Northeast of La Paz, the Yungas valley marks a dramatic transition between the Andean Altiplano and the Amazon basin. Over just a few dozen kilometers, the road climbs down from snow-capped peaks into a humid tropical forest where coffee, citrus fruit and coca plants flourish. The region combines high-altitude treks, Afro-Bolivian villages and the infamous Death Road, reasons enough to dedicate two to four days here from the capital.

Why visit the Yungas valley

Three elements set the Yungas apart from other excursions departing from La Paz:

• A rare climatic contrast: you move from 4,700 m altitude to below 1,500 m in just a few hours, from dry cold to tropical humidity.
• Singular human heritage: the valley is home to the Afro-Bolivian community, the country's only community of African descent, as well as traces of complex pre-Columbian settlement.
• A concentration of well-documented hiking and mountain biking routes, from multi-day treks to a sporty one-day descent.

A bit of history

Before Spanish conquest, the region was inhabited successively by the Léos, the Chimanes and later by Aymara peoples from the Altiplano. The name "Yungas" comes from the Yuncas ethnic group, which disappeared upon the arrival of Spanish colonizers.

During the colonial period, the Yungas became an agricultural exploitation zone where African slaves were deported to work on haciendas. Their descendants form today's Afro-Bolivian community, primarily settled in the narrow valleys around Coroico. It is the birthplace of Saya, a musical and choreographic expression that blends African rhythms with Aymara instruments.

In the early 1940s, the region also welcomed Jewish families fleeing Nazi Germany and Austria, some of whom settled in the Charobamba area to develop an agricultural colony.

What to see in the Yungas valley

Coroico

Located roughly 60 kilometers north of La Paz, Coroico is the small provincial capital and the most practical logistical base for exploring the Yungas. The town sits on a mountainside with views of the Royal Cordillera on clear days. You'll find accommodation of all categories, cafés, restaurants and starting points for hikes to waterfalls, rivers and surrounding villages.

El Choro trek

This three-day itinerary follows a pre-Columbian trail once used to transport tropical products to Altiplano villages. It starts at La Cumbre (pass at roughly 4,700 m), accessible by bus from La Paz, and descends gradually to Chairo, around 1,200 m altitude. The route crosses coca and coffee plantations, forests of tree ferns, several suspended bridges and small indigenous communities. Moderate to challenging difficulty, provided you're acclimatized to altitude from the start.

Supay Punku

"The Devil's Gate," northwest of Coroico, is a narrow canyon whose rocky walls close in to form a sort of natural gallery, about a hundred meters above the river bed. Access is on foot after several hours of hiking through dense forest. You'll find basins carved by water where it's possible to swim. This route is best reserved for experienced hikers and ideally with a local guide.

Pozas del Vagante

Just a few kilometers from Coroico, these natural pools formed by the river provide a bathing spot after a walk through orange groves, an old hacienda and ancient coca fields. Heading upstream, you can reach a small canyon with a natural bubble bath.

Tocaña and Charobamba

The Afro-Bolivian community of Tocaña offers Saya demonstrations, a dance and music tradition passed down since colonial times. The village of Charobamba, linked to the settlement of Jewish refugees in the early 1940s, preserves the memory of this lesser-known chapter in Bolivian history.

Perolani Waterfall

Near Tocaña, this waterfall is part of local folklore: oral tradition tells that a well carved by water once concealed Jesuit treasures. Access requires a hike through tropical forest.

Signature activities

• Death Road mountain bike descent: approximately 65 kilometers between La Cumbre on the Altiplano, Yolosa in the tropical zone, then Coroico. Reserved for experienced cyclists and must be led by a specialized agency providing equipment and support.
• Hikes to waterfalls around Coroico (Quijaro, Perolani) as day trips.
• Visits to communities in Tocaña and Afro-Bolivian villages, sometimes combined with a music or cooking workshop.
• Swimming and rafting in the valley's rivers depending on water levels.

When to go

The Yungas experience a wet subtropical climate, with average temperatures around 20 °C. Rainy season runs from December to March: slippery trails, risk of mudslides, reduced visibility. The driest period spans July to September, which also offers the best conditions for El Choro trek and mountain bike descent. April-May and October-November are interesting shoulder seasons, quieter and still passable.

How to get there

From La Paz, minibuses depart from the Terminal Provisional de Minasa, in the Villa Fatima neighborhood, and reach Coroico in approximately 3 hours via modern paved road. The historic Death Road remains used for mountain biking and certain local journeys, but it's no longer the main route.

On the ground, travel is by taxi, trufi (shared taxi), minibus, more rarely by truck or horse. For taxi journeys, negotiate the fare before departure. For treks like El Choro or Supay Punku, using an agency in La Paz or Coroico simplifies logistics (transport, guide, pack mules).

What to combine in the region

The Yungas valley fits logically into a circuit around La Paz. You can pair it with:

• La Paz, an essential starting point and cultural stop.
• The Valley of the Moon, an erosion landscape in close proximity to the capital.
• The Chapare Valley, another Andean-Amazon transition further south.

Frequently asked questions

Prepare your trip

The Yungas valley fits into a broader Bolivian itinerary combining the Altiplano, Lake Titicaca and the southern deserts. To build a custom journey including this region, consult our suggested Bolivia itineraries.