Things To Do
in Corocoro
Corocoro is a small highland town in the Bolivian Andes with a long history tied to mining and Aymara culture. Perched on the altiplano, it offers wide puna landscapes, colorful local markets and traditional architecture rather than large tourist infrastructure. Visitors come for authentic cultural encounters, stark highland scenery and as a base for short hikes and rural excursions.
Travel here requires some acclimatization and a flexible attitude because services are basic but warmly hospitable.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Plaza 10 de Noviembre, where you can admire the colonial architecture surrounding the square. Enjoy a traditional Bolivian breakfast at a local café, featuring fresh bread and coffee. As you stroll through the historic streets, take time to appreciate the vibrant street art that narrates the town's rich history.
Visit the Museo de Corocoro, where you can learn about the region's mining heritage and the significance of tin mining to Bolivia's economy. Afterward, take a walk to the nearby church, Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, and admire its beautiful interior and historical artifacts. Enjoy lunch at a local eatery, sampling regional dishes like salteñas or pique a lo macho.
As the sun sets, gather at the Plaza to experience the lively atmosphere filled with music and laughter. Join the locals for dinner at a nearby restaurant, indulging in traditional Bolivian cuisine while enjoying local folk music. Conclude your day with a leisurely walk through the town, soaking in the ambiance under the starry sky.
Set out early for a guided tour of the nearby abandoned tin mines, where you can explore the tunnels and learn about the mining process. The crisp morning air and rugged landscape provide a thrilling backdrop as you navigate the historic sites. Don't forget to wear sturdy boots and bring a camera to capture the stunning views.
After the mine tour, enjoy a packed picnic lunch amidst the dramatic Andean scenery, savoring local treats while surrounded by nature. Spend the afternoon hiking through the surrounding hills, taking in panoramic views of the valleys and mountains. Along the way, keep an eye out for unique flora and fauna that thrive in this high-altitude environment.
Return to Corocoro and freshen up before heading out for dinner at a local restaurant, where you can share stories of your adventure with fellow travelers. Try some spicy llama steak or quinoa dishes, showcasing the flavors of the region. End your evening with a visit to a local bar, enjoying a refreshing canelazo as you mingle with locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-2 |
| 🛌Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $15-30 |
| 🚌Local bus or minibus ride | $0.50-2 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5 L) | $0.50-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Andean culture and warm local hospitality
- Dramatic highland landscapes and excellent stargazing
- Low tourist density — quiet, genuine experience
- Affordable prices and simple, wholesome food
- High altitude requires acclimatization and can limit activities
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few amenities
- Unpaved roads and seasonal access issues during the wet season
- Language barrier if you don't speak Spanish or Aymara
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Disculpe, ¿dónde está el mercado?" - Excuse me, where is the market?
- "Estoy cansado/a (por la altura)" - I am tired (because of the altitude)
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Corocoro
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture daily life, traditional clothing, architecture and the interplay of light and shadow in the town center — great for portrait and street photography.
Multiple hills and ridgelines above town provide sweeping panoramas of the puna, grazing camelids and dramatic skies at sunrise and sunset.
Brightly colored produce, textiles and vendors offer candid opportunities to document Aymara culture and food traditions — always ask before photographing people.
Small highland lakes and streams on the approach to Corocoro reflect the sky and surrounding grasses; good for minimalist landscape shots and wildlife.
Food in Corocoro
Corocoro Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A warming meat stew (often alpaca, lamb or beef) with potatoes and local herbs; find it at family-run restaurants and mercados for lunch.
Must-Try!
A traditional Andean soup made with chuño, vegetables, corn and meat — a staple in markets and modest restaurants.
Quinoa served as a porridge or mixed with vegetables and meat. Local markets and home-style restaurants are the best places to try these.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small, lively market where locals buy produce, cheese, breads and ready-to-eat soups. Try a cup of caldo or fresh empanadas from vendors around midday.
Evening and lunch stalls near the plaza serve simple plates like rice with stews, roasted potatoes and local snacks; bargaining is not common for prepared food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly 'Buenos días' and a nod; respect for elders and local leaders is important. Use formal speech ('usted') when in doubt.
Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women in traditional dress or at markets. A small polite offering or a smile goes a long way.
Dress modestly and layer warmly. Public displays of loud behavior are frowned upon; be polite and patient with schedules and services.
Be mindful of Aymara customs and festivals; show respect during religious or community events and avoid interrupting ceremonial practices.
Safety
Tipping in Corocoro
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In small restaurants and for guides, leaving small change or 5–10% for good service is common. For porters and drivers, small tips are welcome.
Cash (Bolivianos) is king — carry small bills and coins, as many vendors do not accept cards. ATMs are scarce or unreliable; withdraw cash in larger towns (e.g., La Paz) before traveling. Some larger businesses may accept cards but expect a fee or poor connectivity.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Wet season with afternoon showers and occasional storms; days can still be sunny but expect muddy roads and some disrupted transport. Bring waterproof layers and plan outdoor activities for mornings.
Cool, sunny days with very cold nights and low precipitation — ideal for hiking and clear skies for photography and stargazing. Dress in layers to handle strong daytime sun and freezing evenings.
Transitional months offer a mix of conditions: fewer tourists, reasonable weather and good visibility, but check local forecasts for sudden changes.
Corocoro at Night
Hiking in Corocoro
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short to moderate hikes across the high-altitude grasslands around Corocoro — good for birdwatching, landscape photos and visiting grazing areas.
Walks to small highland lagoons that reflect the sky and are home to waterbirds; accessible as half-day excursions from town.
A longer day trip or overnight excursion to reach volcanic landscapes, hot springs and high peaks; distances are substantial so plan transport and accommodation in advance.
Airports
How to reach Corocoro by plane.
The main international gateway for western Bolivia. From here, Corocoro is reachable by road (several hours depending on route and road conditions) — buses and private transfers connect to towns on the altiplano.
A smaller domestic airport that may offer regional connections; useful if coming from within Bolivia but ground transfer to Corocoro is required.
Across the border in Peru near Puno and Lake Titicaca; some travelers use this airport when doing cross-border itineraries. Land travel and border crossing arrangements are needed to reach Corocoro.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the local population is Aymara, maintaining language, traditional dress and agricultural practices.
People of mixed indigenous and European descent who work in commerce, services and local government.
Many residents are involved in small-scale agriculture, herding of camelids and legacy mining operations or related trades.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport locally — community matches and informal games are common and are important social gatherings.
Not a sport but a key communal activity: folk dances, running events and traditional competitions are part of local festivals and attract wide participation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Corocoro.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can manage by choosing quinoa, potato and vegetable dishes, soups and salads, but options are limited. Ask for 'sin carne' (without meat) and be specific about no chicken or broth made from meat.
Vegan options are scarce in small Andean towns; carry snacks and be prepared to request dishes without cheese or animal broths. Markets sell raw produce and quinoa for self-prepared meals.
Many staples are naturally gluten-free (potatoes, quinoa, corn), but breads and some empanadas contain wheat. Explain the restriction in Spanish and avoid fried pastries to reduce cross-contact.