Born from the highest summits of the Cordillera Real, the valleys of the Yungas abruptly plunge in to the Amazon Basin. This is without a doubt one of the most impressive natural phenomenon in Bolivia.
As we descend from the nearby Altiplano, the mineral landscape is replaced by a colorful flora, new fragrances and waterfalls, which seem to fall from the sky… Further down, the vegetation becomes yet thicker and eventually we enter the Jungle. On these vertiginous slopes are cultivated the fruits and vegetables that later on will be sold on the markets of the Altiplano: mangoes, papayas, bananas and coffee grow amongst the parrots and monkeys. And let’s not forget coca, here a traditional crop!

Departure at 8:30 a.m. from our hotel in a private 4WD, direction the Cordillera Real. After passing La Cumbre, a pass at 4750 m of altitude, the Andes, abruptly drop below our feet. A few hundred kilometers lower as the crow flies, is the Amazonian Basin! Welcome to this incredible intermediate region called the Yungas, named after an ancient pre-Incan tribe that used to live on its steep slopes.
As we drive down the winding road, the scenery is more and more lush, the air more humid, the wind yet warmer... more than 3500 meters of elevation loss to reach Yolosa (el. 1100 m.a.s.l.) in just a few hours!
To end the day, a steep, 7-kilometer uphill (650 m of elevation gain) takes us to the village of Coroico, the “pearl of the Yungas”.
Lunch and dinner open (restaurant El Cafetal recommended). Hotel ** / swimming pool.
Note: For the mountain bike descent, departure at 7:30 a.m. / we descend in private groups; possibility to get in the support 4WD at any time / cold lunch included.

In the morning, 4WD expedition followed by a hike to the Vagante River at the bottom of the Coroico Valley. We find ourselves surrounded by lush vegetation, waterfalls and icy torrents.
Later on, we continue with our 4WD and cross the Yungas, from north to south, on very steep mountain slopes. We drive along a successions of short ascents and descents via a seldom-traveled route. Coca terraces, coffee plantations and orchards line our journey to the village of Chulumani. We finally reach the Eco Lodge of Apa Apa, where fresh fruit juices and home made sherbets await us.
Cold lunch. All included. Night at the Eco Lodge Apa Apa

We leave in the morning for a 3-hour hike in the impressive old growth forest surrounding us. The Yungas are a paradise of biodiversity. Our local naturalist guide will explain us the mysteries of this particular ecosystem.
After lunch, we get on the road to Puente Villa (3h). We set up camp away from the village, in a tropical paradise, at only 1200 meters of altitude.
End of the day open. Option to swim in the river or in the pool, or to walk around.
Lunch on the road. All included. Hotel *** / swimming pool.

After breakfast and a last glass of lemon or papaya juice, we get back in the 4WD and follow, upriver, the Unduavi River, in the most beautiful valley of the region. Suddenly, on a promontory dominating the river and hidden behind ferns, we glimpse the silhouette of a “Medieval” castle. Probably the strangest building in Bolivia, it was erected by Paraguayan prisoners during the Chaco conflict (1932), in order to satisfy the whim of the Bolivian president. Lunch at the castle. We recommend taking a short walk to the beautiful river down below.
After leaving behind the waterfall of «Bridal Veil», named like this because of the mist its water generates, the valley becomes narrower and we begin our long ascent towards the Cordillera. At this point, we trade our sandals and bathing suit for warmer clothes.
Lunch on the road (included). Dinner open. Hotel ***.