From 3,600 Meters to the Jungle: awesome Coroico!
February 2025
Welcome back to a new blog post!
I hope you’re doing good and that you’re in a happy place, wherever that might be! La Paz is always a kind of happy place, or at least, you can always find small moments of happiness here.
That’s something I love about this city, the people around you, the stories, the views and the food you never tried before!
There’s always so much happening, but if you take a moment to pause, you’ll see these small moments all around you. Sometimes we just need a little break to realize that. And I’m sure you have similar moments, even in completely different places of the world.
Here in La Paz, things are happening all the time.
And to be honest, sometimes, you can get a bit tired of the intensity. The beauty of it is that you’ll never get bored.
I always tell people who ask me about living in La Paz that boredom simply doesn’t exist here. In Sweden, we talk about Sunday anxiety, that feeling of excitement mixed with stress before a new workweek starts. That feeling? It doesn’t exist here, especially not when you work with travelers who are in vacation mode every single day 😉
But yes, sometimes, all these impressions can be exhausting
So, what do you do when you need a little break?
Whether you’re a traveler or someone living here, there’s a perfect escape just a few hours away, Coroico!
What Is Coroico?
Coroico feels like a deep breath after the chaos of the city, where the warm air, green hills, and waterfalls make you slow down. It’s a place where time stretches, mornings start with fresh Yungas coffee, and afternoons turn into golden sunsets over the valleys. Whether you’re hiking through jungle trails, dipping into cool waterfalls, or just swinging in a hammock, Coroico is where adventure and relaxation come together perfectly.
Sitting at 1,750 meters (5,740 feet) above sea level, Coroico is the perfect place to take a break from La Paz’s high altitude. It’s where the Andes meet the Amazon, creating a green landscape filled with coffee farms, waterfalls, and warm weather. If you’ve been struggling with altitude sickness in La Paz, Coroico is the perfect place to rest, breathe easier, and let your body adjust.
How to Get to Coroico
The first time and honestly, every time I travel to Coroico, it feels like stepping into another world. The landscapes on both the Andean side and the Amazon side are incredible, and it’s amazing how fast everything changes!
To reach Coroico, you’ll travel along one of Bolivia’s most scenic roads, starting from La Paz at over 4,000 meters (13,100 feet) and going down through mountain roads into the valleys of the Yungas. The air gets warmer, and the landscape shifts from rocky peaks to lush jungle.
Best Time to Visit Coroico
Before you head out to explore, ask locals or check online to find safe areas and check the weather conditions to ensure you're prepared for any surprises. Let someone know your plans, and always trust your instincts to keep your adventure safe and enjoyable.
What to Do in Coroico
A lot of people go to Coroico for the chill vibes, (I am one of them) to relax by a pool, swing in a hammock or have a delicious barbecueI, it’s a perfect place to slow down and switch city life for something more relaxed.
But for those looking for adventure, Coroico has plenty to offer. You can explore jungle trails, walking through misty forests and discovering hidden waterfalls along the way.
For thrill-seekers, biking down the legendary Death Road offers one of the world’s most exciting rides, taking you from high-altitude mountains down into the lush Yungas valleys. If that’s not enough adrenaline, you can go canyoning or ziplining, racing across treetops or rappelling down rocky waterfalls surrounded by tropical greenery.
My all time favorite activity when in Coroico is always to visit the coffee plantations!
Every time, I learn something new about this drink, which makes me respect the process behind it even more. You see the coffee beans growing between mango, papaya, and banana trees, learn about the harvesting and drying process, and then comes the best part, the coffee tasting.
Sitting in the plantation, with the smell of roasted beans and a cup of fresh coffee in hand, makes the experience more than just drinking coffee, it’s about seeing the work behind it and appreciating every step.
5 Cool Facts About Coroico
Coroico means ‘Golden Hill’
The name comes from pre-Columbian languages, possibly because of the golden sunsets or its history of gold mining.
Coffee lovers’ paradise
Coroico and the Yungas region produce some of Bolivia’s best organic coffee—don’t leave without trying it!
It was a getaway for wealthy Bolivians
Many La Paz families built summer homes here, some of which have been turned into eco-lodges.
Home to the Afro-Bolivian community
The Yungas region has a rich Afro-Bolivian culture, known for its Saya music and dance traditions.
There’s a hidden ghost town nearby
The abandoned town of Chulumani, once a coca-growing hub, is a fascinating day trip for adventurous travelers
Coroico has a variety of places to stay, from budget-friendly hostels with a social vibe to cozy cabins and private houses for rent, perfect for groups or a quiet escape.
For a more relaxing experience, you can stay in a jungle lodge with infinity pools, surrounded by nature and overlooking the green hills. Pack light clothes for the warm weather, comfortable hiking shoes, a swimsuit for waterfalls or pools, bug spray for the jungle air, and sunscreen to protect against the strong sun.
3 Things to Eat & Drink in Coroico
Fresh Yungas Coffee
Enjoy a locally grown, organic coffee with stunning valley views.
Trucha (Fresh Trout)
A local favorite, served grilled or fried with potatoes and rice.
Fresh Tropical Fruits
Coroico has sweet and juicy fruits like mangoes, papayas, and pineapples, great for a snack or fresh juice!
So, Coroico is the perfect mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation, whether you're hiking, chasing waterfalls, or just enjoying a coffee with a view.
A place to really enjoy happy moments! And don’t forget, if you love great travel tips, exclusive coffee deals, and special discounts, subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected!
When you’re back in La Paz, come by Café del Mundo to share your Coroico stories over a great cup of coffee!
