Sandwiched by the majestic façades of the Nuestra Señora del Pilar Cathedral and the Casa de Gobierno, Constitution Square is the main plaza in La Paz. It is known for the unusual mushroom-shaped artwork in its waterless basin. Admire the impressive vista of the cathedral and cultural center, each framed by the park’s fountain and trees.
Meet friends in the elegant bandstand, which is an ideal place to gather before setting off to explore the city’s highlights. Get a sense of La Paz culture by watching locals play chess. This colloquial and friendly atmosphere is enhanced by the shoe-shiners, snack vendors and corner cafés with tables spilling onto the sidewalk.
The park’s most prominent feature is the fountain-like basin, with its sculpture that recreates the mushroom-shaped rock on Balandra Beach. Admire the sculpture’s top-heavy appearance, its large upper part somehow held upright by a thin middle strip and narrow foundation.
Sit with a book at one of the white benches and watch people go by in this central plaza. Many of these benches are placed in front of floral gardens that are filled with brightly colored blooms.
Admire the neoclassical façade of the cathedral to the south. The church contains opulent altarpieces, colorful stained-glass windows and a plaque shedding light on its missionary history. Turn north for the elaborate frontage of the Casa de Gobierno. Inside are artistic and cultural exhibits.
The plaza is also known as the Jardín Velasco. It is open at all times to the public. Access the square for free.
Find Constitution Square in the heart of the Zona Comercial, a few blocks inland from the Malecón coastal promenade. Walk here from the Malecón Kiosk in a little more than 5 minutes. See some of the nearby sights, including the Centro Cultural La Paz, the Teatro Juarez and the Whale Museum.
