Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and fruit. You should seriously consider bringing snacks to supplement your diet. Few
boats along the Ichilo have cabins. Most passengers sleep in hammocks slung out in the
main lounge, so a mosquito net is a wise investment.
If you are not up to the odyssey of a multiday river cruise, ask around at the port for
owners of
lanchas
(small boats). For a negotiable fee they can organize day-long fishing
or camping trips to nearby river beaches, as well as visits to nearby indigenous settle-
ments. In the spirit of responsible tourism offer to pay what you consider a fair price; a
gift of diesel is always welcome.
Sleeping & Eating
Accommodations options are extremely basic, with a bunch of run-down
residenciales
(simple accommodations) clustered around the central plaza; they charge around B$20 per
person. Those who are using river transportation may be permitted to sleep on the boat.
Half a dozen restaurant shacks opposite the port captain's office serve up greasy fish
and chicken dishes.
Getting There & Away
Micros
from Cochabamba to Puerto Villarroel, marked 'Chapare' (B$25, seven hours),
leave from the corner of Avs 9 de Abril and Oquendo, near Laguna Alalay. The first one
sets off around 6:30am, and subsequent buses depart sporadically when full.
Alternatively, from the old bus terminal in Santa Cruz take a taxi to Yapacani (B$23,
two hours), then another to Bulo-Bulo (B$13, one hour) and finally a third to Puerto Vil-
laroel (B$10, one hour).
Note that transportation between Cochabamba and Santa Cruz doesn't stop at Puerto
Villarroel.
