Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
best reputations. Local operator Cross Country Coroico, on Pacheco 2058 ( 7127 3015,
mtbcoroico.co.cc
)
, was one of the first to ply the route, and it also offers several less in-
famous but equally challenging rides, plus less taxing trips for beginners.
The re-routing of most traffic to the bypass means - in theory, at least - cycling the route
is now
safer
than it's ever been, especially if you go with a reputable tour company with
good guides and well-maintained bikes. Of course, the road is not entirely without risk, and
people have been hurt and several even killed during the descent in the past, forced off the
edge by traffic.
Coroico
Peaceful
COROICO
is one of the most beautiful spots in the Yungas, perched on a steep
mountain with panoramic views across the Andean foothills to the icy peaks of the Cordillera
Real. Founded in the colonial era as a
gold-mining outpost
, the town is still an important
market centre for the surrounding agricultural communities. At an altitude of 1760m, it en-
joys a warm, pleasantly humid climate. While travellers might not need the same amount
of time in Coroico they once did just to recover from reaching the town in the first place -
whether making the journey down from the Altiplano by micro, following the old route by
mountain bike or trekking the Choro Trail - Coroico is still worth visiting just for the sheer
thrill of getting there. It also makes a great stopover if you're attempting the tough overland
journey between La Paz and the
Amazon lowlands
.
Most visitors spend much of their time in Coroico lounging by a swimming pool and en-
joying the fantastic views, but there are some pleasant walks through the surrounding coun-
tryside, plus increasing numbers of
adventure pursuits
. Coroico gets very busy at weekends
and during Bolivian public holidays, when it's transformed by large numbers of Paceños on
vacation; if you want to relax in peace, visit during the week. The mosquitoes here can be
ferocious, so cover up and bring plenty of repellent.
