cobblestone streets. Along Avenida Maritima you can see old Canarian balconies made from the Canary pine.

Do

 * The island also organises the Transvolcania which is a run up the Volcano route - and beyond. Check out http://www.senderosdelapalma.com/ for info on all walking routes.
 * The island also organises the Transvolcania which is a run up the Volcano route - and beyond. Check out http://www.senderosdelapalma.com/ for info on all walking routes.
 * The island also organises the Transvolcania which is a run up the Volcano route - and beyond. Check out http://www.senderosdelapalma.com/ for info on all walking routes.
 * The island also organises the Transvolcania which is a run up the Volcano route - and beyond. Check out http://www.senderosdelapalma.com/ for info on all walking routes.

Eat
See Canary Islands for an overview of local foods.

 * Goat - cabrito (young goat, usually fried) Cabra (older goat, usually stewed).
 * bienmesabe - means 'tastes me good' and it does - ground almonds in honey, it is very sweet.

Drink
Espresso with sweetened condensed milk, and sometimes a shot of alcoholic liquor is a local speciality -- Barraquito. The island has a large amount of vineyards. Shakespeare mentioned the Malvasia (sweet Malmsey) coming from the Canary Islands. Excellent wine made on La Palma can be bought at specialist outlets and at most supermarkets.

Locally made rum is also available.

Sleep
There are tourist hotels and apartments in both Santa Cruz and Los Llanos, the two main 'cities' on the islands. Also in Los Cancajos and Puerto Naos (the two main beach locations), plus Barlovento in the north and Los Canarios in the south.

There is a wide variety of country cottage and gites-type accommodation in most parts of the island. These are referred to as casitas and are bookable via the government run website www.islabonita.com, various agencies or privately.

There are three pensions in Santa Cruz called, La Cubana, La Fuente and Los Canarios which have a range of accommodation from apartment to basic room with prices to reflect this. There is a very nice hostel in Los Llanos de Aridane, called Rosaburiente. Also pensions in Los Sauces, San Andres, Roque Faro, Puntagorda and Los Canarios.

Camping is allowed on La Palma at the following designated camp sites, although a permit is required (except at La Rosa):- Centro de Naturaleza La Rosa at Puntagorda which is two minutes from the main road and on the GR130 walking route. You can walk to the shops/restaurants in Puntagorda, Refugio El Pilar above El Paso which is accessible by road (no bus service) and is right on the GR131 route and at the start of the volcano route. Permit from the Casa Forestal at the side of the Visitors Centre above El Paso. La Laguna de Barlovento permit available on site and there is also a restaurant/bar here and Caldera de Taburiente only accessible on foot - 4 hour walk or Land Rover taxi and two hour walk - and you will need to take all your own supplies. A permit is required - ask at Visitors Centre. Charges are usually small and facilities usually good/rustic. All a great experience though!

Stay safe
 is the common emergency number.

title: La Palma


text:
La Palma de Cervelló

La Palma de Cervelló is a village in the Province of Barcelona. It has a population of 3,000 people (2018). It's one of the smallest villages in Baix Llobregat.

Understand
The weather changes each season. In the summer the weather is hot, in the winter it is cold, in the spring and the autumn the weather is usually sunny although it is sometimes cloudy and foggy.

This village isn't very famous but it's a great village. The people are friendly and helpful.

The best things about La Palma are the people and the atmosphere. It's quiet and small. It's perfect place if you want relax and if you want to have a nice time.

Get around
It's a small village but it's very beautiful! It's fantastic for walking around.

See
There are restaurants, parks and some shops. On Thursday there is a small market where you can buy fruit and vegetables, or clothes.

Do

 * There are mountains around the village and there is a river. You can go for a ride on motorbike or on horse. It's very relaxing! There are a lot of tracks around the village.
 * In August there is a festival, “Festa Major”, you can enjoy it a lot because there are concerts, markets... the people are very happy because they love having a good time in this Festival.
 * In the summer and the spring, you can go for a walk, or for a drink, and there are more people on the streets. You can go to the beach because it's very close by car or by bus.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: La Palma de Cervelló


text:
La Paloma

La Paloma is a city in the Atlantic Coast region of Uruguay.

Understand
At the center of La Paloma sits a lighthouse warning captains of sandbars and a rocky coast. Very similar geographically to the Outer Banks in North Carolina, La Paloma is a summer tourist retreat for Argentineans, Brazilians, Chileans, Europeans, Uruguayans themselves, and even a few brave Americans.

Get in
La Paloma is frequently served by many intercity buses from most main destinations of the southern half of Uruguay with the exception of Punta del Este. To get in from there, go via the Maldonado terminal or San Carlos.

Otherwise, getting in by car or thumb is straight forward.

Get around
The town is too small to have public transport. But walking is perfectly fine. You can also rent bicycles in the centre—ask your hostel. A bicycle can be of advantage if you head to Rocha Lagoon or to La Pedrera.

See
There are not many sights besides the beach and the big ugly skyscraper in the centre.

Do

 * Surf at La Aguada beach. There are several surf schools along the beach and promenade renting boards and giving lessons. 45 min lesson: U$700. Rental, 1 hr: U$250.
 * Rent a bicycle and ride to La Pedrera village or Rocha Lagoon. U$300-400 per 24 hr.
 * Sunbathe at Anaconda beach.
 * Watch the spectacular sunset.
 * Watch the spectacular sunset.

Eat
Fish

Drink
La Paloma has an active nightlife with bars and even a free club, famous with many international and South American tourists coming to Uruguay.

Go next
If La Paloma is still too busy for you, and you are looking for a more laid-back and sometimes hippie-loaded experience, look here:
 * La Pedrera – Laid-back beach experience
 * Barra de Valizas – Hippie-spirit with live music and nightmarket, and a better beach than Cabo Polonio
 * Aguas Dulces – Similar and close to but less busy and more expensive than Barra de Valizas
 * Punta del Diablo – Sleepy and inexpensive beach and surf experience

title: La Paloma


text:
La Pampa

La Pampa is a sparsely populated province in the Pampas region of Argentina.

Cities

 * — an important agricultural center with a few attractions for visitors
 * — a mid-sized city of 50.000 inhabitants in the northern part of the province
 * — the only significant city in the south-west, at the Colorado river
 * — old quiet town in the north
 * — third city of the province, located in the Valle Argentino area with nice rolling hills
 * — small town at the shores of a large reservoir, at the limit to Río Negro province, founded in 2004

Other destinations

 * Originally a hunting ground, this reserve protects the Espinal bushlands. South of Santa Rosa.
 * Also sometimes spelled Lihuel Calel. A small rocky mountain range with plenty of wildlife (Guanacos, foxes etc.) located in the south-east of the province.

Understand

La Pampa is one of the lesser visited provinces of Argentina. It is a mostly agricultural province, with little industry or mining. The most important activity is cattle ranching, but there is also avdairy sector, and cultivation of wheat and other cereals.

For tourists, the most interesting areas are in the south and the west, where the flat agriculture lands slowly make place to rolling hills and dry bush- and woodlands, with the Caldén tree being one of the symbols of the province. There are several saltwater lakes in this area, some of them with good beaches. Hunting tourism is also popular in some areas.

Climate
Being located in the Pampas, the province is dominated by two different types of climates: a temperate one in the east and a semi-arid one in the west. Precipitation generally decreases from east to west and from north to south. Summers can be very hot, with average daytime temperatures of around 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, 40 degrees not being uncommon. Winters are cool to cold, with temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius and frequent frosts at night.

Get in
The most important routes to enter the province are RN 5, coming from Buenos Aires (613 km to the provincial capital, Santa Rosa), and RN 35, coming from Córdoba (611 km) in the north and Bahía Blanca (327 km) in the south. On both highways there are several buses per day, reaching as far north as San Salvador de Jujuy and as far south as Río Gallegos.

Passenger trains used to connect General Pico, Realicó and Santa Rosa with Buenos Aires. They were suspended in 2015 due to an organizational problem, but are maybe likely to return in the mid-term.

Get around
The main highways are paved. Buses connect the smaller towns with Santa Rosa and General Pico.

title: La Pampa


text:
La Parguera

La Parguera is a fishing village in the town of Lajas, in the Porta del Sol region of Puerto Rico, known for its bioluminescent bay, and world class diving.

Get in
Located on the Caribbean side of Puerto Rico just south of Mayagüez.

Get around
Public transportation in Puerto Rico is sparse. Car is recommended for transportation.

See
The bioluminescent bay at La Parguera is the main attraction in this small fishing village. The luminescent effect in the bay is the result of a permanent population of tiny micro-organisms called Dinoflagellates. These animals produce a chemical spark of light when disturbed in the water. They can produce striking effects of green and white sparkles that can only be seen at night.

Go next
La Parguera is just 20 minutes from the historic lighthouse at Cabo Rojo. Or, head further north and explore the surf towns of Rincón, Isabella and Aguadilla.

title: La Parguera


text:
La Paz

La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia, while Sucre is the constitutional capital and the seat of the Supreme Court.

Understand
La Paz was established in 1548, and is in the Andes. Altitude of the city ranges from about above sea level in El Alto (where the airport is located) to 3,100 m (10,170 ft) in the lower residential area. It is the highest national capital in the world.

The sight from the air as you fly into La Paz is incredible. First, you see the sprawling shantytowns of El Alto, slowly giving way to the sight of La Paz, clinging tenuously to the sides of what looks like a large gash in the earth.

Orientation
La Paz was built in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River (now mostly built over), which runs northwest to southeast. The city's main thoroughfare, which roughly follows the river, changes names over its length, but the central tree-lined section running through the downtown core is called the Prado.

La Paz geography, in particular the altitude, reflects the city's society: the lower you go, the more affluent. While many middle-class paceños live in high-rise condos near the center, the really rich houses are located in the lower neighborhoods southwest of the Prado. The reason for this division is that the lower you go in the city the milder the weather is. And looking up from the center, the surrounding hills are plastered with makeshift brick houses of those struggling in the hope of one day reaching the bottom.

Also covered in this article, the satellite city of El Alto, in which the airport is located, is spread over a broad area to the west of the canyon, on the altiplano. El Alto once served as a residential area for the airport and railway service workers. Now it's a big city with a bigger population than La Paz. The buildings are low - a limitation imposed by the airport. The altitude of the city is about 4,058 m (13,313 ft) above sea level. El Alto is mostly inhabited by Aymara people. Life conditions on altiplano are less friendly than these down in La Paz. People in El Alto are poorer and feel discriminated against by people in La Paz. However, the government is investing in education there, which may bring a positive change.

