La Paz Department, Department in western Bolivia.
La Paz is a department in western Bolivia that includes sections of the Cordillera Real range and part of Lake Titicaca. The terrain extends from snow-capped peaks through high plateaus down to subtropical valleys, presenting a range of landscapes in a single territory.
The territory became a department in 1826 through a decree issued by Marshal Antonio José de Sucre shortly after independence. Over the following decades, the capital grew into the political center of the young republic, while rural areas changed more slowly.
The name comes from Nuestra Señora de La Paz, the Spanish designation for Our Lady of Peace, given during the colonial period. Aymara communities preserve traditional weaving arts and festivals throughout the highland settlements, while the lower valleys host markets with local produce and handcrafted textiles.
The provinces range from alpine heights to tropical lowlands, so visitors should plan clothing and travel times according to their destination. Roads in remote municipalities can become difficult to pass during rain, making local advice helpful.
The Cotapata National Park, Apolobamba Natural Area, and Pilón Lajas Biosphere Reserve form a network of protected zones that cross several climate belts. Trails in these areas lead from cloud forests to glacier edges, revealing the ecological variety of the region.
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