Learn How to Pronounce La Paz | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce La Paz
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)
Meaning and Context
La Paz, officially known as Nuestra Señora de La Paz, is the world's highest administrative capital, situated at a breathtaking average elevation of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) above sea level in a canyon carved by the Choqueyapu River within the Bolivian Andes. Founded in 1548 by Spanish conquistadors, the city's dramatic topography ranges from the lofty heights of El Alto on the altiplano plateau down to the more temperate lower districts, creating a stunning urban landscape of terraced neighborhoods connected by a network of cable cars, the Mi Teleférico. As Bolivia's seat of government, housing the Palacio Quemado and the Plurinational Legislative Assembly, La Paz is a bustling metropolis renowned for its vibrant indigenous culture, exemplified by the sprawling Witches' Market (Mercado de las Brujas) and the colorful, chaotic stalls of the El Alto street market. This unique blend of political significance, high-altitude travel challenges, Andean culture, and adventure tourism makes it a premier destination for visitors seeking things to do in Bolivia, from exploring the otherworldly Valle de la Luna to riding the cable car system for panoramic city views.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The primary term "La Paz" is consistently spelled with a space between "La" and "Paz," both words capitalized, and with a z. Common misspellings and variations include merging the words into a single unit, such as "Lapaz," or using an 's' instead of a 'z', resulting in "La Pas." In some historical or formal contexts, the full colonial name "Nuestra Señora de La Paz" may be used. Additionally, it is crucial to distinguish it from other places bearing the same name, most notably La Paz, Baja California Sur, in Mexico. A frequent error, especially in casual writing, is the omission of the article "La," referring to the city simply as "Paz," which is incorrect and can cause confusion as "paz" is the Spanish word for "peace." When discussing the broader metropolitan area that includes the city of El Alto, the term "La Paz-El Alto metropolitan area" is often employed.
Example Sentences
Many travelers begin their journey in Bolivia by acclimatizing to the thin air in La Paz before venturing to other regions like the Salar de Uyuni.
A ride on the Mi Teleférico cable car network offers unparalleled views of the city's sprawling, bowl-like setting against the backdrop of the snow-capped Illimani mountain.
The Witches' Market in the historic center sells everything from herbal remedies to elaborate offerings for Pachamama (Mother Earth).
While Sucre is Bolivia's constitutional capital, La Paz functions as the administrative and legislative heart of the nation.
Due to its extreme altitude, it's advisable to drink coca tea upon arrival to help mitigate the symptoms of soroche, or altitude sickness.
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