Bank holidays and special dates
16 July - Anniversary of La Paz

By plane

From the airport, the official rate for a private taxi into central La Paz is Bs. 60 per person. Shared taxis can cost as little as Bs. 25 per person. Only use radio taxis with a sign on the roof. Shared vans cost Bs. 3.80. If you are arriving on a domestic flight, you will see the vans straight ahead to your right when exiting after baggage claim. The route that it follows takes you down the autopista, past San Francisco Plaza, El Prado, down to Plaza Isabel la Católica.

When returning to the airport, please give yourself plenty of time if taking the bus. Often they are full once they pass near Plaza San Francisco, especially during rush hour 17:00-19:00. The first bus leaves from Plaza Isabel la Católica in Sopocachi at 06:15.

Some South American airlines (LATAM, Avianca, etc.) serve El Alto Airport as well local airlines (Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) and Amaszonas).

State-funded Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) and LATAM (usually for a cheaper price) serve major domestic destinations and some major South American hubs. Aerocon mainly provides air links to communities in the Beni Department via their hub Trinidad. Amaszonas provides direct service to tourist destinations like Rurrenabaque or Uyuni.

By bus
There are three types of shared public transportation in La Paz: regular buses or "micros"; shared vans, called "mini buses", and shared taxis running set routes advertised on the windshield, called "trufis". The micros cost Bs. 1.30 while. The mini buses are Bs. 1.50-2.30 depending on duration. A trufi will generally cost you Bs. 3-3.50. Mini buses in El Alto are just Bs. 1.

All types have their routes indicated on the windshield, but mini buses have the bonus of fare collectors hanging out the side, yelling out routes in a rapid, auctioneer-like manner. You can hail a bus or mini bus anywhere; to get off, just yell out "¡voy a bajar!"

By cable car
A system of nine cable car lines (Mi Teleférico) connects El Alto with downtown La Paz and reaches even Imparvi. Bs. 3 for a ride. More stations and lines are being added and using them saves a lot of time, compared to taxis or minibuses, which sometimes wait for decades in the traffic. There is a rechargeable card, cost Bs. 25 with Bs. 5 credit and will save you time waiting on queues for tickets. You need a new ticket for each transfer. Nowadays tickets for all lines are the same, so you can buy a bulk and avoid the queues (e.g. tickets bought at the red line are also valid for the blue line etc.). The locals are very proud with the system, keep it in immaculate condition and greet each new passenger, entering the car.

Even if you're not trying to get to El Alto, riding a cable car is an experience in itself. If you take the red line up to 16 de Julio station in El Alto, it gives you a great view of the city from above. It is even possible to make roundtrips around the whole city; Linea Roja, Linea Plateada, Linea Amarilla, Linea Blanca and Linea Naranja form a circle—5 times Bs. 3 for a round trip of 1.5-2 hr.

By taxi
The easiest way to get around is by taxi. They aren't metered, so agree on a fare before boarding; a ride within downtown should be about Bs. 6–8. If you want to go further, ask two or more taxi drivers before boarding. A normal ride by taxi from downtown to a place within the city won't cost more than Bs. 20.

As far as ride hailing services go, as of 2024, La Paz is Didi country – there are hardly any Ubers to be found. If you want to hail a ride with your mobile phone, be sure to download and go through registration with the Didi app.

On foot
If you ever find yourself to be lost, in general the easiest thing is to simply walk downhill. You will eventually find yourself on the Prado or another main avenue, then You'll be able to take a taxi to the downtown, if you are on the southside of the city (Zona sur).

See

 * The Thursday & Sunday Market in El Alto or Feria de 16 de Julio. A huge market held in El Alto every Thursday and Sunday. This mostly Aymara market is one of the world's biggest, and a person can find just about anything. The latest software and DVDs are practically free as are high quality used clothes, jackets, sweaters and everything else imaginable. The market is an attraction in itself – you can buy stuff, see people, eat local food. For newbies, stick to the railroad tracks starting at the ceja and ending at Plaza Ballivian. Do not bring anything valuable (like camera or iPhone) and keep your money (except small bills like 10's) inside your clothing. Bring sunblock. Expats living in Bolivia are known to enjoy the bargains available in order to furnish their houses, to dress their kids, and to buy plants for their gardens. To get there, take the red cable car line from to . It helps to be there early on the market days, at 10 o'clock you might already encounter a very long waiting line. It might be worthwhile waiting because the view from the cable car over the city is spectacular and even if the line looks like you have to wait for hours, it might be only half an hour. Buy your ticket first (Bs. 3) and then get in the line. You might encounter a second, shorter line for people that own a prepaid card (tarjeta) to pay for the cable car ride. Alternatively, take one of the hundreds of shared taxis (Bs. 2.50) that have the destination "Ceja" in the front window. You can find them all over the city, e.g. at the Prado, or if you are at the Teleférico and decide you don't want to wait that long, from this.

Museums

Views

La Paz is a city which can be a sight in itself, and there are several viewing places or miradores offering impressive panoramas.

 * Mirador Killi Killi (from Avenida Sucre take Avenida La Bandera and then walk straight up, the mirador is on the right side). You can get the best view of La Paz from here. No entrance fee. You can either walk, take a taxi or bus to get there. Buses with sign "V. Pabon" go there, such as "micros" W, P, 22, 137.
 * Parque Laikacota (at the top of Av. Ejercito west of the city center). The best panorama from within the bowl, with clear views of the city and the rugged terrain to the east, all the way to Mt. Illimani. Admission is Bs. 3.50.
 * Mirador Monticulo (next to Plaza España). This small park (free entry) has a church and lots of trees which block much of the city, but the clear view of Illimani makes it an evening hotspot for couples.
 * Av. Camacho (in the heart of downtown). Points straight to Illimani, and from the intersection with the Prado it's framed by skyscrapers in an interesting juxtaposition.
 * Condor Samana (take a red bus from Calle Buenos Aires east towards Ciudad Satellite). Near Alpacoma, The most unknown of La Paz view sites, on top of some eroded cliffs below Ciudad Satellite, The condors used to nest here before the city moved up. If upu look out the left hand side of the bus you will spot the castle like formation a bit before getting to El Alto.

Do
Take it easy on your first day in La Paz if you arrive from low altitude. Even if you feel fine, resting and walking slowly will help. Try not to eat too much, at least the first day or so. And sleep as much as you can.

Visit tourist information services at the Plaza Estudiantes or Prado, they will tell you a lot about what you can do in and around La Paz.

 * The Self-guided Public Transport Tour. The best way to see the real La Paz is to jump on and off public transport minibuses and micros at random, go to the end of the line, turn around and jump off at any place that looks interesting. There is no way to get lost and each jump on and off costs about US$0.15. Buy fruit and so on along the way and talk to people in the peripheral zones. Inexpensive, quite safe, and you will see the most fascinating things imaginable. Add cable cars to your tour to make your impressions even more memorable - you won't forget the breathtaking view of El Alto with mountains in the background, or the change of perspective when entering La Paz from El Alto.

Peñas
One of the most recognizable aspects of Andean culture is its folk music, which you can enjoy at a number of peñas, or music clubs.

 * Huari, Calle Sagarnaga 329. Its location makes it the convenient choice for foreign tourists, so be prepared for extreme tourist prices and slightly tacky decor. (The ancient Incas probably didn't have black lighting.) Nonetheless, the music and dance performances are excellent.

Cinemas

 * MegaCenter (in the entrance to Irpavi in the "Zona Sur"). From downtown you must go on public transportation.
 * MultiCine, 2631 Avenida Arce, (a couple of blocks south of Plaza Isabel de Catholica). Multiplex cinema with a 3D screen. Shows current Hollywood blockbusters.
 * The Cinemateca Boliviana, (Guachalla and Federico Suazo St). Most modern movie theater in the city. You can see new mega-releases, local films and international festivals.
 * 16 de Julio (near to Plaza del Estudiante).
 * Cine Azul (at the beginning of Av. 16 de julio). Despite the best efforts to censor it, Latin America's premier underground bluey showhouse is still up and running. The steam is literally dripping off the walls, among other things.
 * Cine Azul (at the beginning of Av. 16 de julio). Despite the best efforts to censor it, Latin America's premier underground bluey showhouse is still up and running. The steam is literally dripping off the walls, among other things.

Around the city

 * Mountain biking the Death Road aka Yungas Road – A 64 km long scenic ride downhill to Coroico. Also possible by car.
 * Walk El Choro Trek or Takesi Trail – Take one of these multi-day hikes (or both if you like), they will show you beautiful terrain and Inca ruins.
 * Climb some peak – There are some nice "over 6,000 m" peaks around, which will take your heart. If you can't climb a peak, walking around is nice too, and rewards you with views and experiences. Better find guides than go on your own. Easiest seems to be Huayna Potosi. More remote, but possibly more rewarding, are Illampu (accessible from Sorata), Illimani. The most remote is Sajama, accessible from Sajama National Park.

Maps
La Paz is a good place for buying maps of the country. Topographical maps are available in 1:50,000, 1:100,000 and 1:250,000. The most popular maps, including the 1:250,000 version of Cordillera Real and the 1:50,000 version of Volcan Sajama are sold by street vendors that roam Calle Sagarnaga and from stalls along el Prado. But the best place to buy maps is the "Instituto Geográfico Militar", IGM. The institute has two offices in town, listed below.

 * Edificio Murillo No. 100, Calle Juan XXIII parallel to Calle Murillo at the end of Calle Rodríguez. This office is likely to be closest to where you stay and sometimes has as map or two on offer, but most often asks you to come back mañana when they still don't have the map you want. It's has a nice atmosphere though, and makes a nice visit for map lovers.
 * Oficina Central, Estado Mayor General, Av. Saavedra No. 2303. This is the place to go, but a little out of the way. It is said to be open afternoons, but it's best to visit 21:00-23:00. Closed if there's a soccer game in the nearby Stadium. Take a micro marked "E. Mayor" from Plaza San Francisco. The unmarked entrance is 20 m down Av. Saavedra from the main car entrance to the Estado Mayor. Surrender your passport in the window marked IGM, get a number tag to hang around you neck and walk down the road and to the left. Many maps are only available in copies for Bs. 30 a sheet. An original is Bs. 40.

