Thanks to Bolivia’s continued economic growth, affluence is on the rise in the capital of La Paz, and visitors can now enjoy a range of upscale attractions.

Although many decry the pollution levels in the Andean city, it sits in an undeniably spectacular setting. La Paz tumbles down a valley beneath the 21,122-foot peak of Illimani, with buildings spilling from the suburb of El Alto, location of the international airport, to the warmer, wealthier zones in the south of the city.

After a long day of taking care of business — or pursuing leisure activities like an adrenaline-pumping bicycle trip down the infamous Death Road or a tranquil round of golf at La Paz Golf Club, the highest golf course in the world — head to the Aqua Spa at the Stannum Boutique Hotel. Here, expert masseurs will knead any knots from your travels.

Aqua Spa at the Stannum Boutique Hotel © Stannum Boutique Hotel

When it comes to food, La Paz offers a multitude of options. One of the most exciting is certainly Gustu, brainchild of Claus Meyer, co-founder of Copenhagen’s Michelin-starred restaurant Noma. The restaurant brings locally sourced Bolivian produce to a fine-dining atmosphere — an experience not to be missed by visiting foodies.

If you feel like a night on the town, you may be tempted by the “typical” experience promised by Peña Huari. The bar offers Andean music and a typical Bolivian menu, but it seems more interested in catering to tourists than providing an authentic Bolivian night out. You’ll find the best and safest nights out in the southern zones of the city, in well-heeled clubs like La Gitana and the striking environs of Diesel Nacional with its industrial décor of recycled auto/airplane/train parts.

Reineke Fuchs proves an excellent option for beer lovers, serving a large selection of German brews at two charming locations. Options for the LGBT community remain somewhat limited in La Paz, but El Chamaco, Privilegio and Open Mind Club rank among the favorites.