'''Sorata''' is a town in the La Paz Department of Bolivia, about a 150 km northwest of La Paz. It attracts mainly folks that plan on hiking or climbing the mountains around.

Get in

To get there take/leave La Paz from the Cemetary area - passage Bs13. There are buses leaving every hour until 3pm.

You can also bypass La Paz if going to/from Copacabana. Get on a La Paz bound bus/minibus/micro from either town, tell the driver you wish to go to Sorata/Copacabana and you will be dropped off at the small lakeside town of Huarina (2 hours from La Paz). Cross the road and wait for a Sorata/Copacabana bound bus with space to pass. They should honk their horn if they have space and see people waiting, but it wouldn't hurt to keep an eye out and flag one down if you see it first. Best to get started early as you may have a bit of a wait at Huarina - it should still be quicker than going all the way to La Paz then 2 hours back in the same direction though.

Buses arrive/depart Sorata from the main square.

Get around

Taxis are available, although the town is tiny so you will only want one for an excursion or perhaps if staying at Las Piedras (it's down a very steep hill, we elected not to lug our backpacks back up it!) or Altai Oasis (on the way to the caves, about 45 minutes walk from the main plaza). Your accommodation should be able to call one for you.

See

Do

Hike to San Pedro caves, around 2 1/2 hours each way from town. Stop on the way or way back at Cafe Illampu or Altai Oasis for drinks and food. Swimming is possible in the caves.

Other than that, just relax and admire the beautiful views! It's a nice antidote from frenetic La Paz.

Buy

Small Sunday market, mostly selling food and general goods. Good fruit and vegetable market every day.

Eat

  • '''Pete's Place''' just off the main plaza (signposted). Friendly cafe run by helpful British owner. Guidebooks to read, information sheets about the area and trekking, games. Food tasty and reasonably priced, includes curry and good vegetarian options, and Marmite and Twinings tea for homesick Brits.
  • '''Cafe Illampu''' on the way to San Pedro caves - signposted from the main road. Lovely setting, ridiculously high treehouse, llamas, friendly German owner, games, giant pile of 70s National Geographics, guidebooks. Delicious bread and cakes. Closed Tuesdays.
  • Drink

    Sorata is not the place for a wild night out! Casa Reggae (see below) has a bar with beer and cocktails available.

    Sleep

  • '''Residencia Sorata Central''' on the northwest corner of the plaza has rooms for 15/25 (shared/priv. bath) bs pp. Also have a great garden and a big breakfast for 12 bs.
  • '''Casa Reggae''' (150m south of the plaza) have dorm beds for 12 bs. (8 if you don't use shower and kitchen). They also have a slightly insane monkey who will try and steal your drinks.
  • '''Hostal Las Piedras''' just past the football field. Rooms from Bs30 pp, with one or two double beds. Comfortable, nicely decorated, very clean, kitchen is fairly good, breakfasts (extra) yummy, free filtered water, sink to wash your own clothes, friendly and helpful Dutch owner. A good place to splash out slightly if you want something a bit nicer than a standard dorm.
  • Get out