What
For lunch try the little almuerzo-kitchens. You'll get a decent menu for under Bs. 10. Be careful with or avoid salads the first days. If you are on a budget it is always possible to eat in the local markets.

Street food is plentiful in La Paz, including juice, snacks, and meals. The avocado sandwiches are delicious, if you're lucky enough to find someone selling them.

Vegetarian options are rare, but easier to find than some years ago.

Two national dishes that are from La Paz are pique macho and plato paceño.

Where
Most of the fancier restaurants in La Paz are at the bottom of the Prado, around the vicinity of Plaza Isabel La Catolica and Plaza Avaroa.

There's a string of inexpensive pizza and hamburger joints on the west side of Avenida 6 de Agosto south of Plaza del Estudiante.

 * Sergio's is considered good for pizza, and is good for checking upcoming music venues.

Drink
Try a glass of mocochinchi from street vendors.

Local law prohibits serving alcohol after 04:00. There are a number of speakeasies defying this.

Cafes

Coffee is not a popular drink in Bolivia. If you want a sweet hot drink try api, made of corn.

Sleep
If you do not want to pay for a bed, you can pass a night in loco along Calle Sagarnaga or Calle Illampu. These streets are merged into fairs and museums, so are full of people all day long. Be sure to inspect your room before signing the register.

Other Budget

 * Tiquina Palace Hotel - Pasaje Tiquina 150. Good central location, nice rooms and very good hot shower. Free Wi-Fi. Doubles with 2 beds are of better quality than the ones with one bed. Rooms on the right side (if standing in front of it) have the most windows and are a bit bigger. The higher in the building the less noise from outside. Bs. 160 for a double, basic breakfast included (May 2012).
 * Tiquina Palace Hotel - Pasaje Tiquina 150. Good central location, nice rooms and very good hot shower. Free Wi-Fi. Doubles with 2 beds are of better quality than the ones with one bed. Rooms on the right side (if standing in front of it) have the most windows and are a bit bigger. The higher in the building the less noise from outside. Bs. 160 for a double, basic breakfast included (May 2012).
 * Tiquina Palace Hotel - Pasaje Tiquina 150. Good central location, nice rooms and very good hot shower. Free Wi-Fi. Doubles with 2 beds are of better quality than the ones with one bed. Rooms on the right side (if standing in front of it) have the most windows and are a bit bigger. The higher in the building the less noise from outside. Bs. 160 for a double, basic breakfast included (May 2012).
 * Tiquina Palace Hotel - Pasaje Tiquina 150. Good central location, nice rooms and very good hot shower. Free Wi-Fi. Doubles with 2 beds are of better quality than the ones with one bed. Rooms on the right side (if standing in front of it) have the most windows and are a bit bigger. The higher in the building the less noise from outside. Bs. 160 for a double, basic breakfast included (May 2012).
 * Tiquina Palace Hotel - Pasaje Tiquina 150. Good central location, nice rooms and very good hot shower. Free Wi-Fi. Doubles with 2 beds are of better quality than the ones with one bed. Rooms on the right side (if standing in front of it) have the most windows and are a bit bigger. The higher in the building the less noise from outside. Bs. 160 for a double, basic breakfast included (May 2012).
 * Tiquina Palace Hotel - Pasaje Tiquina 150. Good central location, nice rooms and very good hot shower. Free Wi-Fi. Doubles with 2 beds are of better quality than the ones with one bed. Rooms on the right side (if standing in front of it) have the most windows and are a bit bigger. The higher in the building the less noise from outside. Bs. 160 for a double, basic breakfast included (May 2012).
 * Tiquina Palace Hotel - Pasaje Tiquina 150. Good central location, nice rooms and very good hot shower. Free Wi-Fi. Doubles with 2 beds are of better quality than the ones with one bed. Rooms on the right side (if standing in front of it) have the most windows and are a bit bigger. The higher in the building the less noise from outside. Bs. 160 for a double, basic breakfast included (May 2012).
 * Tiquina Palace Hotel - Pasaje Tiquina 150. Good central location, nice rooms and very good hot shower. Free Wi-Fi. Doubles with 2 beds are of better quality than the ones with one bed. Rooms on the right side (if standing in front of it) have the most windows and are a bit bigger. The higher in the building the less noise from outside. Bs. 160 for a double, basic breakfast included (May 2012).
 * Tiquina Palace Hotel - Pasaje Tiquina 150. Good central location, nice rooms and very good hot shower. Free Wi-Fi. Doubles with 2 beds are of better quality than the ones with one bed. Rooms on the right side (if standing in front of it) have the most windows and are a bit bigger. The higher in the building the less noise from outside. Bs. 160 for a double, basic breakfast included (May 2012).
 * Tiquina Palace Hotel - Pasaje Tiquina 150. Good central location, nice rooms and very good hot shower. Free Wi-Fi. Doubles with 2 beds are of better quality than the ones with one bed. Rooms on the right side (if standing in front of it) have the most windows and are a bit bigger. The higher in the building the less noise from outside. Bs. 160 for a double, basic breakfast included (May 2012).
 * Tiquina Palace Hotel - Pasaje Tiquina 150. Good central location, nice rooms and very good hot shower. Free Wi-Fi. Doubles with 2 beds are of better quality than the ones with one bed. Rooms on the right side (if standing in front of it) have the most windows and are a bit bigger. The higher in the building the less noise from outside. Bs. 160 for a double, basic breakfast included (May 2012).
 * Tiquina Palace Hotel - Pasaje Tiquina 150. Good central location, nice rooms and very good hot shower. Free Wi-Fi. Doubles with 2 beds are of better quality than the ones with one bed. Rooms on the right side (if standing in front of it) have the most windows and are a bit bigger. The higher in the building the less noise from outside. Bs. 160 for a double, basic breakfast included (May 2012).
 * Tiquina Palace Hotel - Pasaje Tiquina 150. Good central location, nice rooms and very good hot shower. Free Wi-Fi. Doubles with 2 beds are of better quality than the ones with one bed. Rooms on the right side (if standing in front of it) have the most windows and are a bit bigger. The higher in the building the less noise from outside. Bs. 160 for a double, basic breakfast included (May 2012).
 * Tiquina Palace Hotel - Pasaje Tiquina 150. Good central location, nice rooms and very good hot shower. Free Wi-Fi. Doubles with 2 beds are of better quality than the ones with one bed. Rooms on the right side (if standing in front of it) have the most windows and are a bit bigger. The higher in the building the less noise from outside. Bs. 160 for a double, basic breakfast included (May 2012).

Stay safe

 * The plain-clothed police officer scam seems to be popular (but seldom) in La Paz. Read all about it under Bolivia and be aware.
 * In crowded areas be careful for pickpockets and bagslashers. A common trick is that one person spills something on your clothes and, while you or he wipes it off, another person lifts your wallet or slashes your bag. Be vigilant when checking into a hotel or hostel. Keep a hand on all your bags and belongings at all times. Acting as if they work for the hotel, opportunist thieves will create a diversion and snatch the nearest unattended bag.
 * El Alto is one of the most dangerous cities in Bolivia; if you decide to go there, avoid bringing valuables. Theft is the most common crime, so keep your things close to your body and in sight. Locals advise to keep your backpack in front of you to protect your things. Nevertheless, during the day, all you have to fear is pickpockets, and El Alto bus station and Río Seco are fine to be used.
 * Generally, if you feel you are in a dodgy situation, just simply walk away as soon as you can and try to vanish in the crowds.
 * There have been several cases of violent muggings in taxis. Take only Radio Cabs (they will have the telephone number and their call centre listed above the cab). The taxis, or Gypsy Cabs, have no boarding above the taxi and have taxi written on the side and are dangerous to take at night, as many of the drivers are paid to drive tourists to specific locations for muggings. Be especially careful if you are at one of the illegal after-hours bars such as Fin Del Mundo or Route 36, as most of the muggings happen in taxis from these locations. Lock the doors and don't allow other people to share the journey with you. Alternatively, just skip the cabs, there are enough other proper ways of transport around, like the gondolas and regular (mini)buses.
 * There are more reliable taxi firms to use:
 * Protests are frequent in La Paz, especially around midday, and are usually non-violent. They're sometimes accompanied by firecrackers. They often shut down streets, disrupting driving and public transit. You may see police roadblocks; if they see that you're a tourist moving on foot, they'll probably let you through with no hassle. Foreigners are prohibited from participating in political activity.
 * Computer hard drives can be damaged by operating them at altitude, and so if you use a laptop computer or anything else containing a hard drive, you are taking a risk. Most hard drives safely work up to 3,000 m (10,000 ft), La Paz exceeds this altitude by one-third. While you may get by without anything bad happening, the hard drive could be destroyed (disc crash) and you will lose your data even after returning to sea level. At the very least, you should back up your data before arriving.
 * Protests are frequent in La Paz, especially around midday, and are usually non-violent. They're sometimes accompanied by firecrackers. They often shut down streets, disrupting driving and public transit. You may see police roadblocks; if they see that you're a tourist moving on foot, they'll probably let you through with no hassle. Foreigners are prohibited from participating in political activity.
 * Computer hard drives can be damaged by operating them at altitude, and so if you use a laptop computer or anything else containing a hard drive, you are taking a risk. Most hard drives safely work up to 3,000 m (10,000 ft), La Paz exceeds this altitude by one-third. While you may get by without anything bad happening, the hard drive could be destroyed (disc crash) and you will lose your data even after returning to sea level. At the very least, you should back up your data before arriving.
 * Computer hard drives can be damaged by operating them at altitude, and so if you use a laptop computer or anything else containing a hard drive, you are taking a risk. Most hard drives safely work up to 3,000 m (10,000 ft), La Paz exceeds this altitude by one-third. While you may get by without anything bad happening, the hard drive could be destroyed (disc crash) and you will lose your data even after returning to sea level. At the very least, you should back up your data before arriving.

Stay healthy
Travelers to La Paz often become ill the moment they arrive in the city. Why? La Paz is 3627 m above sea level, the highest capital city in the world. People with ailing hearts or bronchial problems are warned to stay away, and even those in perfect health usually cannot avoid some illness resulting from the altitude.

