Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
in the world
, hugging the forest-covered mountain slopes as it winds above fearsome pre-
cipices. It's also among the most scenic and dramatic, and - since the opening of a bypass -
frequented predominantly by mountain bikers. While the road is still open, the vast majority
of motorists use the bypass.
The most frequently visited Yungas town,
Coroico
itself is a tranquil place, with a warm
climate and wonderful views that provide the perfect antidote to the bleak Altiplano. From
Coroico, the road continues north towards
Rurrenabaque
and the Bolivian Amazon (covered
in Chapter 6). Midway between Coroico and La Paz,
Parque Nacional Cotapata
is one of
the few areas where the natural Yungas vegetation is still well preserved; the
Choro Trail
,
one of a trio of so-called “Inca” trails (though they were probably earlier routes which were
used and modified by Incas) in the region, passes through the pristine cloudforests of the
park. Another of these trails, the
Takesi Trail
, also known as the Inca Trail (
Camino del
Inca
), is one of the most popular treks in the Yungas. The quiet town of
Chulumani
is less
frequently visited than Coroico, but has similarly good views, while the nearby
Yunga Cruz
trail
, is more scenic than the two other “Inca” trails, and also poses a greater challenge.
