Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
whom it takes its name). It was turned into a hotel in the late 1960s, and now houses
Resid-
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE: SORATA
By bus
Buses and micros from La Paz (hourly; 3hr 30min-4hr) pull up in front of the offices
of Trans Unificada Sorata and Trans Larecaja on Plaza Enrique Peñaranda. There is talk of
starting direct services to Copacabana; until then, the only way to reach Copacabana without
going via La Paz is to take a La Paz-bound bus and change at Huarina.
INFORMATION AND TOURS
TOURIST INFORMATION
Sorata has no formal tourist office. The Asociación de Guías de Turismo Sorata and the man-
ager of
Residencial Sorata
are experts on the region.
TOUR AGENCIES
Although based in La Paz at Linares 940, Andean Epics ( 7127 6685,
andeanepics.com
)
offers a wide range of mountain-biking trips in the countryside surrounding Sorata. Run
by American expat - and local expert - Travis Yossarian Grey, the agency runs trips
(Bs700-910/$100-130/day) on the area's high-altitude scree and Inca trails, as well as a five-
day combined bike and raft expedition (Bs2520/$360) to Rurrenabaque, an annual mountain-
biking downhill jamboree, the Doble Avalancha, every September, and Honda dirt-bike trips
(Bs1505/$215 per day).
ACCOMMODATION
Altai Oasis
Thirty minutes from town on foot via the road to the Gruta 7151 9856,
altaioasis.lobopages.com
.
Johny Resnikowski and partner Roxana have constructed a series
of imaginative cabins, rooms and dorms among the wild anis, pine and eucalyptus on the
folds of the riverbank. Accommodation includes a psychedelic log cabin (sleeping 3-4), a
tree-house-like hideaway, a conical yurt-like construction, as well as more humble abodes;
all have been conceived w
ith r
eal lov
e and dedica
tion. The
re are
also cam
ping
spots, a dorm
and a great eatery. Dorms
Bs85
, cabin
Bs700 ($100)
,
doubles
Bs125
,
camping
Bs30
Gran Hotel Ex-Prefectural
Av Samuel Tejerina 02 2895003.
Like a miniature, dilapid-
ated version of the
Outlook Hotel
in
The Shining
, this place is an experience in itself. Built in
the mid-1940s and long since gone to seed, it's not difficult to imagine ghosts stalking every
endless, Gothic chandelier-lined corridor, peering through stained-glass windows. Rooms are
musty but clean and come with comfy beds; s
ome a
lso have inspirational views. There's a
bar, games room and an overgrown garden too.
Bs140
Hostal El Mirador
Muñecas 400 02 2898503.
This Hostelling International affiliate has
a prime location and stunning views; the rooms - with shared or private bathrooms - don't