The altitude of La Paz is well within the zone where altitude sickness could be a problem, especially for those arriving from at or near sea level. (Just spending a day or two at an intermediate elevation may not be enough.) It's highly recommended that you have adequate travel insurance, familiarize yourself with the symptoms of altitude sickness, and inform your physician to what elevation you will be traveling (up to 4,000 m (13,000 ft) for La Paz, and 6,000 m (20,000 ft) if you want to climb Huayna Potosi). Taking Ginko Biloba supplements for a couple weeks before a climb in altitude has been known to eliminate altitude sickness. On your first night in La Paz you are likely to find difficulty in breathing and wake up panting for breath. Mate de Coca (Coca Leaf tea) is a popular remedy. Take it easy when walking around town and if you are young and healthy don't be lured into a false sense of security. Marathon runners can get altitude sickness while those far less healthy can have few symptoms. You can also request "soroche-pills" at any pharmacy, which will help.

Despite being near the equator, it does occasionally snow a little in La Paz during the middle of the year, and packing some warm clothing is a must year-round.

Internet
Internet cafés are on each street corner in La Paz. Current standard fare is Bs. 2-4/hour. There are four internet cafés around Plaza Mendoza at this price, all with good connection.

If you have a laptop computer you can find WiFi access at several cafes and similar establishments:

 * Sol Y Luna cafe, Calle Cochabamba.
 * Oliver's Travel Bar.
 * Café El Consulado. Fast internet in the café and patio.

Alternatively, you can get a SIM card (called chip) for 5-15 Bs. and load a plan. As of October 2018, Tigo has weekly plans with 800/1200 MB for 25/35 Bs.

Cope

 * There are many laundrettes situated around the city, charging from Bs. 6 per kilo wash and dry.
 * Changing money on the street does not give you a better rate, and some tricks will most likely be tried such as false Alasitas or Banco de la fortuna Notes (toy money). Still, it is convenient on weekends and after hours, - just stay alert. There are also local exchange houses off El Prado - for example at Almirante Grau, offering better rates than the banks. However, the difference might be negligible, especially if you change smaller or older emissions, which often carry a "penalty" like Bs. 6.95 for the latest dollar bills of 50 and 100 in perfect condition, but Bs. 6.90 for smaller notes or older emissions, while the bank accepts everything at Bs. 6.85.
 * If you need to extend your Bolivian visa this is easily done at the Immigration Office at Avenida Camacho 1468 (between streets Loyaza and Bueno). The office is open Monday to Friday from 07:30-15:30. Bring a photocopy of your passport's photo page, your entry stamp as well as immigration card (the white one). Ask the information counter which counter is processing visa extensions. You cannot extend your stay to more than 90 days in total.

Embassies and consulates

 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
 * 🇺🇸 United States

Go next

The most popular day trips from La Paz are to Tiwanaku, Chacaltaya, and Lake Titicaca, though the latter (especially Copacabana) is pushing it a bit in terms of time and worthy of a trip.

 * Tiwanaku – 72 km from the La Paz City. Once there, you can visit the Lithic and Ceramic Museum, then you can visit the archeological site of Tiwanaku and its major ceremonial centers, which are: the Pyramid of Akapana, Semi Underground Temple of Kalasasaya, and the Puerta del Sol. At the end of your visit you can taste a typical lunch place.
 * Laja – A little town on the road to Tiwanaku (10 Bs.; you can go there from La Paz and then take another minivan to Tiwanaku), original location of La Paz. Has big and nice church (open on Sundays during mass). In Laja, buy some local bread - it's specific and tasty.
 * Chacaltaya – You can walk for about two hours, then see a beautiful landscape with mountains of the Cordillera Real and may also take fantastic photos. Depending on the snow conditions it may or it may not possible to reach the summit hut.
 * Salar de Uyuni – The salt flats can be visited as part of a 2-day trip but worthy as a destination.
 * Quime – Raunchy and friendly but sleepy mountain village surrounded by high mountains of the Cordillera Quimsa Cruz, with mines, waterfalls, native cloud forest and 31 Aimara indigenous communities.
 * Lake Titicaca - The world's highest navigable lake. Go to Copacabana (chilled-out town by Lake Titicaca and gateway to Peru) and to Isla del Sol from there. If all you want is to see the lake and take a dip, you might want to go to Huatajata (quite popular among tourists and has some accommodation options).
 * Sorata – Go there for some of the best climbs (Illampu, Ancohuma) and mountain hikes. If you can't go to Lake Titicaca, that's where you may see it from the mountain slope.
 * Chulumani – Laid-back town in South Yungas, accessible by bus or minivan through South Yungas road (quite a thrilling ride). Supposedly a quiter and more pleasant option than Coroico. You can watch coca fields nearby.
 * Rurrenabaque – Entry to Madidi National Park (one of the world's richest biodiversity reserves). Provides multiple tour options to explore jungle and pampa. Can be reached by asphalt road by bus (long ride), or by plane from El Alto airport (stunning flight; Bs. 670 with Amaszonas).
 * Charazani – Home to Kallawaya people (the healer nation). Quite a remote town, but has some accommodation for tourists. Further on is a town of Pelechuco, from where (if you got a guide and a company) you can start one of the toughest hikes (i.e. 7 days) from the mountains down to tropical lowlands.

title: La Paz


text:
La Paz (department, Bolivia)

La Paz Department is situated on the Altiplano at the western border of Bolivia, sharing Lake Titicaca with Peru. It contains the mighty mountain range of Cordillera Real with many popular treks and peaks for climbing. Northeast of the Cordillera Real are the Yungas, the steep eastern slopes of the Andes that make the transition to the Amazon basin. It also contains the city of La Paz, the administrative capital of the country.

Cities

 * – The capital city.
 * – A popular resort town on the shores of Lake Titicaca on a small peninsula that is actually contiguous with Peru. It actually gave the famous beach in Rio de Janeiro its name. It is home to an impressive cathedral.
 * – A town at the end of the "Death Road" and "El Choro Trek" with nice weather and a resort feel to it.
 * – A tiny border town shared with Peru.
 * – A practically unknown town with secret valleys, and elfin forests at the beginning of the Coca Trail—though, a little quiet.
 * – A lively mountain village with many trails and mountain hiking around it, reaching as far as Rurrenabaque and as high as 6,000 m.
 * – A lively mountain village with many trails and mountain hiking around it, reaching as far as Rurrenabaque and as high as 6,000 m.
 * – A lively mountain village with many trails and mountain hiking around it, reaching as far as Rurrenabaque and as high as 6,000 m.

Other destinations

 * – An abandoned ski resort, now a ghost town
 * – "The world's easiest 6,000 m peak" and a national park close to La Paz.

Understand
La Paz Department includes part of the Yungas region, a kind of paradise on earth that is very hard to leave. As one comes down from the highlands to the Yungas, the rocky landscape gives way to colorful flora, to new smells and waterfalls that seem to fall from the sky. Further on, the vegetation thickens, until it becomes virgin rainforest. The valley soil is very fertile and abundant. Generous crops of fruit and vegetables, which supply the cities of the highland region, are cultivated here. Melons, mangos, papayas, bananas, and coffee are in abundance, among of the parrots and monkeys.

And coca, of course, a traditional part of this culture. The Yungas offer many possibilities: 4WD discovery trips, hiking, unprecedented mountain bike crossings, white water rafting, or simply lazing around at great heights.

Get in
The region borders both Chile and Peru, to and from which there are international bus services. It's also popular to enter from Cochabamba to the east and Oruro to the south.

El Alto International Airport

See
Lake Titicaca. The lake is located at the northern end of the endorheic Altiplano basin high in the Andes on the border of Peru and Bolivia. The eastern side is located in the Bolivian La Paz Department. Copacabana is the main Bolivian town on Lake Titicaca, from where boats leave for Isla del Sol, the sacred Inca island. The town has a large 16th-century shrine, the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana.

Do

 * Going down the Worlds Most Dangerous Road on a mountain bike is probably the safest way to get to Coroico. Read more in the La Paz section.
 * Climb Huayna Potosi. A non-technical 6088M climb with a hard(er) last 120m. Recommended 5 days at altitude prior to climbing.
 * Hike El Choro Trek, which takes you through various climatic zones as it descent from 4900m to 1300m.

La Paz is a good place to eat, a different food, but you can find plenty of possibilities to find from Thai food to traditional food. El Consulado offers you an alternative in new Andean kitchen.

title: La Paz (department, Bolivia)


text:
La Paz (disambiguation)

There's more than one place called La Paz which means "peace" in Spanish:

Bolivia

 * La Paz - Administrative capital of Bolivia, (seat of government)
 * La Paz (department, Bolivia)

El Salvador

 * La Paz (El Salvador) - a department

Honduras

 * La Paz (city, Honduras) - capital city of La Paz (department, Honduras)
 * La Paz (department, Honduras)

Mexico

 * La Paz (Mexico) - a city in Baja California Sur

United States of America

 * La Paz (Indiana) - a town in Marshall County, Northern Indiana
 * La Paz County - in Western Arizona

ラパス

title: La Paz (disambiguation)


text:
La Paz (Mexico)

La Paz is a city in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Often overlooked by travelers drawn to the more flashy nearby Los Cabos resorts, La Paz has a wonderful waterfront and world class beaches. It is on the coast of the Gulf of California or the Sea of Cortez on the southern end of the long peninsula.

Understand
It's a city of 245,000 people (2015) that is clean, safe and attractive. The islands off the coast are a popular destination.

By plane

Taxis, shuttles and vans are readily available from the airport to your hotel but can be pricey. Prices are preset at US$12.50 per person so an airport taxi with four people can run US$50. Buy a ticket at the taxi counter inside the terminal. Expect to pay US$15-20 for a ride to downtown La Paz, as the airport is a fair distance away. As always, settle on a price before entering the taxi or shuttle.

It is best to arrange airport transfers through your travel agent or hotel prior to arriving. Return trip taxis run about US$20 for 1 to 4 people.

By boat
Ferries from Mazatlan and Topolobampo, just outside Los Mochis on the Mexican mainland are serviced by Baja Ferries . Both routes are overnight trips, the trip to Topolobampo taking about 8 hours and the trip to Mazatlan taking about 12 hours. Fares are M$1290 in 2021 for a one-way trip. It's possible to bring your car. Vehicle fees are based on class and size.

