Chulumani

Introducing Chulumani

Perched scenically on the side of a hill, this is the capital of the Sud Yungas and an important centre for the farming communities of the region. The fertile soils hereabouts provide a bumper crop of coca (the country’s best for chewing), citrus, bananas, coffee and cacao. The area is also a paradise of birds and butterflies, with clouds of the latter, and several rare species of the former, including types of quetzal. The town used to be the end of the road and it retains that feel. At a subtropically warm and often wet altitude, it’s a great trekking base camp and a relaxing weekend retreat with a great view. The only time Chulumani breaks its pervasive tranquility is during the week following August 24, when it stages the riotous Fiesta de San Bartolomé. Lots of winter-weary highlanders turn up to join in the festivities.

Rebels during the 1781 La Paz revolt escaped to the Yungas and hid out in the valleys around Chulumani. Today the area is home to a large population of African-Bolivians. Locals claim the town’s name is derived from cholumanya (tiger’s dew), to commemorate a jaguar’s visit to the town; well, it’s a good story anyway.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009