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Yungas Coffee Region
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The Yungas region in the La Paz Department is Bolivia's most important coffee-growing area, forming a transition zone between the Andes and the Amazon basin. Plantations are mostly located on steep slopes at altitudes between 1,000 and 2,500 meters, where a warm, humid climate with abundant rainfall provides convenient conditions for high-quality Arabica coffee. Centers of production include towns like Caranavi, often referred to as the 'coffee capital of Bolivia.' Agriculture here is predominantly sustained by smallholder farms and cooperatives that have increasingly specialized in organic certifications and fair trade. Bolivian highland coffee is internationally prized for its mild acidity and complex aroma. Besides coffee, citrus fruits and coca are also cultivated in the Yungas, with coffee exports serving as a vital source of foreign exchange for the local economy.
- Location: Bolivia
- Top sights: Parque Acuatico Jiwaki · Ruinas de Tahuacosí · Iglesia Asambleas de Dios Santa Teresa
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 |
| Rain mm | 153 | 129 | 89 | 45 | 22 | 25 | 22 | 34 | 27 | 53 | 59 | 123 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Yungas Coffee Region is a renowned area for growing high-quality, shade-grown Arabica coffee on steep, mist-covered slopes. It plays an important role in exporting premium organic coffee beans and shapes the agriculture of Bolivia's lowlands.
Visiting
Many coffee farms in the region welcome visitors and offer guided tours of the plantations and processing facilities. However, some remote plots are only accessible on foot or by 4x4 vehicles, so an organized tour is recommended.
Where to view it
A particularly scenic viewpoint is the "Café Mirador" near Coroico, from where you can overlook the terraced coffee fields amid the cloud forests. The road to Chulumani also has wide-open views of the green slopes time and again.
Local products
Travelers can buy roasted coffee, coffee beans, and artisan chocolate from the region on site. Markets in Coroico or La Paz often also sell coffee liqueur, a popular souvenir.
Active season
The main coffee harvest in the Yungas occurs between April and October, with peak activity from May to July. During this time, plantations are bustling with workers picking ripe cherries and taking them to the processing station.
Nearby
A visit to the coffee farms can be wonderfully combined with a tour through the cloud forests of Cotapata National Park. The historic Death Road (Carretera de la Muerte) and the appealing village of Coroico are also worthwhile nearby destinations.
Geography
Facts
- Over 90% of Bolivian coffee is produced in the Yungas region.
- The town of Caranavi is considered the commercial hub of the coffee economy.
- Cultivation altitudes reach up to 2,600 meters above sea level in some zones.
- Bolivian coffee is renowned for its chocolate and citrus flavor notes.
- The harvest season in the Yungas typically lasts from May to September.
- Many producers are members of the indigenous Aymara communities.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Yungas Coffee Region (5)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What types of coffee are grown in the Yungas?
Mainly high-quality Arabica varieties, known for their mild aroma.
Can you visit coffee farms?
Yes, many farms near Coroico and Caranavi offer visitor tours.
When is the best time to visit?
During the harvest season from May to September, you can best experience the process.
Why is coffee from this region special?
The high altitude and tropical climate create handy conditions for organic coffee.
How do you get there from La Paz?
By bus or minibus from Minasa terminal in about 3-5 hours.
Yungas Coffee Region: where is it located?
Yungas Coffee Region is located in Bolivia.
Yungas Coffee Region: what is there to see?
Highlights include Parque Acuatico Jiwaki, Ruinas de Tahuacosí, Iglesia Asambleas de Dios Santa Teresa.
Yungas Coffee Region: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Yungas Coffee Region: why is it worth visiting?
The Yungas region in the La Paz Department is Bolivia's most important coffee-growing area, forming a transition zone between the Andes and the Amazon basin.
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History & landmarks
Puente Trillizos
A set of three modern cable-stayed bridges in La Paz that connect different parts of the rugged city.
Estadio Hernando Siles
One of the highest professional football stadiums in the world, where the Bolivian national team plays its home matches.
Puente de las Américas
A prominent bridge in La Paz that spans deep ravines and connects the Miraflores and Sopocachi neighborhoods.
Mirador Laikakota
A popular park and viewpoint in the Parque Urbano Central, offering excellent views of the low-lying part of La Paz.
Monumento a Eduardo Abaroa
A monument on the plaza of the same name in La Paz, dedicated to the Bolivian national hero Eduardo Abaroa from the War of the Pacific.
Mirador Killi Killi
A strategically located viewpoint on a hill that offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of La Paz and Mount Illimani.
Plaza Murillo
The central square of La Paz and the historical heart of Bolivian politics and government.
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Paz
The neoclassical cathedral on Plaza Murillo impresses with its steep stairs and magnificent dome.
Nature
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Illimani
Majestic three-peaked mountain that serves as the iconic snowy backdrop to the city of La Paz.
Yungas Coca Terraces
Steep, meticulously maintained terraces in the Yungas cultivate coca leaves, a sacred and culturally important crop for Andean peoples.
Cordillera Real
Spectacular glaciated mountain range that separates the Altiplano from the Amazon basin.
Alto Beni Cacao Plantations
Deep in the Amazon basin, smallholder cooperatives grow premium organic cacao, supporting sustainable agroforestry.
Valley of the Souls
A fascinating geological site near La Paz with towering, needle-like rock formations that attract young explorers.
Vesty Pakos Zoo
The highest altitude zoo in the world, located in La Paz, focusing on the rescue and rehabilitation of native Andean wildlife.
Zongo Valley
The Zongo Valley is a steep gorge near La Paz, known for its hydroelectric facilities and breathtaking cloud forests.