Bolivia - Los Yungas & Las Colinas

Los Yungas is primarily steep jungle-covered mountains that eventually meet with tropical lowlands. The upper transitional forests are often called the eyebrow of the jungle in Bolivia. As you drop, the vegetation becomes thick and large ferns are replaced with mosses, bromeliads and orchids. Throughout Los Yungas, at all times of the year, birds and interesting insects are abundant. Sorrata, tucked into the hills of the Andes, is only four hours from La Paz by jeep and is one of the most popular destinations for the hiking and climbing crowd. They call it the Banff of Bolivia. Coroico is tucked into a hill in the rainforest that is lush with vegetation and teeming with birds at all times of year. Chulumani is in the South Yungas, off the main highway that runs between La Paz and Coroico. Shortly after Unduavi a side road turns south and then plunges down the mountains toward this village. Although perched on the side of a steep hill, surrounded by lush jungle and thick with wildlife, Chulumani is not often frequented by foreigners except birders, who flock there. Sucre is a town that sparkles like a diamond in the dry brown mountains surrounding it.  Rock paintings can be seen in six different locations and to find them you will need a guide. They are well preserved and depict llamas and birds.   As you start to cross the Sama range, you will pass waterfalls and mountain streams on rugged terrain that is dotted with jagged rocks and sharp boulders. Above, you may see the occasional condor checking you out. The trail descends to the village of Calderillas. From there it goes to the Calderilla River ravine and down into the village of Pinos along the road to Tarija. Macunucu Tropical Forest is a popular destination because of its 132-ft waterfall that has a swimming pool at the bottom and a cave system nearby. Hugging this waterfall are some of the 2,961 species of plants that have been identified in the park, belonging to a total of 200 families. Within the forests and along the rivers are 127 species of mammals and 815 species of birds. Cochabamba, the Garden of Bolivia, boasts the world's most comfortable climate; warm dry days with clear blue skies and cool nights. Cochabamba's proximity (three hours by bus) to Torotoro National Park makes the town one of the best bases for muscle-powered adventures. And there are the caves of San Rafael to explore and Cerro Tunari, the highest peak in the district, to climb. Vivien Lougheed shares her passion for Bolivia, telling you about the history, geography, landscape, hidden treasures and top highlights. Comprehensive background information - history, culture, geography and climate - gives you a solid knowledge of each destination and its people. Regional chapters take you on an introductory tour, with stops at museums, historic sites and local attractions. Places to stay and eat; transportation to, from and around your destination; practical concerns; tourism contacts - it's all here! Detailed regional and town maps feature walking and driving tours. Then come the adventures - fishing, canoeing, hiking, rafting, llama trips and more. Never galloped along a beach on horseback, trekked up a mountain, explored ancient sites? Adventure Guides include extensive lists of recommended outfitters, with all contact details - e-mail, website, phone number and location.