BootsnAll Travel Community

Oy, I think I need some feedback to make a decision here.

I can't decide what will be a better -- a couple weeks in La Paz (maybe venturing out to Lake Titicaca or a short hiking trip too) at the end of February, or 10 days in Paris in May.

Those are both places I feel strongly that I want to see (on a much larger list) that I can do in a short trip. I have never been to South America or mainland Europe before, so both would be really exciting and new for me. The plusses and minuses: La Paz is the more challenging, more potential problems to deal with -- elevation sickness (I live in New York at sea-level, and so I expect to feel winded for a few days when I get there), intestinal bugs to catch if I'm unlucky, realistically no English speakers, a bit of caution required with theft.

On the plus side it's the place I want to see more, and being harder to plan a trip to makes it more special too (i.e. Paris I can visit anytime, really). Bolivia has the most indigenous presence of all S.A., and I love that aspect of it, want to be there. I do have basic bad Spanish, but no French. I know that one can get around Paris without French fluency, but I think there's something lost by not being able to communicate directly in the language, so then a trip to La Paz is both a little scary and also appealing in knowing I'll need to rely on my basic Spanish for everything. And as far as safety and theft, I certainly don't think I'm immune to that in a big city like Paris, but I have the impression I'll have to watch myself more in La Paz (I'm likely traveling alone).

On the pro-Paris side, I feel also a pull to see and experience that city. It's not just "easier" to visit, it's a special city with a lot of character and beauty and history, and I think I'd really enjoy being there and taking it in. Plus sometimes it's nice to not have to be stressed on a vacation in the sense of nursing a case of diarrhea, or not having a clear transport system. Also May in Paris will be more comfortable than La Paz in Feb. for weather, I think. My understanding is La Paz is always cold.

What do you all think? Especially anyone who's been to these places? I could use some opinions from some seasoned travelers.

Perhaps I should add that May in Paris would give me more time to plan the trip, squeeze in some French lessons. Though perhaps that's just the intimidation talking -- a month is probably plenty to plan for a trip to Bolivia. Either way, this will be my first trip solo to a non-English speaking country (I did Vancouver and Ireland by myself and loved it) -- I'm a little intimidated by relying on myself when I don't have the language.

Wow, I don't think you could have picked two more different cities...I'm curious about why you picked la paz as your city of choice in all of south america. It seems like there may be other cities that might be better for your first trip...(although I haven't personally been to la paz, so I can't back up that that). Ecuador might also be another option for you, also a huge indigenous presence. Also, so long as you stay away from tap water, you shouldn't have to worry about diseases too much.

As for paris, it's great, and very nice in may.

I would say, if you're looking for fancy food, museums, art, and that sort of thing, hit up paris. But if you're craving more adventure, less beaten track, head to la paz for sure. Paris=more generic romanance La Paz=different, more diverse experience.

I don't know, not logical reasons...The big market there sounds weird and amazing, I think the ladies wearing the big bowler hats are really neat looking, I want to be somewhere that people dress like that, and at it's elevation it sounds like a unique city. I might not be able to fit it in, but I also very much want to get to Lake Titicaca, be on La Isla de Sol. It's the birthplace of the Incas so to speak, with the myth of the sungod born there, sacred space I want to see.

I guess in the realm of places I know about, this would work for a short trip (i.e. I want to see Brazil, but that's a longer trip, I think). And I suppose despite my concerns about reports of bag slashing-theft in La Paz, I feel like it's safer being there alone than Lima or Quito with more violent crime than theft, or Colombia, Or Rio. I would love to do Buenos Aires too & feel that's relatively safe, but I would feel awkward doing the nightlife stuff alone, & that seems such a part of why I'd want to go to BA that I think I'd need to go with a friend.

hei christina,

La Paz is one of the most impressive cities I've ever been too. It's just nuts the way it's built into this bowl. Crazy. Definitely worth seeing.
One week would easily let you go to Lake Titicaca (the last town on Bolivian side is called Copacabana - from where you can get on a boat to visit some islands). Trekking will be difficult though.

Paris. Well, you know, I guess it's a must see. But then, there is always time to go to Paris - and it won't change much in the near future (except if the W. decides to invade. lol), unlike La Paz might. So, my tip is, go to La Paz. (there are some pictures on my website from Bolivia.)

Adrian

Thanks Adrian. That helps. I just lucked into some extra work/extra money, so now I'm tangenting off the Paris-La Paz balance and considering signing up with a sea kayak trip to the Galapagos (! decisions decisions). However, despite the lucky extra money, the painfully expensive aspect is still a deterrent.

But if I don't spend a king's ransom for the galapagos, La Paz it is.