From mountains to jungles in Bolivia

GETTING THERE:

From LAX: From LAX, connecting service to La Paz (change of planes) is available on American and Varig. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $1,216.

By bus: Trans Sorata or Trans Larecaja buses depart regularly for Sorata from Calle Angel Babia in La Paz. Minivans and buses will drop trekkers at the trail head of the La Cumbre-to-Coroico trail. They leave frequently from Avenida de las Américas 344, Villa Fátima, in La Paz. Return from Coroico to La Paz by minivan from Plaza 27 de Mayo in Coroico.

TELEPHONES:

To call the numbers below from the U.S., dial 011 (the international dialing code), 591 (country code for Bolivia), 2 (the area code) and the local number.

WHERE TO STAY:

In Sorata, Residencial Sorata, Plaza Enrique Penaranda; 213-5044, e-mail resorata@ceibo.entelnet.bo. This colonial mansion with sprawling grounds has rooms from $3 (shared bath) to $6 (private bath) per night, per person.

Hotel Copacabana, Avda. 9 de Abril; telephone/fax 213-5042, https://www.khainata.com/sorata/en/hotel.html. Owned by Germans, this hotel has views across the Sorata Valley. Doubles with shared bath from $6, with private bath from $11.

WHERE TO EAT:

Pizzeria Italia, on Plaza General Enrique Penaranda, has pizzas and fresh juices. No phone. Entrees $5-$10.

Altai, Plaza Enrique Penaranda, offers vegetarian dishes in a comfortable setting that’s popular with travelers. No phone. Entrees $10.

OUTFITTERS:

We hiked on our own, but outfitters offer guided tours of our route and others. Costs vary according to the service, but generally, guides for the treks will cost $10 a day. With guides, mules, food and equipment, figure on $20 a day per person.

In Sorata, Agency Club Sorata, tel./fax 213-5042, at the Hotel Copacabana leads three- to 24-day treks in the Sorata area. Food, equipment and support are provided.

In La Paz, Andean Summits, 241-3273, fax 242-2106, https://www.andeansummits.com.

Colibrí, 309 Calle Sagarnaga; 237-1936, fax 235-5043, https://www.colibri-adventures.com.

TO LEARN MORE:

Embassy of Bolivia, Tourist Information, 3014 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008; (202) 483-4410, fax (202) 328-3712, https://www.bolivia-usa.org.