Under $100: La Paz, Bolivia

La Paz, officially known as Nuestra Señora de La Paz, is uniquely situated in west-central Bolivia southeast of Lake Titicaca in a canyon created by the Choqueyapu River. The city is surrounded by the Altiplano Mountains below the towering, triple-peaked, snow-covered Illimani — visible from many parts of the city.

Recognized as one of the New7Wonders Cities in 2015, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world at 11,975 feet above sea level. Since gaining independence in 1821, La Paz has become an important political, administrative, economic and sports center, generating 25 percent of the country’s GDP and serving as headquarters for numerous Bolivian companies and industries.

Alongside its modern urban institutions are remnants of the city’s historic colonial past, such as San Francisco Church, built in 1548; the Metropolitan Cathedral, built in 1835; the central Plaza Murillo in the city’s old town; and the Palacio Quemado, the official residence of the President of Bolivia.

The former hone of Pedro Domingo Murillo, Bolivia’s martyr of the independence revolution of 1809, is now a museum. Other notable cultural institutions include the Museo Nacional de Arqueología, depicting a collection of artifacts of the Tiawanaku culture; the Museo del Lital, home to objects from the 1879 war with Chile; Museo del Oro, presenting pre-Spanish Conquest works made of gold, silver and copper; and the Museo de Historia Natural, boasting exhibits on Bolivian paleontology, geology, zoology and botanical elements. All museum entrance fees are less than $5, so you can visit several in a day.

The Bolivian city is also renowned for its unique markets, nightlife and festivals worth visiting, like the Achocalla Festival if you visit in January and La Fiesta del Gran Poder if you visit in May.

Some great dining options that won’t empty your wallet include Kalakitas, a quirky, colorful Mexican restaurant perfect for lunch or dinner; Luciernagas for some of the best authentic Latin cuisine in Bolivia, served in a cozy atmosphere; Namas Te for cheap, delicious vegetarian or vegan options; Berlusca for outstanding Italian food, served in large portions for little money; and Restaurant 1700 for a memorable Latin meal. For breakfast or a coffee stop in Buey Cup Coffee Bar, Big Sur Café Organico or the Downtown Espresso & Bar, which has outdoor seating and great WiFi if you need to check in.

While walking is a great option in La Paz due to its small size, public transportation is readily available and affordable. There are plenty of taxis and negotiation is key to an inexpensive ride. If you’re unsure, ask what the rate should be depending on where you’re going at your hotel before getting in a taxi. Collectivos are bus-style taxis that shuttle groups to destinations in similar areas. They’re cheap and display the destination on the front windows. La Paz is also home to the highest urban cable car network in the world, connecting neighboring communities like El Alto.