Cordillera Real & the Yungas

The Cordillera Real and the Yungas — nowhere else in Bolivia can you experience such a stark contrast in geography in so short a distance. The impressive, dramatic, snow-capped Cordillera Real looms northeast of La Paz and then drops away to the lush, subtropical, forested gorges — The Yungas. The Cordillera Real is a trekking mecca, and several of the best known treks — the Choro, Taquesi and Yunga Cruz — cross the range on pre-hispanic routes. Don't miss Sorata, a stunning village, with excellent facilities (for those who prefer to watch the world go by — Sunday is market day), and amazing mountain biking opportunities and superb walks ...

The Cordillera Real and the Yungas — nowhere else in Bolivia can you experience such a stark contrast in geography in so short a distance. The impressive, dramatic, snow-capped Cordillera Real looms northeast of La Paz and then drops away to the lush, subtropical, forested gorges — The Yungas. The Cordillera Real is a trekking mecca, and several of the best known treks — the Choro, Taquesi and Yunga Cruz — cross the range on pre-hispanic routes. Don't miss Sorata, a stunning village, with excellent facilities (for those who prefer to watch the world go by — Sunday is market day), and amazing mountain biking opportunities and superb walks (for adrenaline heads). There's no better introduction to the Yungas than via the breathtaking and adrenaline-filled bike ride down the infamous "world's most dangerous road." From La Cumbre, near La Paz, you plunge down to the resort town of Coroico, set amid jungle-like surrounds, where you can relax by a pool in a hammock or do leisurely day-strolls.

About the Expert

Kate Armstrong is coauthor of Lonely Planet's Bolivia, South America on a Shoestring, Mexico, Greece, and South Africa.