Coroico is a town in Nor Yungas Province, in the La Paz Department of western Bolivia.
Thanksgiving weekend – the first time our family is traveling ‘solo’ through the roads of Bolivia. Our car finally arrived, and the time to explore our surroundings has begun! Some 2 hours from the capital, La Paz, the city of Coroico was the choice made for an extended weekend of adventure and relaxation! Also, a fantastic way to test husband’s skills when driving with no road shoulders, endless cliffs, through thick fog and heavy rain, overlooking the so-called, ‘death road‘! From tour buses to brave mountain bikers challenging the road of death; from volcanic rocks to water falls exploding from within the rocks… From green tropical vegetation to snow-capped mountains, we saw it all… Quite an experience! 😮
Below, some great views of the volcanic rocks lining up along the drive, as well as exquisite red cliffs framing our road trip towards learning more about this beautiful country we’ve been calling home for the past 4 months…
Coroico Viejo (Old Coroico) was founded above the Kori Huayco River (which means “golden valley” in Aymara). The town lived from mining gold, but the massive attacks by Indians left the first settlers in search of protection.From the mid-18th century the lands in this region came under the control of a few powerful families, the hacienderos. These families maintained control of this region until the mid-1950s, when they were overthrown by revolution. After the revolution, agrarian reforms were put in place, dividing the lands up between the national government and the locals.
Now, Coroico has a mostly Aymara and Mestizo population. The town has become a major market for the surrounding region. Staple products arrive from La Paz and the surrounding areas to be sold in the colorful markets and stores all days of the week.
Related articles
- El Jiri Ecolodge, Coroico (strollingsouthamerica.wordpress.com)
- Death Road: Bolivia (hollywoodpopcandy.wordpress.com)
- Defying Death Road in Coroico, Bolivia (eyehearttravelblog.com)
3rdculturechildren 
Gorgeous photos!
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Thank you, Naomi! We loved taking those shots, as well!
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Stunning photos! What a wonderful travel experience for you and your family. Love the llama sign!
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thank you very much, Ruth! I also loved the Llama sign, and actually, made my husband go back on the road, so then I could snap a better shot of it! Not everyday one finds a ‘llama crossing’ sign, right? 😮 Thank you for taking the time to check the photos and text/blogpost out! Much appreciated! I’m glad this post’s been receiving a very positive feedback! Traveling is fun… and very educational! 😮
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Thanks for the pingback! I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip to Coroico – the journey is what makes it so spectacular. Every time I’m riding the bus I try to take pictures, but I can never get a clear view through all the people packed inside.
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I’m sure! We saw several buses, and people were literally hanging out of the windows for a good shot… also, eating, throwing stuff out of the windows… just part of the course, right?! 😮 You’re more than welcome, regarding the pingback! I love reading about your adventures, as well… loved your post on ‘transportation in La Paz’! Hilarious! Thanks for taking the time to come by and share your impressions! Much appreciated! 😮
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What a beautiful landscape!
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Thank you so very much, Margaret! It was really breathtaking! Thanks for checking it out!
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I went on this road many years ago. What I remember was some dogs on the side of the road and the driver throwing buns to them out of the window which he said was for good luck on the journey. Sounds like a great weekend to spend with your family!
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Now, the ‘new-road’ is mostly paved, and somewhat safer… not by much… the dogs are still there… didn’t know about the ‘good luck’ thing with the buns… would have done that! 😮
Thank you Sue Ann for taking the time to check it out and share your memories! It was a great weekend, for sure, despite the danger along the drive! 😮
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what about the mosquitos. I got attacked in Coroico and it was super strange…it started itching bad a couple of days after we returned.
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Oh, Melissa! they’re bad… actually, almost evil… I’ve got some 50 marks throughout my legs – surprisingly, just me, kids & Leonel are all fine!. Despite using the Bugs Spray and wearing long pants!!! They’re pretty powerful… Hopefully, it’s not gonna itch as bad as you described.. I’ve got some corticoid cream, so, just getting ready! Hope you’re doing well without JJ’s help. Hubby here is getting ready for his trip, as well… Hate being a single parent! 😮
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Spectacular! I love mountains in clouds.
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Thank you very much, Barbara! It was indeed a fantastic trip, in more ways than one… beautiful scenes, dangerous roads… the opportunity to learn about nature and culture… Priceless! Thanks for stopping by and reading!
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Reblogged this on RD Revilo.
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Thanks for liking and sharing! Much appreciated! 😮
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you are very welcome…peace
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😮
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you are welcome…best of luck…peace
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nice holiday to us all… 😮
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be healthy and safe during these perilous times…peace
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Thank you! 😮
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