Bolivia Travel: Coroico

A few hours from La Paz are the subtropical valleys know as the Yungas. These steep green forested are set between the high Cordillera and the vast jungle that stretches east. The warm climate of the Yungas is ideal for vacationing paceños (La Paz locals) as well as citrus fruit, bananas, coffee, and coca leaves. The town of Coroico, in the Nor Yungas, is a favorite among travelers. The legendary road winds its way down from the high mountains and has gained recognition as the most dangerous road in the world. The best views on this frightening road are between May and June when there is a slimmer chance of fog and rain. Fog is common in the afternoon when it rises from the deep valleys and swirls through the streets and over the rooftops. Coroico stays relatively warm year-round, but summer storms bring some powerful downpours.

Enjoy the far-ranging view of the small settlements forest canyons, cloud topped mountain peaks, patchwork agricultural lands, citrus orchards, and coffee plantations, because aside from great hikes and relaxation there is not a great deal of activity. The town closes on Mondays and most stores and restaurants don’t reopen until Tuesday morning. However, Saturday and Sunday are market days.

There are many quality walks around Coroico. One is down to the pools at the Río Vagante, 7 km away, and takes about three hours to get there. Another good walk is up to the waterfalls, starting from El Calvario. After admiring the Stations of the Cross by the cemetery, walk one hour to Cascada y Toma de Agua de Coroico, the source of the town’s water. Walk beyond this to a couple of waterfalls further on which are great for swimming. One of the best walks is up to Cerro Uchumachi, the mountain behind El Calvario. Follow the Stations of the Cross again and watch for the faded red and white antenna behind the chapel. From there it’s about a 1 ½ hour walk uphill to the top of the mountain where a trail continues to the right for an hour until you reach a campsite. The views from Uchumachi are wonderful if the afternoon fog does not block your view.

Buses from the Villa Fátima district in La Paz leave several times a day for the three hour trip to Coroico.

This guide to Coroico was written by a Bolivia travel expert at Bolivia For Less available to help you custom design your exciting Bolivia vacations.