All ferries arrive in La Paz at about 30 minutes north of La Paz city. Public transport is limited, but taxis are readily available.

By bus
Autotransportes Aguila offers frequent bus service from nearby cities such as Cabo San Lucas (about 2 hr), San Jose del Cabo (about 2½ hr) and Loreto (about 2 hr), with direct (faster) and local (slower) service. Service is good, although tickets are a bit pricey. Alternatively, Eco Baja Tours operates 7- to 9-passenger vans that go directly from SJD airport to the same La Paz bus terminal used by Aguila.

By taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout town and prices are very reasonable, usually US$5/$10 for just about anywhere, but make sure to agree on a price "before" entering taxi and be clear that it is not a per-person price. Also UBER is available.

Local taxi location & phone numbers:
 * Degollado S/N Tel: (612) 122-0164
 * GMO. Prieto y Bravo Tel: (612) 122-0156
 * Revolucion y Degollado Tel: (612) 122-0857
 * Rosales S/N Tel: (612) 122-0455
 * Abasolo y Sonora Tel: (612) 123-2044
 * Bravo y M. Rubio Tel: (612) 122-0060
 * 16 de Septiembre y 21 de Agosta Tel: (612) 122-0308
 * B. Dominguez y 5 de Mayo Tel:: (612) 122-0770
 * Serdan y 5 de Mayo Tel:: (612) 122-1470
 * 16 de Septiembre y Revolucion Tel:: (612) 122-0790

By rental car
Many car rental agencies (for example, Alamo, Budget, National, Thrifty) have offices both at the airport and downtown. Daily car rental prices are relatively cheap, comparable to a one-way taxi ride from the airport to downtown. An important consideration is that car insurance is very expensive, with some agencies making policies compulsory. In addition, some agencies may put a hold on your credit card for up to half the value of the car, so make sure your card has enough credit.

Driving allows you to visit great beaches located away from town and to take day trips to nearby cities. It is possible to pick up the car at one location, for example at the airport, and drop it off at other location, for example downtown. This allows you to avoid paying a taxi to get to your hotel, plus gives you a convenient way to visit places that are not within walking distance from town.

See

 * Beaches: La Paz is home to various scenic beaches and boat docks. Playa El Tesoro is ideal for quiet, non-motorized watersports in a protected bay ringed with aquamarine shallow water that looked perfect for abundant fishing in the coves. Other popular public beaches a few miles outside of town (about 15 miles north of La Paz, no public transportation available) are: Pichilingue, Balandra and El Tecolote. As of September 2016, a bus ticket from Aguila Transport in La Paz is M$100 (pesos) round trip to the northern beaches. The first bus to the beach leaves at 10:00 and the last bus back to town leaves the beach at 18:45.

 * Islands: The islands in the Sea of Cortez (such as Isla Espiritu Santo) can be visited by boat tours and are well worth the time to check out. For example, a tour to Isla Espiritu Santo leaving from Playa El Tecolote takes about 4 hours. The marine wildlife and world-class views are a huge draw. Think Arizona with the Caribbean!

Do
There's an active night life on the Malecón of La Paz, the street that borders the harbor. You can walk around, go into a club, buy some drinks, etc.
 * Whale Watching Tours – Begin your adventure in the capital city of La Paz. Then on to Port San Carlos to meet the aquatic stars of this tour, the Gray Whales of Magdalena Bay. Snorkeling equipment is provided & a delicious seafood lunch is included in this adventure. On this tour you can go scuba diving with dolphins. They also provide bird watching tours as well.
 * Nightlife – Among popular waterfront night clubs are La Paz Lapa, La Casa De Villa, Hookah, and The Jungle. Also, locals can frequently be found sipping coffee until late at the popular franchise of Exquisito coffee shops. "Maleconeando" is the local slang for something akin to "cruising" in the US, and refers to bumper-to-bumper driving up and down the waterfront at night as a pickup spot and pastime. La Paz is quite safe downtown.
 * Biking – The city of La Paz is spread out, and you will find yourself walking a fair amount. The best way to see the city and surrounding area is by bike. There are a few rental facilities along the Malecon but for the best deals ask if your hotel has a bike for rent. Rentals range from US$2-5/hr. A good day bike is north along the coast to Pichilingue and beyond. There are numerous beaches to stop at and take a dip in the ocean. Make sure to bring water. Bike difficulty is beginner.
 * Sea Kayaking - Adventure travelers can rent kayaks or join guided multi-day paddling tours to islands and beaches on the Sea of Cortez. Get out into the areas where dolphins and whales will come close to see these bizarre land creatures venturing into their habitat. Camp on outlying islands. Note that federal restrictions require use of a registered guide in order to camp and explore some of the islands. There are several kayak rental and guide services in La Paz.
 * Mar y Aventuras
 * Sea Quest

Buy
You can walk around the streets of the downtown in La Paz, you will see a lot of little shopping stores where you can buy artcraft made of seashells, wood and other materials of La Paz.

Eat
Since this is a coastal city, you can get fresh seafood; shrimp, lobster, abulón, snail, etc.

Budget
All these are in the city center:

Drink

 * El Parnazo, 16 de Septiembre #15. Drinks and food and music videos and a deck with a good view over the bay.
 * Tailhunter, Paseo Alvaro Obregon #755. 3-story restaurant and bar, with a breathtaking view to La Paz Bay.

Camping
This is Baja, so the best budget option is always going to be beach camping. There are a number of free camping areas near La Paz. The authorities often try to close these areas (many of which have semi-permanent populations of winter Canadians), but determined campers almost always insist on "reopening" them. For this guide we will only list the legal, for-profit areas.
 * Campestre Maranatha US$16 per night dry camping (no RV hookups) at the north end of town

Budget
Several other hotels are in the downtown area, including: Acuario, Miramar, and Yeneka.

Mid-range
In the Marina Costa Baja where there are berths available to dock your yacht, (as well as restaurants, bars and shopping). Some weekends there are events in the Marina Costa Baja with dance groups, jazz music, samba music and other cultural diversions.

You can find a wide variety of hotels and travel information at the La Paz Hotel and Tourism Website (official site).

Go next
The nearby cities of Todos Santos, Cabo San Lucas, Loreto (Baja California) and San Jose del Cabo make excellent destinations for side trips while visiting La Paz.

It is also possible to take a ferry to mainland Mexico. The ferry goes to Mazatlan or Topolobampo, the latter is an excellent embarkation point for the famous Chepe train through the Copper Canyon.

title: La Paz (Mexico)


text:
La Peñita de Jaltemba

La Peñita de Jaltemba, Nayarit, Mexico, commonly called La Peñita, is a small beach town on Jaltemba Bay with approximately 8000 inhabitants. It is the mirror twin of the popular beach of Rincon de Guayabitos (travelers go to Rincon de Guayabitos, locals live in La Peñita de Jaltemba). The surrounding area is noted for pineapple, banana, mango and other fruit production.

Understand
La Peñita de Jaltemba is often considered to be the service community for the busy resort of Rincón de Guayabitos immediately to the south. The two communities are separated only by a narrow river. Rincón de Guayabitos is a community of hotels, bungalows, small tourist shops and restaurants, while La Peñita provides banking services, grocery stores, vegetable markets as well as public facilities such as the library and post offices.

Get in
La Peñita is 64 km north of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico Highway 200.

Bus service from Puerto Vallarta is regularly scheduled, running every 20-30 minutes.

Taxis are inexpensive, costing about 40 pesos from Guayabitos to La Peñita de Jaltemba (2015).

Get around
In La Penita at the east end of La Avenida, where it meets Highway 200, the Rincón-La Penita-Rincón shuttle system is available to transport you between the communities. It runs from La Colonia through La Peñita de Jaltemba and Rincón de Guayabitos to Los Ayala and back, making stops where requested.

Buy
The main street, or "La Avenida" as it is known runs east - west from the highway to the beach and has a central boulevard lined with palm trees and benches. A number of tourist shops, clothing stores, shoe stores, restaurants and other merchants run up and down the street. Two blocks south of the beach end of La Avenida there is a large shady plaza.

Each Thursday a 4-block-long street market (tianguis) takes place in La Peñita. This market is a must see with everything from fresh fruit, seafood, vegetables to housewares, hardware, clothing and arts and crafts. The colors and smells provide a carnival atmoshphere!

Go next

 * Sayulita
 * Lo de Marcos
 * San Blas

title: La Peñita de Jaltemba


text:
La Pesca

La Pesca is a town in Tamaulipas, Mexico, on the Gulf coast about halfway between Matamoros and Tampico, just north of the mouth of the Rio Bravo. As the name might suggest, it's well known for its sport fishing, both in the Gulf and on the Rio Bravo, but there's also a long sandy beach about 2 km east of town, stretching north from the lighthouse on Punta Piedra. Each year around the Easter week, as many as 50,000 people descend on the town for Spring Break, flooding the hotels and camping on the beach. Outside of Easter week, and the Christmas season, the town and beach can be very uncrowded and sedate, especially off of the weekends.

Understand
The state of Tamaulipas has long-term plans to develop La Pesca into an upscale resort area attractive to foreign tourists (though these plans have been in the works for a long time and it's hard to say when or if they will be accomplished), similar to Quintana Roo's development of Cancún, complete with golf courses and high-end resorts. The good or bad news, depending on your viewpoint, is that those plans are still a long way off, and La Pesca is still fairly rustic, inexpensive, and little known to foreign tourists. For Americans or other tourists coming from the United States looking to try road tripping in Mexico, La Pesca is a great first step, an easy 4-hour drive south from Brownsville, Texas.

Get in
La Pesca is 50 km east of Soto La Marina on Highway 70. There's no large airport, so it has to be reached either by car or bus. If coming by car from Matamoros, follow Highway 101 south for about 180 km and turn left onto Highway 180, about 20 km south of the small town of Las Norias. The turn-off is well marked. Another 80 km will take you to Soto La Marina, where you'll take a left onto Highway 70, which will eventually end right on the beach at La Pesca. Highway 101 south of Matamoros is a nice four-lane highway as far as you'll take it, but Highway 180 and Highway 70 are both part new four-lane highway and part old two-lane highway.

If you're coming from Texas, remember that you'll need an importation permit from Banjercito to bring your car into Mexico, as well as temporary auto insurance (seguros de autos) that covers Mexico, both of which you can get fairly quickly and efficiently right as you cross the border into Mexico. Most border crossing will have a building immediately to your right coming into the Mexican side which will house all the offices you'd need to visit.

