Coroico

Coroico's local culture and cuisine have been shaped by African immigrants whose ancestors arrived in the 19th century. The town is a good base for exploring the Yungas Road region or spending a night before heading to the lowlands including Rurrenabaque and the Beni department. Weekends are busier with Paceños (La Paz residents) seeking escape from the capital. The town itself is not spectacular, but its surroundings offer reasons to visit.

The new highway (opened 2006) going through Coroico provides access via a very scenic mountain road. The road connects to La Paz and the surrounding Yungas region. Minibuses to La Paz run from 03:00-17:30, departing from near the church on the southwest side of town. Tickets cost around Bs. 20 for the 2.5-hour journey via the safe new road. Faster micros take about 2 hours for Bs. 25-30.

Coroico is a small town where just about everything is in walking distance from the main plaza. Taxis are available in town for reaching accommodations further up the hill such as Hotel Esmeralda or Sol y Luna.

The warmer climate makes Coroico a pleasant escape from La Paz year-round, though weekends attract more visitors from the capital. Reservations are especially important at Sol y Luna on weekends. The dry season (May-October) offers the best conditions for hiking and outdoor activities.

Accommodations in Coroico are somewhat overpriced compared to typical Bolivian prices, with many places charging around Bs. 80 while budget options run Bs. 25-60. Budget hostels include Residencial Coroico (Bs. 25) and Hostal L. de la Torre (Bs. 25), both close to the plaza with basic amenities. For views, Hostal Kory claims the best panorama in town, while Hotel Esmeralda offers dorms at Bs. 75 with breakfast, shared bath at Bs. 90, and private rooms at Bs. 120-140 including breakfast. Sol y Luna eco resort features independent cabins with kitchens, cheaper rooms in a main house, and camping options set in woodland with two pools.

Coroico offers diverse dining options. The Comedor municipal serves cheap meals from Bs. 6. Villa Bonita (600m from plaza) provides excellent vegetarian food and is famous for its ice cream. Pizzeria Erika offers affordable pizzas and pastas. Hotel Esmeralda has an all-you-can-eat buffet with fresh salads, meats, and vegetables at Bs. 32. For quick bites, cheese empanadas appear on the main plaza at 16:00 for Bs. 2. Bamboo (Mexican, one block from plaza) is popular with expats. Carla's Garden Pub serves the coldest beers, best cocktails, and homemade meals on a terrace with live music on weekends, open 19:00-00:00. Fresh jugo ladies set up around the plaza selling fruit and carrot juices.

The main activity in Coroico is relaxing by the pool. A large open-air municipal pool (20m) sits above the bus terminal with sunbathing space. The signature hike is up to Chutokollo Uchumachi at 2,533m elevation - an easy but long 2-hour climb gaining 800m altitude. The trail passes through dense cloud forest where you can hear and spot colibris (hummingbirds) recognized by their loud flight. From the top, views of the valley are amazing with wildflowers and occasional coca fields. Walking to the other end reveals snow-covered mountain ranges toward La Paz. Yoga is available at Sol y Luna for Bs. 30 per session.

Minibuses to La Paz depart 03:00-17:30 from near the church, taking the safe new road for Bs. 20 (2.5 hours) or faster micros for Bs. 25-30 (2 hours). Shared taxis to La Paz cost Bs. 30-35 but take curves fast. Private taxis run around Bs. 300-350. From Coroico, travelers can continue to Rurrenabaque and the Beni department, or return to explore more of the Yungas Road region.

The local culture has African influences mixed with Andean traditions. Dress casually but respectfully, especially when visiting the church near the plaza. Tipping is not expected at local eateries. Weekend visitors should book accommodations in advance, particularly at Sol y Luna eco resort.