Chulumani Getting there & around

Getting there & away

The beautiful route from La Paz to Chulumani, which extends on to Irupana, is wider, less unnerving and statistically safer than the road to Coroico. Yunga Cruz trekkers finish in Chulumani, and the town is readily accessed from Yanacachi at the end of the Takesi trek. From Yanacachi walk down to the main road and wait for transportation headed downhill; it’s about 1½ hours to Chulumani.

From Villa Fátima in La Paz, around the corner of Calles San Borja and 15 de Abril (two blocks north of the ex-petrol station), different companies depart when full for Chulumani (US$2.25, four hours) from 8am to 4pm. Camiones (US$1.25, nine hours) leave between 5am and 2pm. From Chulumani, La Paz–bound buses wait around the tranca until they fill up; it’s sometimes a long wait.

If you’re coming from Coroico or Guanay, get off at Unduavi and wait for another vehicle. It will likely be standing room only; if a seat is a priority, you’ll have to go all the way back to La Paz.

It’s also possible to go to Coroico via Coripata; take a La Paz–bound bus and get off at the crossroads just after Puente Villa at Km 93. Here, wait for a bus or camión to Coripata and then change again for a lift to Coroico. It’s a lo-o-o-ng and dusty but worthwhile trip. An easier option is to hire a taxi; expect to pay US$37.50 for the trip to Coroico for up to four people.