Sorata
Sorata is a town in the La Paz Department of Bolivia, about a 150 km northwest of La Paz. It attracts mainly folks that plan on hiking or climbing the mountains around. It is at an 2678 meters altitude. Get in[edit]To get there take/leave La Paz from the Cemetery area - passage Bs13. There are buses leaving every hour until 3pm. You can also bypass La Paz if going to/from Copacabana. Get on a La Paz bound bus/minibus/micro from either town, tell the driver you wish to go to Sorata/Copacabana and you will be dropped off at the small lakeside town of Huarina (2 hours from La Paz). Cross the road and wait for a Sorata/Copacabana bound bus with space to pass. They should honk their horn if they have space and see people waiting, but it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye out and flag one down if you see it first. Best to get started early as you may have a bit of a wait at Huarina - it should still be quicker than going all the way to La Paz then 2 hours back in the same direction though. Buses arrive/depart Sorata from the main square. Get around[edit]Taxis are available, although the town is tiny so you will only want one for an excursion or perhaps if staying at Las Piedras (it's down a very steep hill, we elected not to lug our backpacks back up it!) or Altai Oasis (on the way to the caves, about 45 minutes walk from the main plaza). Your accommodation should be able to call one for you. See[edit][add listing]While there aren't many specific tourist attractions, the town itself is a typically attractive small Bolivian pueblo with little market streets dotted about, ideal for pottering around if the weather isn't up to proper hiking (often the case during the wet season). The central plaza is unremarkable save for the statue of General Enrique Peñaranda del Castillo, who bears a striking resemblance to Adolf Hitler (and is dressed for the part). Do[edit][add listing]Hike to San Pedro caves, around 2.5–3.5 hours each way from town, uphill on the way back. Stop on the way or way back at Cafe Illampu or Altai Oasis for drinks and food. Swimming is no longer permitted at the caves. If you don't want to walk both ways it might be better to walk there and arrange for a taxi to meet you there for collection (it's a small place and you can't rely on one being there for you). Other than that, just relax and admire the beautiful views! It's a nice antidote from frenetic La Paz. Sorata is made up Mapiri walks 7 days 6 nights; Road Gold 5 days 4 nights, circuit Illampu 7 days 6 nights, Wild Adventure Minascapa 3 days 2 nights Transcordillera 10 nights 11 days, Road 3 nights 4 days 3 lagoons and lagoon Chilata - glacier lake, walk Iskanwaya 5 days 4 nights. rides of 1-2 days Grotto of San Pedro, Laguna and surrounding Chilata Sorata. reference Emilio Sanchez Casa Reggae. In the mountains around Sorata are also the only Downhill Mountainbike possibilities in Bolivia, the MTB/Boat trip to Rurrenabaque starts from Sorata. Buy[edit][add listing]Small Sunday market, mostly selling food and general goods. Good fruit and vegetable market every day.
Eat[edit][add listing]
Note that the two places typically listed as the best in guidebooks - Café Illampu and Pete's Place - have now permanently closed. Drink[edit][add listing]Sorata is not the place for a wild night out! Casa Reggae (see below) has a bar with beer and cocktails available. Sleep[edit][add listing]
Get out[edit]
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