If you're not used to driving in Mexico, keep a keen eye out for speed bumps (topes), which are used liberally in towns to slow down traffic and can often be unmarked and unpainted.

You can catch buses to La Pesca from the bus station in Ciudad Victoria.

Get around

The town is small enough to walk anywhere you might need to go, but the beach is about 2 km east of town. A car will definitely be the easiest way to get around, but it's possible to get everywhere you might want to go by bicycle, which you can rent or borrow from some hotels. If you do bicycle, be very careful and be prepared to yield the right of way to cars, especially on the road going out to the beach, which has no shoulders and will often have traffic in each direction, leaving little room for bicyclists. Some hotels also rent 4-wheelers or dune buggies, which can be used for basic getting around.

Do
The main two things to do in La Pesca are to go to the beach or to go fishing. The beach is impossible to miss, just follow Highway 70, the main street, east of town and the road ends at the beach. You can park anywhere along the access roads running parallel to the beach or often just on the beach itself, but watch that you don't get your car stuck in the sand. If you're interested in fishing, most hotel proprietors will gladly set you up with a fishing guide or boat to charter, or you could ask in any of the stores in town and they will no doubt be able to refer you.

Buy

Aside from small convenience and souvenir stores, there's not much shopping to be done in La Pesca. There's sometimes a small market in the first north-south street just past the canal bridge coming into town, but it's much smaller than what you might be used to from bigger Mexican cities and it'll be mostly closed down by the afternoon.

Be sure to bring as much cash as you'll need for your stay in La Pesca, because there are no ATMs in town. A handful of stores and hotels will accept credit cards, but most will not. However, there is a PeMex station just west of the canal bridge on the west end of town if you need gas.

Eat
You can find several eating options along the main street in La Pesca. Most open during the day are mid-range priced restaurants (by Mexico standards), M$30-50 (pesos) for breakfast, M$50-90 for lunch or dinner. In the evening, around 19:00, several taco stands open in the town proper where you can easily get a good meal for about M$30.

There's also several open air restaurants by the beach on the southern lighthouse end, which have pretty reasonable prices (M$50-100) considering their prime location. Also, several hotels along the western approach to town have attached restaurants.

 * Villa del Mar. On main street about halfway through town, lunch/dinner for about M$50-90.  Try the Camarónes Rancheros.
 * Restaurante Veracruzana. An open-air restaurant halfway between town and the beach, lunch/dinner for about M$40-80.  Try the tacos de camarónes.
 * Restaurante Veracruzana. An open-air restaurant halfway between town and the beach, lunch/dinner for about M$40-80.  Try the tacos de camarónes.

Sleep
There's a good selection of mid-range hotels with river access on the south side of the highway on the western approach to town and a few more between town and the beach. More inexpensive hotels can be found in town. At the beach, several places rent primitive cabañas on Punta Piedra, on the southern end by the lighthouse.

 * Hotel San Juan. A good midrange hotel (M$400-500 per night) about half a kilometer west of town.  Family friendly, with a well-kept pool, a boat dock, air conditioning in each room, and grills and cooking equipment you can use to cook your catch at the end of day.  They also sell fish and other seafood for the less lucky fishermen.  Look for the peach colored buildings on your right as you arrive in La Pesca.
 * Hotel Tropicana. This is a hotel known for its hospitality, and is actually the last hotel on your drive towards the beach, which makes it the closest. It is a great place to stay for a different experience from the rest of the hotels, because they offer clean and pretty tropical cabins painted in bright colours, with kitchenette, TV, BBQ pit, pool, fishing pier, and a convenience store on the property, which is great for all the people that forget to bring stuff with them. In the store they offer everything from soft drinks, meat, t-shirts, all sorts of beach balls, and practically anything you should need. They also have a nice camping area, for all the people who want to stay in a tent because they either don't want to pay that much or just for the fun of it. Another advantage is that they have cabins from 2 to 4 persons, 5-6, 7-8 or 9-10, which is great if your traveling with a big family. The price ranges are also acceptable (~M$700-1,300 per night) which if you compare to having to get 3 or 4 hotel rooms to fit a 10 person family, is actually cheap. While visiting La Pesca, look for the bright cabins on your right hand side, heading towards the beach.
 * La Quinta Huachinango. Nice and private place. La Quinta Huachinango has 3 vacation apartments for rent, two 2-bedroom and one 1-bedroom, with private bathrooms, sky-tv, air-conditioning, and personal barbeque pits. Up to 30 people. Outside there's a nice swimming pool surrounded by stone walkways, a pier, 50 m of waterfront, and 3 palapa-covered picnic areas with barbeque grills.  It's located at the edge of the "Estero," to your left on highway 70 before you enter town, about 90 m after you pass the Costa Lora turtle monument in front of the public dock.

Go next

 * Tampico
 * El Cielo Biosphere Reserve
 * Ciudad Victoria
 * Huasteca Potosina

title: La Pesca


text:
La Pine

La Pine is a city in Deschutes County, Oregon.

Get in
You can get to La Pine on Hwy 97 from the North and South.

Do

 * Newberry National Volcanic Monument

title: La Pine


text:
LaPlace

LaPlace is an Unincorporated Community on the east bank of the Mississippi River in the historic "German Coast" section of the Acadiana region of Louisiana. It is just a short distance west of Greater New Orleans. LaPlace is the largest community in St. John the Baptist Parish.

Around Mardi Gras time, the hotels in New Orleans, Metairie, and Kenner may be booked up, so LaPlace is a good alternative, 20 minutes drive from Kenner and Metairie, about 30 or 35 minutes from New Orleans.

Until Katrina hit in 2005 this was a relatively small town with a few high schools, a Wal-mart, some strip malls, and a couple of good places to eat. LaPlace has grown significantly in the 2010s, but there is still not much to do here.

Do

 * LaPlace Andouille Festival is held in October. https://www.andouillefestival.com/

Buy

 * Andouille LaPlace is known for some of the best andouille - Cajun style sausage - anywhere. Two of the best places to buy some are near each other on Airline Highway - Jacob's World Famous Andouille, 505 W Airline Hwy, and Bailey's World Famous Andouille, 513 W. Airline Hwy.

Drink
Beer

title: LaPlace


text:
Lapland

Lapland is a province in Finland and the neighbouring one in Sweden. It is sometimes used as a tourist (or historic and deprecated) term for most any part of Sápmi, the traditional land of the Sámi, which includes also most of Northern Norway and Murmansk Oblast.

 * The province in Finland: Finnish Lapland
 * The province in Sweden, divided between Norrbotten County and Västerbotten County.

title: Lapland


text:
La Plata

La Plata is the capital city of Buenos Aires Province. This planned city is recognized for its layout, a perfect square with the "Historic Axis" preserved intact until today; and for the outstanding design of the diagonals that cross it forming rhombuses within its contour, forests and squares placed exactly every six blocks.

Understand
It covers an area of 940 km² at 9.87 m above the sea level. It sits on the "pampa húmeda" (wet pampas), 56 km south-east of Buenos Aires city.

La Plata was designed around a central axis marked by 51st and 53rd Avenues, where the main buildings and landmarks are located: the Cathedral, City Hall, Plaza Moreno (Moreno square), the Teatro Argentino, the Provincial Legislature and Government house around Plaza San Martín (San Martín square). It was designed by Pedro Benoit and his prestigious team, who are among the most distinguished in the world. His basic design was a perfect square, cut in half diagonally and with squares and parks in the intersections of avenues, grand tree-lined boulevards and a forest near the center of the city.

Climate
Its weather is mild, with an annual average temperature of 16.3 °C and an average rainfall of 1023 mm per year. The average humidity is of 77.6% and the predominant southeast winds blow during four months in the year. Summers are hot and humid while winters are cool and cloudy.

History
La Plata was born because of a political motive: The urgency of giving a new capital to the province of Buenos Aires, after the battle of Caseros. It was discussed at the time the possibility of moving the capital of the Buenos Aires Province to some existing populations, but the idea of creating a new city, lying on the field as a vast mathematical network, prevailed over any other opinion. So while other cities began as small populated and poor villages, which they were slowly becoming cities, La Plata, however, was from the beginning like a city, and not in poverty if not in opulence. La Plata was born, once and for ever, in full adulthood without a past. It had fame even before existing. It would be the great city of the future, the perfect capital; it was the magical city coming from the heart of the desert. In 1882, the final plans of the city were approved, and the works began. Three month after the first streets began to pave. Finally the solemn day of its foundation came, it was on 19 November 1882. In the Moreno Square the cornerstone was laid, guests gathered under a large wooden shed, where the official banquet was served, while people gathered around 400 roasters where juicy steaks were cooked. The feast of meat was followed by racing of rings, acrobats and fireworks.

The party was over; the next day the construction works of the new capital began. The town developed, in its early years, with breakneck pace, growing in the abundance. There was work and money, so says the popular song: "I go to La Plata, the new capital, where much is gained, with little work". In a few months the final forms of the city began.

Tourist information

 * La Plata tourism website

By bus
Buses from Retiro and other places in Buenos Aires leave all the time - they cost A$39 (September 2016) and take 1 hour or so. There are two companies that cover the route: Costera Metropolitana and Plaza. On business days the buses leave from the Retiro neighborhood, not the main Retiro bus station. On weekends and holidays, Costera's buses leave from the interior of the station (platforms 1 or 2). The Plaza bus' stop is across the street from the main bus station. There are a number of bus stops, look (or ask) for the 129 to La Plata "por autopista" (by the freeway). If you take the 129 to La Plata "por Centenario", it'll take twice as long as it makes local stops along the way.

By train
Trains leave from Buenos Aires all day from Constitución station. Travel time for the full journey is just over one hour.

Get around
La Plata is an easy city to navigate because of its numbered grid system. (However, many street signs are missing, which makes it more difficult to determine your location.) You can easily walk from one side of the city to another within 45 minutes. Taxis are plentiful and cheap. They can be hailed on the street, but be observant: the diagonal avenues that cut through La Plata can be confusing and taxi drivers might take advantage of that to rack up the price on the meter.

