Los Yungas are subtropical valleys located in the foothills of the Cordillera of Andes, in the department of La Paz. It has a semi-tropical climate and exuberant vegetation. It is characterized by being a humid and cloudy area with heavy rainfalls. It is ideal for growing coffee, citrus, sugar cane and coca. This area houses a great deal of natural richness of flora and fauna and its landscape is a mixture of wooded slopes, cliffs, rivers, and waterfalls.

From La Paz city, you experience the descent to the Eastern or Real Cordillera of the Andes at 4000 m toward the Amazonian basin varying between 2500 and 600 meters, which is one of the richest eco-regions of the country. The risky roads and infinite rivers make the trip to Los Yungas an incomparable experience. The landscape changes from extensive snowy mountains into a really beautiful rainforest.

HIGHLIGHTS

The proximity of this region with the La Paz city, especially Nor Yungas, enabled populations such as Coroico, Chairo, Tocana and Caranavi to begin develop touristic options for those who seek to leave the city and stay in contact with nature.

Regarding Sud Yungas, the most important populations are Chulumani, Irupana and Yanacachi as well as other small populations. There are good accommodation options and touristic services.

Coroico and the Death Road

Coroico has a population of around 23.000 inhabitants. This touristy town was founded by the Aymara culture as well as Chulumani, Coripata and Irupana. Although there are few old buildings, you can still see marks of colonial and republican architecture in some of their houses.
The steep and cobbled streets of Coroico have a special charm. This town is surrounded by a wonderful landscape that can be observed from various viewpoints. It is also possible to hike down the Cochuna and San Jacinto waterfalls or climb to the top of Uchumachi at 2500 m through a path of forests forming tunnels up to the top, from where you have a spectacular panoramic view of the Andean Cordillera.

You can also visit ‘El Vagante’, natural stone swimming holes in the Santa Barbara River, where you can enjoy a refreshing bath in crystal clear waters and observe the natural landscape and the citrus plantations that are very close.

The Death Road is now one of the most famous touristic destinations in Bolivia. It is also known as the world’s most dangerous road. This is a route of 65 km from the la Cumbre (summit), a high-mountain pass in the middle of the Andes at 4000 m. Until 15 years ago, this route was the main access route to the forest of Los Yungas.

This road is legendary due to its extreme danger as it has steep grades and sharp curves and most of the road is the width of one lane only (3 meters wide). Currently, the access to the populations of Los Yungas such as Yolosa and Coroico is through a new paved road, so the Death Road is now a clear route almost exclusively used as a tourist circuit to descend in mountain bikes. This road became even more notorious in February 2012 when the international ‘History Channel’ filmed the reality show ‘the Deadliest Roads’ along the road to Coroico. This TV series became famous due to the great deeds of a group of experienced truck drivers travelling along dangerous routes in the Himalayas and Alaska.

Tocaña

Tocaña is a small community inhabited by the descendants of African slaves who came during the colonial era. This is the cradle of the saya afroyungueña, a unique and ardent rhythm that is danced and sang in all the local, regional and national folk festivals.

Coroico General Information

Location: City of western Bolivia, in the province of Nor Yungas of La Paz department, 100 km of La Paz (seat of government).
 
Elevation: 1525 masl
 
Average temperature: 22 º C.

How do I get to Coroico from La Paz?

There are public buses hourly departing from the bust terminal: "MINASA" at Villa Fatima zone of La Paz city.  The trip lasts around 3 hours; but if you are tourists, we highly recommend to take a private transportation.