Exploring Coroico, Bolivia: Adventure, Nature, And Relaxation

Coroico, Bolivia is a small town located in Nor Yungas Province, about 50 kilometres from La Paz. The town offers a retreat for travellers exhausted by the high altitudes of Bolivia, with its lower elevation providing good weather conditions and a relaxing atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the local cuisine, explore the surrounding nature, and take part in outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and ziplining. The town is also known for its nearby Death Road, officially named The World's Most Dangerous Road, which has become a popular destination for adventurous cyclists. With its charming streets, stunning scenery, and variety of attractions, Coroico is a great destination for those seeking a unique and memorable experience in Bolivia.

Take a mountain biking tour on the World's Most Dangerous Road, aka Death Road

The World's Most Dangerous Road, aka Death Road, is a 60-kilometre route constructed in the 1930s by Paraguayan prisoners of war from the Chaco conflict. It was originally built to connect La Paz with Las Yungas and the Amazon, but it gained its nickname due to the high number of people who died on the road—approximately 300 people per year. In the 21st century, 18 tourists have died on the road, but this number does not include the hundreds of locals, bus drivers, and truckers who perished throughout the 20th century.

Today, the road is better known as a cycling route, with cyclists from around the world travelling to Bolivia to take on the famous journey. There are many tour operators that cater to downhill mountain biking, providing everything from gear and guides to transport and proper equipment.

• Booking a Tour: It is highly recommended to book your tour in advance as this is one of the most popular activities in all of South America. Tours can range in price from $50 to $150, but it is important to prioritise health and safety, so be sure to choose a reputable company.
• What to Expect: The tour will likely begin with a 2-hour drive from La Paz to the starting point of the ride at 'La Cumbre' (the summit), which sits at an altitude of 4,600-4,700m. The first leg of the ride will be on smooth tarmac, giving you a chance to get comfortable on the bike. As you descend, the weather will get progressively warmer, and the landscape will change dramatically. The road will become a bumpy, rocky dirt track with hairpin turns, sheer drops, and very few guardrails.
• What to Bring: Be sure to wear layers as you will encounter a range of temperatures throughout the ride. It is also crucial to have a good pair of gloves, as your hands, knuckles, and arms will take a battering. Don't forget to bring your travel insurance information, and ensure that your policy covers extreme sports.
• On the Road: The entire journey is broken down into several segments, with regular stops to allow the group to catch up and take photos. You can go at your own pace, but always stay focused on the track and keep a safe distance from other riders.
• After the Ride: At the end of the ride, you can expect a refreshing swim, a hot shower, a delicious meal, and cold beers. Many tours also include a CD of photos and videos from your trip.

Death Road is an exhilarating and unforgettable adventure, but it is important to stay alert and follow safety instructions at all times.

Visit the San Juan waterfalls

The San Juan waterfalls are a must-see when in Coroico, Bolivia. There are three waterfalls in total, spread out over about one kilometre of road. The first two are free to visit, while the third, which is considered the most beautiful, has an entry fee of 4 Bolivianos. The third waterfall, La Jalancha, also has a small pool at the bottom for swimming, changing rooms, picnic areas, and spots for camping.

The hike to the waterfalls is about 11 miles round trip from the edge of town and takes between four to six hours. It is recommended to download maps of the area before you set off, as the trail can be hard to follow. The trail starts at the edge of Coroico, taking the road by Hotel Don Quijote. After a short walk, you will see a sign next to a small building on the left at kilometre marker 52.6, pointing towards the waterfalls.

The first waterfall is 3.9 kilometres from the sign and sits off the right side of the road. In the dry season, it may be reduced to a trickle, but after rainfall, it becomes a strong flow. The second waterfall is another 1.4 kilometres down the road and has been transformed into a manmade pool. The third waterfall is just around the corner from the second.

The San Juan waterfalls are the perfect place to visit on a hot day, offering stunning views and the opportunity to take a refreshing dip.

Explore the town's restaurants, including Toto's Pizzeria and Carla's Garden Pub

For those looking to indulge in some delicious food, Coroico, Bolivia, is home to a variety of restaurants, including the famous Toto's Pizzeria and Carla's Garden Pub & Restaurant.

