Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHITE-WATER RAFTING &
KAYAKING
One of Bolivia's greatest secrets is the number of white-water rivers that drain the eastern
slopes of the Andes between the Cordillera Apolobamba and the Chapare. Here, avid
rafters and kayakers can enjoy thrilling descents. While access will normally require long
drives and/or treks - and considerable expense if done independently - there are a few fine
rivers that are relatively accessible.
Some La Paz tour agencies can organize day trips on the
Río Coroico
. Other options in-
clude the
Río Unduavi
and numerous wild Chapare rivers.
A more gentle but fun rush in the Chuquisaca region is a float downriver in rubber inner-
tubes. This trip is often coupled with mountain biking. One of the greatest thrills along the
same biathlon idea is to cruise 4000m downhill on mountain bike to Mapiri and then raft
your way for several days, camping en route, to Rurrenabaque. Amazon canoe tours along
the
Río Beni
are unforgettable, as are the trips along the
Río Mamoré
from Trinidad.
GO WITH THE FLOW
Numerous tour operators are combining rafting, biking, hiking and 4WD trips. These trips can be costly, but it's
great fun to mix things up a bit.
»
Sorata to Rurrenabaque
A double-action trip comprising a five-day ride-and-river
jaunt. This full-on adventure includes a two-day biking trip, which culminates in an
exciting 4000m descent on single track via Consata and Mapiri, followed by three
days of floating down the Río Beni on a riveting expedition in a motorized dugout ca-
noe, with side hikes to waterfalls and to Parque Nacional Madidi for wildlife watch-
ing. It's offered by Andean Epics (
Click here
)
.
»
Coroico
You can custom-build trips with guides from Coroico that will take you to
waterfalls by dawn, in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) by noon and to visit canyons by
sunset.
»
Tupiza
Travel by horse, ATV and mountain bike on innovative triathlons.
»
Copacabana
Paddle a swan boat across the bay, cycle to Yampupata, row to Isla del
Sol, run across the island, then take the boat back. It's never been done in one day (ac-
cording to legend).