The city buses, or the micro, are very cheap and reliable. Within one city zone (the square-grid downtown counts as one zone) the bus costs AR$6.25 (Argentine pesos) as of September 2016. It will cost a little more to travel into the suburbs. You must specify the amount you are paying or your destination upon entering the bus. If you are confused as to how much you should pay, ask the bus driver. Buses only accept prepaid bus cards (called "Sube"), which you can buy at any news stand for AR$30. (If you don't have one, but you have the exact change, you can often ask a friendly fellow traveler to swipe their card for you and then pay them in cash.) You must also hail the bus as it approaches the bus stop or it will not stop. The Sube card is good throughout the greater Buenos Aires area (not the whole province, just the city and its immediate suburbs).

A local train-tram named Tren Universitario runs in a half-circle around the city, from the railway station via the University and the city's largest hospital to Los Hornos neighborhood.

Public buildings walking tour
Starting on 1st Avenue, between 51st and 53rd Avenues, you can go on a walking tour along a strip of famous buildings. The first point is Rivadavia Square (Plaza Rivadavia) and opposite it is the important Police Department. Walking a bit further to the south-west you reach San Martin Square (Plaza San Martin). On 6th Street you can see the Government House and on 7th Avenue is the Parliament (Palacio Legislativo), the building where senators and deputies work.

The next destination is the “Argentino” theatre, built in a modern style. Right down the street you can find the Town Hall (Palacio Municipal), opposite Moreno Square, and on 14th Street, you can see and visit the Cathedral that was inspired by those in Cologne and Amiens. Many of these buildings were constructed in French style, and all of them date back to La Plata foundation in 1882.

Theatre

Concerts
La Plata's well known reputation as the starting place for a number of indie-rock bands can be seen in some of the few pubs that the city has. On the weekends local bands gather in pubs to play (often for free). Most pub life starts at 02:00. Some of La Plata's rock bands that are now well known in the rest of Argentina started in these pubs.

Second-hand bookshops
In the past they were called “Librería de Viejo”, now, “Librería de Usados”. All these bookshops have the same layout. In the middle of the room there is a big, rectangular table with books on offer. And on the shelves against the walls, there are difficult to find books, old editions or luxurious bindings. You are not going to find there the latest books of publishing companies but books that have been sold by their owners because of trips, house moving, death, desire to renew, etc. As La Plata is a university city, philosophy, history or good literature books are easy to find and buy and also at a cheap price.

If you love books go to “Don Cipriano” (49th Street, 471) or “Libros Lenzi” (Diagonal 77th, 521)

title: La Plata


text:
La Plata (disambiguation)

There is more than one place called La Plata:

Argentina

 * La Plata (Argentina) - A city in Argentina.

United States of America

 * La Plata (Missouri) - A town in Missouri.
 * La Plata (Maryland) - A town in Maryland.

title: La Plata (disambiguation)


text:
La Plata (Maryland)

La Plata is a city in Southern Maryland. It is the county seat of Charles County.

Get in
La Plata is located on US Route 301, a major East coast North-South highway. La Plata does not have an airport or a train service. The easiest way to get to La Plata is by car. Driving time to La Plata is about 1 hour from Washington, D.C., about 1.5 hours from Baltimore, and about one hour and forty-five minutes from Richmond (Virginia).

Port Tobacco
Just at the western edge of La Plata is Port Tobacco, Maryland's smallest town (15 people), dating back to 1727. Owing in no part to its extremely small size, the village is well preserved and home to much archaeological research. To get here, take MD-6 (Port Tobacco Rd) west from La Plata and then make a left on Chapel Point Rd. Turn right on small Commerce St for the village itself, while St. Thomas Manor is further south along the same road.

title: La Plata (Maryland)


text:
La Porte

La Porte is a city of 22,000 people (2019) in Northwestern Indiana. La Porte is surrounded by lakes and has a walkable historic downtown. It's dedicated to outdoor recreation.

Go next
Valparaiso is about 20 minutes away on 2 West. On 80/90 East, you will reach South Bend in about 30 minutes.

title: La Porte


text:
Lappajärvi

Lappajärvi is a municipality of Southern Ostrobothnia, 85 km away from Seinäjoki.

Get in

The most convenient way to get to this location is by car. Lappajärvi lies between highways 13, 16 and 19, with highway 68 passing near the parish village along the eastern shore of the lake. Highway 63 passes by to the north-west.

By train
The easiest way to come to Lappajärvi with public transport is by train to Kauhava and by bus onward to Lappajärvi (line 175).

By plane
Nearest airports are in Kronoby (, 75 km) and Vaasa (, 120 km). Both have flights from Helsinki, Vaasa also from Stockholm, Sweden.

By bus
Lappajärvi has bus connections with Seinäjoki and Kauhava (line 175).

By taxi

 * Keskustaksi, Taksini: see Southern Ostrobothnia
 * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi

See

Connect

 * Crater Lake Geopark
 * Crater Lake Virtual Tour

title: Lappajärvi


text:
Lappeenranta

The City of Lappeenranta (population 73,000 in 2023) is the economic and cultural centre of Finnish South Karelia.

Understand
The city is near the border of Russia and at the southern shore of the Saimaa, the largest lake (system) of Finland. Its culture and dialects are strongly part of eastern Finland, although Wikivoyage treats it as part of Southern Finland. Also known as Villmanstrand (its Swedish name and previous English name), Lappeenranta has a colourful, 360-year history influenced by its location in the border dividing western and eastern cultures.

By car
Highways 6 and 13 pass through Lappeenranta. Bus companies operate frequently from Helsinki and other cities, in normal times even from Saint Petersburg in Russia. Highway 13 extends to the Russian border, some 25 km from the city centre, where the of Nuijamaa/Brusnichnoye (Нуйямаа-Брусничное) is the second busiest border crossing in Finland. Russian tourists usually use this pathway to come to the city either by bus or a car.

If you drive from Helsinki, three almost equal routes are available: you can drive along road 6, via Hamina (roads 7, 26 and 6), or via Vaalimaa (roads 7 and 387)

By train
The of Lappeenranta connects the city to the rest of Finland with fairly modern trains, operated by VR. The travel time to Helsinki is 2–2½ hr. Prices start at €14.30.

At late evening you can take a train to Kouvola and then continue further to Lappeenranta by Yöksi kotiin taxi service, price is €50. Order must be made at least 24 hours before departure.

Trains from Saint Petersburg and Moscow were suspended in 2022 due to the war on Ukraine.

By bus
The bus station is located next to the main railway station.

There are direct connections by bus from Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Kouvola, Joensuu, Kotka, Mikkeli, Porvoo and Imatra. Coming via Tallinn or Stockholm, there may be coach connections from the port with arranged transfer, mostly via Kamppi. For timetables, see Matkahuolto.

There used to be foreign lines from Saint Petersburg and Vyborg, see Sovavto and Transgold.

By plane
The nearest international flight hubs are in Helsinki and Saint Petersburg. If you come to Helsinki airport at late evening, you can use Yöksi kotiin taxi service which transports you from Helsinki airport to Lappeenranta, price is €87.50. Order must be made at least 24 hours before departure.

By boat
Lappeenranta is a popular destination for boaters within the Saimaa lake area. Some cruise boats operate from Lappeenranta to other destinations on the lake. Lappeenranta is connected to the Gulf of Finland through the Saimaa Canal. The canal is also popular among boaters, and private boats occasionally come from as far as southern Europe. Check Boating on the Baltic Sea for instructions on the last legs.

As of summer 2023 the Saimaa Canal is open, but commercial shipping has dropped, because of the Russian war on Ukraine and the resulting strained relations. If coming by own yacht, check whether the canal really is open, and whether there are risks involved in passing through Russian waters (are you on their sanction list? they might find an excuse to give you a hard time).

By foot
Everything in the centre is within walking distance. Even the airport is within walking range if you do not have much luggage, but taxi or local bus is probably preferable.

By bus
Getting further to the suburbs is easy by bus. City of Lappeenranta has bus schedules. There is a graphical route planner to find timetables. Routes and Tickets mobile app has an address based routing and also a ticket purchase option directly from the app.

You can use NFC payment with Visa, Mastercard or Eurocard (Diners Club and American Express do not work) or a mobile device with Apple Pay, Pivo or Google Pay: the payment card or mobile device is displayed to the reader device, which then says "Lähimaksu hyväksytty" ("Proximity payment accepted").

When travelling to ruralside, school buses can be used. The ride must be booked in advance.

By bike
There is a bike sharing system using bluetooth and the Donkey Republic about €1.50/1 hr, €4/5 hr, €12/24 hr. For longer stays becoming a member is cheaper: €9 or €18/month covers all trips of less than 1 hr respectively 12 hr, also in other towns using Donkey Republic – but you need to register as member in the country of your card (available: most countries in western Europe and USA). Customer service info@kaakau.fi@undefined, daily 09:00–21:00. Several towns in south-east Finland use the same system, which is in use also elsewhere in Finland and abroad.

Electric kick scooters
You can rent electric kick scooters for use in the centre from German Tier, American Bird and Finnish Joe Scooter. Tier has also electric bicycles.

By taxi

 * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi
 * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi
 * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi

See

 * The, the original city center which was established in mid-17th century. The old buildings include artist workshops, the , completed in 1785, as well as and.

Do

 * In winter, the city seems to quiet down a little. The main attractions during winter are the city theatre and major league ice hockey and basketball games. Also many possibilities exist for practising winter sports. There are tens of kilometres worth of cross-country skiing tracks (a popular stage circles around the airport), and also a small downhill skiing slope. Many outdoor and indoor ice-rinks are available for skating. The city bay becomes a skating track during winter.

Buy
Situated close to the border, Lappeenranta is one of the most popular destinations for Russian shopping travellers. The two major shopping mall chains Prisma and Citymarket are located at the outskirts of the city.

Spectrolite
Spectrolite is an unusual variety of labradorite with a very rich range of colours, quarried in Ylämaa in the south of the municipality. The Ylämaa bedrock deposits are the first ones known, found in 1940. Spectrolite items may be available from goldsmith shops in Lappeenranta centre, but especially in the Kivikylä ("stone village") by Ylämaa centre, 30 km south of Lappeenranta centre, or at the jewellery fairs arranged there.

Budget

 * Small coffee booths at the harbour and the (Kauppatori) offer traditional meat pies called vety (Eng. "hydrogen") and atomi (Eng. "atom"). Vety consists of a meat pie, ham, boiled egg and condiments. Atomi has either ham or egg, but not both. Also other snack food is offered by the booths. Just ask for 'vetyatomi' and you'll be understood in nearly all the grillikioskis in Finland.

