Bolivian Yungas

Travel Guide
Sucre showing a park
La Paz showing a city
Sucre featuring a city
Plaza Murillo which includes a square or plaza, heritage architecture and night scenes
Plaza Colon which includes a park
Witness the breathtaking biodiversity of the region that separates Andean slopes from Amazonian lowlands, where rare and unique wildlife live among cloud forests.

The Bolivian Yungas form the distinctive bioregion that snakes along the lower eastern slopes of the Andes and into the Amazon Basin and the highland puna region. Steep terrain, challenging access and high rainfall add to the region’s remoteness, making its magnificent views all the more rewarding. See the region via the precipitous Yungas Road, a terrifying stretch of road that is best known for its nickname, El Camino de la Muerte, or Death Road.

Linking La Paz to Bolivia’s Amazonian rainforests, Yungas Road climbs steadily as it hugs the vertical inclines of the subtropical hillsides before dropping steeply down to the town of Coroico. While many locals risk their lives each day driving along this important transport route, it is also a hotspot for thrill-seeking mountain bikers. Join a guided tour and experience the gravity-defying landscape for yourself on a dizzying descent from the 17,550-foot (4,800-meter) summit. As you wind around hairpin bends and sheer cliffs gripped by lush ferns and epiphytes, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the unique Yungas bioregion. The cycle lasts between 4 and 5 hours, beginning in La Cumbre and ending in Yolosa.

Whether you ride or drive to the surrounding villages in the Yungas region, you’ll see mesmerizing views of cloud forests and rainforest. You might spot bromeliads, orchids and tree ferns, as well as chusquea bamboo. Keep watch for the region’s interesting bird species, which include the southern helmeted curassow, the green-capped tanager and the diademed tapaculo. Be alert also for elusive panthers, wild cats, tapirs and the spectacled bear.

Around the region's major hubs of La Paz, Coroico and Chulumani you’ll find fertile farmlands where coffee, cacao, coca, tobacco and tropical fruits grow in abundance. Protected areas of the Yungas include Tambopata-Candamo National Reserve, Carrasco National Park, Madidi National Park and Amboró National Park.

The Bolivian Yungas can be easily reached via El Alto International Airport, located a short distance southwest of La Paz. This stunning subtropical region has warm temperatures and high humidity year round.

Where to stay in Bolivian Yungas

Plaza Murillo featuring a city, night scenes and heritage architecture

Downtown La Paz

3/5(7 area reviews)

Shopping, churches, and mountain views highlight some notable features of Downtown La Paz. Make a stop by Plaza del Estudiante or La Paz Metropolitan Cathedral while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Camacho Cable Car Station or Edificio Correos Cable Car Station to get around town.

Downtown La Paz
The strange landscape and cityscape of La Paz from the Teleferico - a great way to see the city for just a few Bolivianos.

Macrodistrito Sur

If you're spending time in Macrodistrito Sur, check out sights like Japanese Garden or Megacenter Bolivia and hop on the metro to see more the city at Obrajes Cable Car Station or Alto Obrajes Cable Car Station.

Macrodistrito Sur
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Sopocachi

Theaters, restaurants, and shopping are just a few things travelers like about Sopocachi. Sights like Plaza Abaroa and Parque del Monticulo are spots to explore, and you can get around the greater La Paz area at Sopocachi Cable Car Station.

Sopocachi
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San Miguel

Visitors to San Miguel enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Galería PURO is worth a stop.

San Miguel
The microbuses all around La Paz are an easy and cheap mode of transportation around the city. And they look beautiful too!

Calle Sagarnaga

Cafes and shopping are notable features of Calle Sagarnaga. You might consider a stop by San Francisco Convent and Museum while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Calle Sagarnaga
Bolivian popcorn located vendor in Plaza San Pedro.   This was located right outside "San Pedro" prison which became famous due to the book "Marching Powder".  Significantly different from most correctional facilities, inmates at San Pedro have jobs inside the community, buy or rent their accommodation, and often live with their families. The sale of cocaine base to visiting tourists gives those inside a significant income and an unusual amount of freedom within the prison walls. Elected leaders enforce the laws of the community, commonly through stabbing. The prison is home to approximately 1,500 inmates

San Pedro

While you're in San Pedro, take in top sights like Plaza del Estudiante and jump on the metro at Edificio Correos Cable Car Station to see more of the city.

San Pedro
Stannum Boutique Hotel & Spa
Stannum Boutique Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Edificio Multicine Pisos 5 & 12, La Paz, La Paz
The price is CA $137 per night from Nov. 27 to Nov. 28
CA $137
CA $137 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 27 - Nov 28
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in La Paz. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (658 reviews)
"Great location, friendly staff, can pay fee to get a room early if you arrive on an early flight, good breakfast included in stay, dinner at restaurant is delicious, nice views. Strange that it’s located in a high rise building occupying only two floors (5 and 12), but very secure. Modern decor. ..."

Reviewed on Nov. 3, 2024

Stannum Boutique Hotel & Spa
Hotel Sagarnaga
Hotel Sagarnaga
3.5 out of 5
Sagarnaga 326 Zona Rosario, La Paz
The price is CA $52 per night from Nov. 24 to Nov. 25
CA $52
CA $52 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in La Paz. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (313 reviews)
"The staff is polite"

Reviewed on Oct. 6, 2024

Hotel Sagarnaga
Atix Hotel
Atix Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Calacoto, Calle 16 N° 8052, between Patiño and Bustamante, La Paz
The price is CA $165 per night from Dec. 11 to Dec. 12
CA $165
CA $165 total
includes taxes & fees
Dec 11 - Dec 12
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in La Paz. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (167 reviews)
Boutique gem
"Amazing. Young vibrant excellent staff. It should be a 5 star in rating for the staff alone. Restraunts food is a touch above average. Very nice surprise. Gourmet like black butter served in a rock dish. As example"

Reviewed on Nov. 20, 2024

Atix Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Ritz Apart Hotel
Ritz Apart Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Plaza Isabel La Catolica Nro. 2478, La Paz
Book a stay at this business-friendly aparthotel in La Paz. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (225 reviews)
"Wonderful hotel! Perfect location - close to restaurants and shops. Excellent staff who are professional and friendly."

Reviewed on Oct. 3, 2024

Ritz Apart Hotel
Departamento por Temporadas
Departamento por Temporadas
3 out of 5
Av.Hernando Siles, Calle 10, Edificio Obrajes, Piso 3, La Paz
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in La Paz. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Megacenter Bolivia and Japanese ...
Departamento por Temporadas
Camino Real Aparthotel, Downtown
Camino Real Aparthotel, Downtown
5 out of 5
Calle Capitán Ravelo #2123, La Paz
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in La Paz. Enjoy free WiFi, free valet parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Central Urban Park and Teatro ...
9/10 Wonderful! (142 reviews)
Lovely stay
"Very big apartment, big kitchen and bathroom, comfortable bed. Good location, safe. Staff super helpful, able to book us cabs and help with itinerary. Good breakfast and restaurant on site. Great spa- massage."

Reviewed on Sep. 15, 2023

Camino Real Aparthotel, Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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