Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE YUNGAS
The Yungas - the transition zone between dry highlands and humid lowlands - is where the
Andes fall away into the Amazon Basin. Above the steaming, forested depths rise the near-
vertical slopes of the Cordillera Real and the Cordillera Quimsa Cruz, which halt
Altiplano-bound clouds, causing them to deposit bounteous rainfall. Vegetation is abundant
and tropical fruit, coffee, coca, cacao and tobacco grow with minimal tending. The Yungas
is composed of two provinces in La Paz department, Nor and Sud Yungas (oddly, most of
Sud Yungas lies well to the north of Nor Yungas), as well as bits of other provinces. Coro-
ico and Chulumani are the main population centers. Most people here claim Aymará des-
cent but there is also a noticeable afro-Bolivian population. Visitors often find the locals to
be more friendly here than in the colder Altiplano (must be the heat).
Coroico
2 / POP 2360 / ELEV 1750M (5741FT)
With warm weather, spectacular views, good resort-style hotels for all budgets and an in-
fectious laid-back air, Coroico is the most visited tourist town in the Yungas. Perched eyrie-
like on the shoulder of Cerro Uchumachi, the village commands a far-ranging view across
forested canyons, cloud-wreathed mountain peaks, patchwork agricultural lands, citrus
orchards, coffee plantations and dozens of small settlements. When the weather clears, the
view stretches to the snow-covered summits of Mururata, Huayna Potosí and Tiquimani,
high in the Cordillera Real.
Coroico is derived from the Quechua word
coryguayco
meaning 'golden hill.' The
town's biggest attraction is its slow pace, which allows plenty of time for swimming, sun-
bathing and hammock-swinging. The hill-walking around here is more strolling than
trekking, which appeals to stiff-legged hikers from the Choro trail or those nursing bruised
bottoms after the hectic mountain-bike descent from La Paz.
Coroico is relatively warm year-round, but summer storms bring some mighty down-
pours. Because of its ridge-top position, fog is common, especially in the afternoon when it
rises from the deep valleys and swirls through the streets and over the rooftops. The town
festival is on October 20, and Saturday and Sunday are market days. On Monday much of
the town closes down, with most stores and restaurants reopening Tuesday morning.