Bars
Most of the popular bars are located in the city centre.

Sleep
Some mid-range and budget hotels are present.

Budget

 * Local student housing foundation, LOAS, offers affordable accommodation during the summer months for tourists.

Stay safe
Lappeenranta is a safe city very accustomed to foreigners. Lappeenranta is the second most popular destination in Finland, mainly due to Russian shopping tourists, but also many other nationalities visit during summer months.

Go next

 * Imatra - 40 km northeast. See the rapids of Imatrankoski (free flowing at special occasions) and other attractions that the Russian czars used to visit in the 19th century.
 * Punkaharju - drive through Finland's national landscape on a road on the top of a ridge that partially divides Lake Saimaa.
 * Savonlinna - 120 km north, home to a well preserved medieval castle where an opera festival is held each summer.
 * Vyborg - in Russia. The canal cruises are unavailable as of 2023, so the way in would be by car. Due to western sanctions and Russian counter-sanctions because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, going to and from and staying in Russia may involve extra hassle and surprises.

title: Lappeenranta


text:
Lappi

Lappi is Finnish for Lapland. It is also the name of a former municipality in Finland Proper.

 * Finnish Lapland
 * Lappi Tl, now part of Rauma

title: Lappi


text:
Lapua

Lapua is a city in Southern Ostrobothnia in Finland.

Understand
26 kilometres away from Seinäjoki, Lapua is located in the heart of South Ostrobothnia. This city with 14,500 inhabitants is a peaceful place – although the region had many of the violent puukkojunkkari in the 19th century and played a role in the Civil War, and Lapua itself was where the infamous Lapua Movement of 1929–1932 was born – with its landscape dominated by rivers, forests, wide fields and the Simpsiö hill, one of the best ski centres in Western Finland.

The city provides excellent opportunities for both sport and cultural interests, and plenty of different events are arranged in the city throughout the year.

Get in
Lapua is easy to reach driving north-east from Seinäjoki on the Main road 19, Main road 16 connects Lapua east-west and Main road 66 connects south to Alavus, Virrat, Ruovesi and Orivesi. Lapua has a railway station and trains between Helsinki and Oulu stop there. There are a few buses per day from Seinäjoki, mostly operated by Härmän Liikenne.

By taxi

 * Keskustaksi, Taksini: see Southern_Ostrobothnia
 * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi

Buy

 * Lapuan Kankurit Factory Outlet, linen textiles and other textiles: https://www.lapuankankurit.fi/en/lapua-factory-outlet

title: Lapua


text:
Lapu-Lapu

Lapu-Lapu is an island city of Cebu Province in the Philippines, part of Metro Cebu. .

The city has the main airport of the region, many beaches and dive sites, and quite a few resorts. It also has many condominium developments and is a popular location for retiring abroad. Both the resorts and the condos are mostly toward the higher end of the price scale.

Understand
The municipality of Lapu-Lapu includes most of two islands, Mactan Island and the smaller Olango Island. The smaller municipality of Córdova to the south has the rest of both islands, and both municipalities include a few smaller islands as well. In common speech, either "Lapu-Lapu" or "Mactan" usually refers to the main part of the city, on Mactan.

Mactan is just off the coast from Mandaue and connected to it by two bridges; both lead into downtown Lapu-Lapu. A third bridge, with a toll, connects Cebu City to Córdova. Olango is a short ferry ride from Mactan.

Get in
Arriving by air, one lands in Lapu-Lapu. By sea, most passengers arrive in Cebu City. By bus, either at the north bus terminal in Mandaue or the south terminal in Cebu City.

Taxis, jeepneys and buses go to Lapu-Lapu from other parts of Metro Cebu. They use the two bridges that connect the city to Mandaue; see Metro Cebu for details.

By plane

Many fliers prefer to enter the Philippines here rather than via Manila because this airport is considerably easier to go through, and because it is more centrally located in the country. Passport control and baggage handling at Mactan-Cebu are generally fast and efficient. In most cases, Cebu will be the most convenient airport for those bound for central or southern parts of the country — Visayas or Mindanao — while for northern areas most fliers prefer Manila or Clark.

In 2018 the airport averaged 70 international flights a day. There are good connections to most of the major air hubs in Asia and a number of non-hub cities, but not many flights beyond Asia. Most international flights are one flight daily each way per airline, some only a few times a week. There are also flights between Mactan-Cebu and Clark Airport, and Clark has flights to many international destinations, including quite a few on low-cost carriers. Davao, Iloilo and Kalibo also have both international flights and domestic flights to Cebu. There are also quite a few charter flights, often used as part of packaged holiday deals. Most come from South Korea, Japan, or China.

Cebu averaged about 200 domestic flights daily in 2018. There are direct flights to all major cities in the Visayas and Mindanao, and to popular tourist destinations such as Puerto Princesa on Palawan or Kalibo near Boracay. Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and Air Asia all have many flights and there are smaller players as well. Note that some domestic flights, particularly on the cheaper airlines, allow only 7 kg carry-on luggage and no checked bags.

 * Air Swift: Mactan-Cebu to/from El Nido Palawan.

There may be flights Cebu-Bohol but most people take a fast ferry instead; see Bohol. Similarly, although there is a direct flight on Cebu Pacific most people bound for Dumaguete will go by boat or bus; see Dumaguete. One can connect to nearly any city in the north via Manila. There are also direct flights to some, such as Cebu Pacific to Clark.

This is not a huge airport with extensive shopping and recreation options, but it does have a range of services: duty-free shop, souvenir shops, cafés, a business center, ATMs, stands selling Philippine SIM cards for mobile phones, car rental, hotel and resort reservations, and beauty & health services.

There is a luxury hotel and casino across the road from Terminal 1 and a hotel in Terminal 2.

The food and drink places within Terminal 1 have international menus and, by Philippine standards, high prices. Many travellers will be happy with those; the prices are reasonable by international standards and quality is generally OK. For cheaper food, you can go where many airport staff eat; from the center exit on Terminal 1's departure level, walk across the street and down into the resort/casino parking garage. At the bottom of the stairs is a cafeteria-style place with plain but satisfying Filipino food.

Ground transportation
The airport is on Mactan Island in Lapu-Lapu. Many travellers go to Cebu City by taxi, which takes about 40-60 min and costs, depending mainly on traffic. Taxi to downtown Lapu-Lapu is to 150.

During the day, you can also go by bus which is much cheaper and takes about the same time, but midnight to 6am taxis are the only option.

If you are staying at one of the higher priced hotels, most can send a free van to pick you up at the airport. If you forgot to ask for this you may find that the van of your hotel is there to pick someone else up and you can hitch a ride if there is room.

There are jeepneys from the Mactan airport to Lapu-Lapu port for. A ferry from there to the port in Cebu City is around.

Most traffic to or from the airport goes via the two bridges to Mandaue. Alternately, one could go via Córdova (south of Lapu-Lapu) and take the new toll bridge from there to Cebu City.

By boat
Lapu-Lapu is part of Metro Cebu, and so is Cebu City which has the largest and busiest port in the country. From there you can take a taxi to Lapu-Lapu for. Or take a ferry from Pier 3 to Lapu-Lapu pier which costs only. They depart every 20 minutes and the trip takes 20 minutes.

Boats to Olango Island and to Getafe (Bohol) depart from a pier we describe in the Olango Island article.

Get around
The simplest way to get around is by hopping on a tricycle or multicab (small jeepney). Taxi is also available for a comfortable trip. Always ask for taxi meter if you are paying by meter. The flagdown rate is and  per succeeding 200 m and  per waiting time of two minutes. Drivers however may bargain if they notice that you are a tourist, hence the cost of the trip may double in price. However, you have the option not to agree and may report such to local authorities. If you know the name of the building, establishment, area or street you wish you reach, this is still the fastest way to get to your destination.

If you want more adventure, then do as the locals and catch a colorful jeepney. Ask around for which route to take. They are available 24 hours and cover most of the nooks and crannies of the island. This is the cheapest option for getting around for as low as.

Do
The area has several fine dive sites. There are several dive operators that can serve your needs. You may do shore entry in few areas but most dive sites can be reached by boat. You can go to Kontiki, Talima, Tinggo, Hilutungan (sanctuary), Nalusuan (sanctuary), Shangri-la, Cordova and more. From Mactan, you can also hire an outrigger (boat) to take you to Cabilao or Balicasag, on Bohol.

Beach bumming in white sand beaches like Shangrila, Plantation Bay, Blue Waters, White Sands, Tambuli Beach Club

Buy
Like almost any city in the country, Lapu-Lapu has a centrally-located market that has been there since Spanish colonial times. Around it is a shopping district with many other stores.

There are also several large new malls:

It is no longer the case that all "Gaisano" stores have similar merchandise and prices. The original company's founder died and there are now several separate companies, all with "Gaisano" in their names, owned by different members of the family.

Eat
Most of the resorts have restaurants, some more than one. Many travellers find the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet at one of the higher-end resorts worthwhile, though not cheap. These places cater to a travellers from many countries, so a good range of both Western and Asian food is available at most of them.

The Gaisano Island Mall downtown has two buildings; the larger one (which has most of the shopping) has many chain restaurants, mostly fast food, and a bakery while the smaller one has a cluster of somewhat better-class restaurants, mostly serving Filipino food but also with places for sushi or pizza.

Sleep
The town has one fairly unusual hotel at the airport: The Waterfront luxury hotel and casino is also at the airport, near Terminal 1.

Cope
The immigration department has an office in Gaisano Island Mall on M L Quezon National Highway where a visa extension can be obtained if required, M-F 8AM-5PM. This is the fastest place in Cebu to get a visa extension. They also have non express 3-day service which costs less than express.

For foreign government consulates, see the list in the Metro Cebu article.

Go next
Anywhere in Metro Cebu is easily accessible: For more distant possibilities, see the Go next section of the Metro Cebu article.
 * Cebu City is only a ferry, bus, jeepney or taxi ride away (about 30 minutes by ferry or one hour by jeepney). Mandaue is in between.
 * Olango Island is just off the coast of Lapu-Lapu; it has good diving and a wildlife sanctuary with many birds.

title: Lapu-Lapu