Located at an altitude of 3,640 meters above sea level, La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, greets travelers with its unique charm. Nestled in the Andes valley and surrounded by majestic mountains, La Paz offers a rich cultural blend, intriguing history, and breathtaking natural scenery. La Paz was founded in 1548 by Spanish conquerors led by Captain Alonso de Mendoza on the ruins of the Tiwanaku civilization and the Inca Empire. Initially, the city was established in the Chuquiago Marka valley, which means "land of gold" in the Aymara language. The history of La Paz is filled with significant events, from the Spanish colonial era, Bolivia's struggle for independence, to modern political changes. La Paz is renowned as the highest capital city in the world, surpassing Quito in Ecuador by 40 meters. The city is also home to Illimani, a towering snow-capped mountain that has become an icon of La Paz. The city is surrounded by the Andes mountains, offering spectacular views. La Paz's climate is a highland subtropical climate, generally cool throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius. Summers tend to be rainy, and winters are typically dry. With a population of over 800,000, La Paz is home to various ethnic groups, including Aymara, Quechua, and Mestizo. Spanish is the most widely spoken official language, although indigenous languages such as Aymara and Quechua are also commonly heard. Visitors can explore the history of La Paz in various museums and historical landmarks, such as Plaza Murillo, the Metropolitan Cathedral of La Paz, and the Ayacucho Fortress.