Jesús de Machaca
La Paz Department · Culture and history
Jesús de Machaca is an Aymara village on the Altiplano, organised in ayllus, the traditional communities. Its 1706 church, with a carved façade and grand doorway, is one of the region's fine colonial churches. A village where Andean life still follows the seasons.
3,850 maltitude
0 to 1 dayto spend there
High altitude. Above 3,500 m, altitude sickness (soroche) is common. Arrive gradually, drink plenty and take it slow on the first day.
Things to do
- Colonial church of 1706
- Life in the Aymara ayllus
- Trip to the Urus of Iruito
What to eat
- ChuñoPotatoes freeze-dried in the sun, an Andean technique thousands of years old. A surprising taste, worth trying at least once.
- Sajta de polloChicken in a yellow ají amarillo chilli sauce, with chuño and potato. Typical of the Altiplano.
Tip. Bus from El Alto (about 3 h, via Viacha). Very simple lodging.
How to get to Jesús de Machaca
Photos of Jesús de Machaca
More places in this region
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El AltoThe big Aymara city on the Altiplano, right above La Paz: a giant market, cholets and cholita wrestling.
Valle de la LunaMoon-like clay formations in the southern suburbs of La Paz.
Valle de las ÁnimasA forest of earth spires on the edge of La Paz, bigger and wilder than the Valley of the Moon.
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Cordillera Real: CondoririGlacial lagoons and snowy peaks, two hours from La Paz.
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