Coroico

Coroico is a hill top town in the La Paz department of Bolivia and is an excellent base for excursions into the surrounding Yungas Road region.

Understand
Coroico is a good place to explore the region around the Yungas Road or just spend a night before heading to the lowlands (including Rurrenabaque and the rest of the Beni department, or just back to La Paz. Due to Coroico's lower elevation, the weather is quite nice by comparison to La Paz, and has a resort-like feel to it. Weekends are busier with Paceños.

Coroico itself is not that spectacular. The surrounding is nice but besides its multiple accommodation option, it does not offer much additional reason to stay here.

Get in
The new (as of 2006) highway going by Coroico is open for public use. It's a very scenic road and needs to be appreciate when driving it.

By bus
All buses from the Terminal Provincial Minasa Yungas in La Paz will go by and stop in Yolosita (Bs. 20). From there you can hike up to Coroico, there is a direct trail, or take a minibus for Bs. 5. There are also a few direct connections to Coroico from La Paz.

By bicycle
From La Paz to Coroico you can also do "The Bike Ride"&mdash;the so-called "Death Road". Many tour companies offer this trip, but you can also organise it by yourself, renting a bicycle in La Paz. If you go with a tour company, look for one that allows you to bring your backpack along (for free!). For more details on the cycling option, see Yungas Road.

On foot
There are also several hiking options to get to Coroico from La Paz, see Yungas Road.

Get around
Coroico is a small town and just about everything is in walking distance. There are also taxis in town.

See

 * Soak up village life.
 * Check out the church right next to the plaza.

Do

 * Most people just come to chill out at the pool, and at night go eat in one of the excellent restaurants. There is a large open air municipal pool (20 m) above the bus terminal with space for sunbathing.
 * Yoga is available at Sol y Luna for Bs. 30, see section for details.

Eat

 * Try the Comedor municipal for cheap food from Bs. 6.
 * Pizzeria Erika has fairly cheap pizzas and pastas, but you can also go for a set meal.
 * Best value for money at the vegetarian Villa Bonita, which is also famous for its ice-cream.
 * Best value for money at the vegetarian Villa Bonita, which is also famous for its ice-cream.

Sleep
Accommodations in Coroico are a little overpriced, with many accommodations demanding around a steep Bs. 80 compared to the regular Bs. 30-60.



Cope
You can find guides in the "Tourist Information Office" (actually a disguised tour operator) on the Plaza. Or you can ask your hotel to recommend one.

Go next

 * There are minibuses to La Paz running 03:00-17:30 southwest from the church. You will easily recognise the ticket sellers shouting La Paz. The minibuses take the safe new road, but are a bit cramped, Bs. 20, 2.5 hours. For Bs. 25-30 you can get small micros 2 hr.
 * A private taxi to La Paz should cost around Bs. 300-350. Also, there are shared taxis that cost Bs. 30-35. They take the curves a bit too fast, so it's best to take them only if you have a strong stomach.