Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Two Weeks
The Cordilleras & Yungas
Trapped between the heights of the Andes and the Amazon, this fascinating area is a won-
derland for trekkers, climbers, hikers and bikers. Getting here is half the fun. Trekkers can
start from outside
La Paz
, traveling by foot via the Takesi or Choro treks into the heart of
the Yungas. You can also get into the southern Yungas on a butt-busting daylong
mountain-bike ride down the World's Most Dangerous Road. Be sure to spend a few days
at the end of your descent in the pleasant Yungas villages of
Coroico
or
Chulumani
,
which offer plenty of day hikes, swimming and a chilled-out traveler vibe. From there, it's
back to the capital (or via a tough circuitous jungle route) for climbing and trekking in the
Cordillera Real
, stopping in the cool-air, soft-spirited Andean town of
Sorata
. Adventur-
ers could take on any number of treks from Sorata, good mountain-bike adventures or
head up to the glaciated peaks of the Cordillera. Then, if you have the time, you could ex-
tend this trip to the seldom- explored
Cordillera Apolobamba
for visits to lost tribes or
wildcat miners and loads of deep wilderness trekking. Otherwise, think about linking from
Sorata by land or boat north into the Amazon Basin.
Three Weeks
Southeast Bolivia
This trip will get you away from the main tourist track and into Bolivia's warm southern
comforts. Along the way, there are a few trekking options, interesting cultural centers and
energetic cityscapes. Start with a few days of partying in
Santa Cruz
, Bolivia's second-
largest city. It's great fun just wandering around the streets as you dive into
camba
(low-
lands) culture. Then make your way out of the city for a weeklong dusty adventure
through the
Jesuit Missions Circuit
, a series of beautiful mission villages where baroque
music and faith meld with the chilled-out culture of the Guaraní, which is punctuated by
contented smiles, simple connection with the land and unique cultural experiences. Cruise
back through Santa Cruz on your way to the pre-Inca ruins at
Samaipata
and tip-top wild-
life watching at the
Parque Nacional & Área de Uso Múltiple Amboró
. From the park
(backtracking via Samaipata and Santa Cruz) make your way down to the relaxed wine-
country town of
Tarija
. After a few days in town, you can customize the tail end of your
adventure with hikes along the Inca Trail in the
Reserva Biológica Cordillera de Sama
or in any of the numerous national parks and reserves of the Chaco region.