Toto's Pizzeria

Toto's Pizzeria is a well-known restaurant in Coroico, highly regarded for its delicious, authentic Italian cuisine. The menu offers a range of pizzas, pastas, juices, and ice creams, all freshly made with imported ingredients. The pizza, in particular, has received rave reviews, with many claiming it to be the best in Bolivia and even rivaling those found in Italy. The restaurant is also praised for its cozy atmosphere and friendly service, provided by the French owner-chef.

Carla's Garden Pub & Restaurant

Carla's Garden Pub & Restaurant is another popular dining spot in Coroico. It is located at the bottom of the plaza's steep stairs and is known for its tasty food and relaxing atmosphere. The menu features a variety of homemade dishes, including German, South American, and Dutch cuisine, with notable mentions being the steak with peppersauce and spätzle, as well as breakfast options, cakes, and pastries. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, with a garden setting that includes hammocks and beautiful views. Carla, the owner, is known for her warm hospitality and is a great source of local knowledge.

Both Toto's Pizzeria and Carla's Garden Pub & Restaurant offer a unique dining experience in Coroico, Bolivia, and are must-visit destinations for food enthusiasts.

Go ziplining

If you're an adrenaline junkie, then ziplining in Coroico, Bolivia, is a must-do. Ziplining is the perfect way to experience the breathtaking scenery of the region from a bird's-eye view. There are a few different ziplining options in Coroico, with steel cables stretching up to 1500 meters long and speeds reaching 85 kilometers per hour. This thrilling activity is safe for both adults and children, offering an unforgettable family experience.

One of the most popular ziplining destinations in Coroico is Zzip The Flying Fox. Located in the tranquil town of Yolosa, this community-minded business was developed in 2010 to boost tourism in the Yungas region. Zzip The Flying Fox offers three different zipline options: The Highest, The Fastest, and The Most Scenic. The Highest takes you across a thrilling 350-meter drop to the jungle floor, while The Fastest propels you at speeds of up to 85 kilometers per hour. If you're looking for breathtaking views, The Most Scenic route takes you over an animal reserve, providing a unique perspective on the diverse wildlife below.

The whole ziplining experience at Zzip The Flying Fox takes approximately one hour, and you can choose between a morning or afternoon shift. The morning shift is ideal if you're staying overnight in Coroico or at the nearby La Senda Verde Eco-lodge and Animal Refuge, as it tends to be less busy. To get to Yolosa from Coroico, you can take a taxi or bus, which takes around 20 to 30 minutes. The zipline office is conveniently located just across the bridge.

If you're seeking even more adventure, consider combining your ziplining experience with a bike ride down the infamous Death Road, officially known as The North Yungas Road. This challenging route, known as the "World's Most Dangerous Road," offers a thrilling journey through the Andean mountains to the tropical rainforest below. With its hair-raising drops and stunning views, it's a popular attraction for cyclists and adventure seekers alike.

Whether you're an adrenaline seeker or simply looking to enjoy the scenery, ziplining in Coroico, Bolivia, is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories of this beautiful country.

Visit La Senda Verde, an animal sanctuary with conservation efforts

If you're an animal lover, you won't want to miss La Senda Verde, a wildlife sanctuary located in Yolosa, Nor Yungas, about 7 km from Coroico. Founded in 2003 by Vicky Ossio and Marcelo Levy, La Senda Verde is home to hundreds of rescued animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. The sanctuary's mission is to educate locals about the harmful effects of illegal animal trafficking, deforestation, agricultural activities, pesticides, and forest fires.

La Senda Verde offers guided tours that allow visitors to learn about the stories of the animals and the efforts of the caretakers to provide the best care for them. The sanctuary is respectful of the natural bio-clocks of the animals, and visitors are expected to adhere to different timetables to ensure a low-stress environment. During the tour, you'll get to see a variety of animals, including red and blue parabas, toucans, Andean bears, spider monkeys, squirrels, howler monkeys, turtles, tapirs, capybaras, and even a small puma.

The stories of the animals at La Senda Verde are a stark reminder of the cruel reality that many animals in Bolivia face. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for these creatures, rescuing them from illegal trafficking, habitat destruction, and human cruelty. It is a place where they can heal and live out their lives happily, thanks to the dedication of the caretakers and volunteers.

Getting to La Senda Verde from La Paz is straightforward. You can take a taxi to the Minasa Terminal in Villa Fatima (located on the outskirts of La Paz), and from there, you can choose between a minivan or a minibus to Coroico. Once you arrive in Coroico, you can take a local minivan to La Senda Verde, or if you prefer, you can walk or take a taxi.

Frequently asked questions