Ins and outs

Getting there

The road from La Paz to Tiahuanaco is completely paved. Minibuses from the corner of José María Asín and P Eyzaguirre in the Cemetery district run to Tiahuanaco daily,  it's best to get an early start. Minibuses to Desaguadero from the same corner (opposite side of JM Asín) will drop you off at the access road to Tiahauanaco, about a 2-km walk to the ruins. Return buses leave from the plaza in Tiahuanaco village.

Laja

Laja (or Laxa) is the original site of La Paz and Laja's church was the first cathedral of the region. On its mestizo baroque façade, note the fruits and plants, the monkey (a symbol of reconstruction), the Habsburg eagle (the Spanish king, Charles I, was also Habsburg Emperor), and the faces of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella on the left bell tower. The right bell tower was built in 1903. The church has a solid silver altar, but is closed to visitors. At the highest point on the road between Laja and Tiahuanaco are views of the Cordillera.