Coroico City
Mountain town in Yungas known for scenic views
Perched above the Yungas, Coroico offers cloud-forest trails, banana and coffee farms, waterfalls and steep viewpoints that reward visitors after a hairpin descent from La Paz; adventure seekers try canopy walks and local coca-informed cuisine.
At a GlanceKey facts, why go and what's on now
Coroico at a Glance#
Costs: $30-60 per day - bolivia is budget-friendly: expect roughly $30-60 per day for backpackers.
Safety: Moderate - take basic precautions - generally okay but watch petty theft; mountain roads can be hazardous.
Best Time: May-October - dry season gives clearer views and safer road travel.
Why Visit Coroico?#
Perched on the edge of the Yungas cloud forest, Coroico draws travelers with its lush microclimate and coffee culture. Mountain trails weave past coffee and banana plantations, and the town’s lively markets sell local beans and tropical fruit. Adrenaline seekers note the North Yungas Road for mountain-biking routes, while quieter visitors come for waterfalls, birdwatching and the mellow pace of a highland jungle town.
Things to DoTop sights, bucket list and day trips
Best Things to Do in Coroico#
Coroico Bucket List#
Coroico Plaza - Central square surrounded by cafes and shops, full of day-to-day local life.
Yungas Road cycling tours - Guided downhill rides along the famous Yungas Road from highland passes to Coroico.
Local fruit and coffee stalls - Roadside stalls selling tropical fruit, roasted coffee beans, and homemade snacks.
Cascada Coroico - Nearby waterfall reached by short hike offering a cool swimming pool beneath cliffs.
El Mirador de la Virgen - Small roadside shrine with a viewpoint overlooking the valley and town below.
Coffee finca visits - Family-run coffee farms offering tours and tastings of locally grown beans.
Coroico viewpoints on Yungas Road - Drive to viewpoint spots along Yungas Road for dramatic valley and cloudforest views.
Chulumani - Down-valley town offering mountain trails, local markets, and traditional Yungas atmosphere.
Nearby Cities #
When to GoSeasons, weather and festivals
Best Time to Visit Coroico#
Coroico is at the humid edge of the Yungas - come in the dry season (May-October) for clear views, hiking and more reliable roads. The wet season turns everything lush but brings mud and travel disruptions.
May - October
15 - 26°C (59 - 79°F)
Dry months offer clear mountain views, manageable trails and cooler nights - the best time for walking and easier road travel.
November - March
18 - 28°C (64 - 82°F)
Heavy rains turn roads muddy and landslides are possible; the valley becomes lush and insecty, so prepare for wet conditions.
April & October
16 - 27°C (61 - 81°F)
April and October bring variable weather: some sunshine, sudden showers, and quiet trails - good if you tolerate unpredictability easily.
Coroico's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 12°C to 28°C. Abundant rainfall (1195 mm/year), wettest in February.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 16° - 26° | 21° | 183 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.9 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.9h |
| February | Good | 16° - 26° | 21° | 198 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.5h |
| March | Good | 15° - 26° | 21° | 139 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.8 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.1h |
| April | Very Good | 15° - 26° | 21° | 66 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 1.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.6h |
| May | Excellent | 14° - 25° | 19° | 40 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.7 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.2h |
| June | Excellent | 12° - 25° | 18° | 20 mm | some cloud | 80% | 1.7 m/s | 1.5 high | 11.0h |
| July | Excellent | 12° - 25° | 18° | 20 mm | some cloud | 76% | 1.8 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.1h |
| August | Excellent | 13° - 26° | 19° | 55 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 2.0 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.5h |
| September | Very Good | 14° - 26° | 20° | 85 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 2.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| October | Very Good | 15° - 27° | 21° | 97 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.4h |
| November | Very Good | 15° - 28° | 21° | 111 mm | overcast | 76% | 2.1 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.8h |
| December | Good | 15° - 27° | 21° | 181 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.0h |
Getting There & AroundAirports, trains and local transport
How to Get to Coroico#
Coroico sits in Bolivia’s Yungas clouds forest; most visitors arrive via La Paz (El Alto) and descend the Yungas road by minibus, taxi or organised shuttle. There is no rail service - road travel is the standard approach.
El Alto International Airport / La Paz (LPB): La Paz-El Alto is the main airport to reach the Yungas region. From La Paz city or El Alto you can transfer to Coroico by bus, shared minivan (
Train: There is no regular passenger rail serving Coroico.
Bus / minivan (Yungas road): The most common route is from La Paz to Coroico via the Yungas road (the classic ‘Yungas/Death Road’ route for mountain bikers and local transport). Shared minibuses and colectivos run from La Paz (El Alto / Calle 6 area) with journey times around 3-4 hours to Coroico depending on stops and vehicle; expect basic conditions on narrow mountain roads. Local bus fares are low (typically a few Bolivianos for sections), while guided tourist shuttles or organised transfers are more expensive but include safety measures and helmets for cyclists.
How to Get Around Coroico#
There is no train service to Coroico - visitors arrive via La Paz (El Alto) and descend into the Yungas by shared minibus, organised shuttle, or private transfer. For comfort and safety on the narrow mountain roads, many travellers choose organised shuttles or private cars over local colectivos.
- Flights to El Alto (LPB) (Varies by route) - El Alto (LPB) is La Paz’s airport; international and domestic flights arrive here. From El Alto/La Paz you’ll transfer to the Yungas valley by road; domestic air travel ends at LPB for this route.
- Shared minibuses / colectivos (BOB small (a few bolivianos per section)) - Minibuses leave La Paz for Coroico from El Alto or certain La Paz terminals; travel takes roughly 3-4 hours depending on stops and road conditions. These are cheap and used by locals - they can be crowded and the road is narrow, so use a reputable operator if you’re concerned about safety.
- Organised shuttles and tourist transfers (USD 15-40 (typical shuttle/tour transfer)) - Many visitors opt for organised shuttles or private transfers that operate from La Paz to Coroico and provide safer vehicles and experienced drivers. These cost more than local colectivos but include pickup/drop-off and are appropriate for cyclists and tourists.
- Local taxis and moto-taxis (BOB / small) - In and around Coroico, taxis and moto-taxis handle short hops and luggage transfers; fares are negotiable and inexpensive. Confirm prices before starting the trip.
- Walking - Coroico is a small town where most attractions and restaurants are walkable; trails into the cloud forest are best explored on foot with sturdy shoes and insect protection.
Where to StayThe best areas to base yourself
Where to Stay in Coroico#
Centro (plaza area) - $10-30/night
Basic guesthouses and simple hostales cluster near the main plaza. Limited formal budget listings - expect family-run rooms and basic amenities, best to call ahead or book locally.
Mirador / Calle Principal - $35-70/night
Small hotels and comfortable lodges offer nicer rooms and views over the Yungas. Options are modest but pleasant; some have gardens and in-house dining.
Hillside lodges - $80+/night (limited)
No true luxury resorts in town. A few upscale guesthouses provide polished rooms and meals, but high-end facilities are found in La Paz rather than Coroico.
Eat & DrinkStreet food, restaurants, bars and nightlife
Where to Eat in Coroico#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Coroico’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Coroico#
Coroico’s nightlife is relaxed and informal. Evenings revolve around small bars and restaurants, and a few backpacker cafés may host live music; overall, nights are quiet compared with larger towns.
ShoppingMarkets, malls and souvenirs
Shopping in Coroico#
Shopping is modest and local: small stalls sell fresh tropical fruit, coffee from the region and simple souvenirs geared to backpackers. For more variety or artisan crafts, La Paz is the better shopping hub.