After the La Paz Marathon: Calle Jaén and the Old Centre

The Route: La Paz hotel → Plaza Murillo → Calle Jaén → La Paz hotel → Airport Logistics: One extra night in the hotel you already have. Short hops by taxi, with the Mi Teleférico cable cars as a way to see the city from above. Marathon Month: March Duration: 1 night

La Paz hotel ──(taxi)──> Plaza Murillo ──(short walk)──> Calle Jaén museums ──(taxi)──> hotel ──(transfer)──> Airport (LPB)

La Paz is a city of slopes, and the race has just taken you from about 3,600 m to a finish several hundred metres lower. The centre is the part that climbs back up. The sensible plan is to stay put, keep your legs off the hills for a day and then visit with a car.

March in La Paz is wet. The El Alto weather station, above the city, averages 82 mm of rain in the month, so a dry morning and an indoor afternoon is a better plan than a long outdoor day. Museums suit that well.

The day after

Do nothing hard. A short walk near the hotel is enough. Altitude still matters, so drink water and take it slowly, and do not climb to a viewpoint on the first morning.

The second day: Plaza Murillo and Calle Jaén

The municipal tourism office lists the main central attractions, with Plaza Murillo as the focus. Keep it to an outside visit. Access to government buildings is not guaranteed, and events can close parts of the square.

The municipal culture directory lists three museums on Calle Jaén: the Precious Metals museum at number 777, the Litoral museum at 789 and the Casa de Murillo at 790. They are close together on one street. Opening days, hours and entrance steps vary, so check each one before you go. Take a taxi to the top of the street and walk down, since downhill is kinder than uphill after a marathon.

The Mi Teleférico cable cars are a quick way to see the city from above, and the network is a verified part of the city's transport. Line-specific times and step-free transfers change, so check the current map at the operator before you ride one.

Where to stay

Keep your race-weekend hotel and ask for the extra night in advance. Stannum Boutique Hotel on Avenida Arce in San Jorge has Terra Restaurant on site, and lists early and late departure on direct bookings, subject to availability. La Casona Boutique Hotel is a historic-centre option for visitors who want the old city. Ask about steps, lifts and vehicle access, because a hotel on a hill is a hard way to end a marathon.

Where to eat

Terra Restaurant at Stannum serves à-la-carte bistro dishes and seasonal products. Proyecto Nativa at the Atix hotel on Calle 16 8052 in Calacoto appears on the hotel's homepage. Ring each for Monday and Tuesday opening hours.

Getting to the airport