Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Richters, a quinine-trading family, and was later taken over by the Günthers, who were in-
volved in rubber extraction until 1955.
PLAZA
Plaza General Enrique Peñaranda
Offline map
The main square, Plaza General Enrique Peñaranda, is Sorata's showcase. With the town's
best view of the
nevados
(snow-capped mountain peaks), it's graced by towering date
palms and immaculate gardens.
Gruta de San Pedro
(San Pedro Cave; admission B$15; 8am-5pm)
Although it's not the most spectacular
of caves, Gruta de San Pedro makes for a popular excursion. The cave is approximately
400m deep with an enclosed lagoon, and though it is no longer possible to swim in it, the
lagoon can be crossed in pedal boats.
It's a scenic 6km hike to the cave along a dirt road (two hours each way). Taxis will do
the return trip for around B$30, including waiting time. The local community has also set
up two simple
albergues
(basic accommodations) to overnight in. There are a total of four
rooms with a single bed in each and prices are negotiable. Remember that all proceeds go
to help the community, so be generous.
CAVE
Activities
Hiking
Sorata is best known as a convenient base for hikers and climbers pursuing some of
Bolivia's finest high-mountain landscapes. The peak hiking season is May to September.
The most popular walk is the hike to
Laguna Chillata
, a pretty spot with great views of
the surrounding sierra and Lake Titicaca. It's a fairly stiff five-hour climb, ascending some
1500m, and, while you can get there and back in a day, it's a pleasant and popular spot to
camp. It's worthwhile taking a guide, as it's easy to get lost. If you're going to overnight
there, a beast of burden is a sound investment; let the mule do the carrying while you en-
joy the views.
An optional third day can be built into this hike. Leaving the tent and your gear at La-
guna Chillata (it'll get nicked if you haven't brought a guide, who can detail someone to
watch over it), a steep ascent takes you up to
Laguna Glacial
, a top spot where you can
watch big chunks of ice cracking off into the water. It's at 5100m, so take it easy; the alti-
tude can make it a tough climb.
