174 CultureShock! Bolivia
or the beginning of a thriving system of free market
commerce?
Basílica San Francisco and surrounding artisans. We may
be stretching it here, as this barrio hangs on the brink
of classical tourism. However, this is your chance to
purchase a piece of artisanry directly from the person
who made it. Shops operated by middlemen are no
less attractive.
Day-Hikes from La Paz (avoid the height of the rainy
season between October and March). Amazingly near the
congested ‘Hole’, hikers can enjoy true wilderness.Day Hikes
Much has been written about various Inca trail treks: including
the Cumbre-Coroico Choro trek beginning at La Cumbre and
the Taquesi Inca Road from Ventilla (near Palca) to Sud Yungas
(maps and tours available at adventure tour agencies in and
around La Calle Sagárnaga). Many visitors, however, would
like to end the day’s adventure in a comfortable bed, and
few guidebooks offer information on day hikes.
Many vigorous day hikes begin at La Cumbre: fl ag down a
mini-bus or hitchhike from Villa Fátima to La Cumbre, about
4,600 m (15,091 ft) above sea level. This is the mountain
pass just before the descent to Los Yungas.Hike 1
To the right of La Cumbre, a jeep path takes you up past llama
herds and glacial lakes to the top of Mount Valeriani, where
an Entel phone station rests at 5,000 m (16,404 ft). At the
edge is the straight-down canyonesque descent to Unduavi
and Los Yungas. Look across the gap into the face of stark
glaciers. Diffi cult to believe that one can arrive at such a
spectacular view with no mountaineering equipment and
little physical challenge but for the altitude.Hike 2
Similar landscapes are found walking up to the left of the
Cumbre. Passing several glacial lakes, choose between Abra
Chacura at 4,860 m (15,944 ft)—the beginning of the Inca