Are you that type of person that likes hiking and traveling a lot? Then, you should really think about getting around Sorata. Sorata is a small town situated in Bolivia. The closest better-known location to this town is La Paz, which is situated about 150 km northwest. If you come here, be sure that you will have plenty to socialize because many people are attracted to this location.
If you are leaving from La Paz towards Sorata, pick the road through the Cemetery area, called passage Bs13. You can either go by your own car or take a bus that regularly leaves at each hour, until 3 pm. Otherwise, if you are traveling from Copacabana, you can skip La Paz. If you chose the bus, then it will take you into the main square of Sorata.
From the square, you can take a taxi, but it is a good idea to walk your way because the town is small and you do not have to travel too much. The only reason you should take a taxi is if you are going to accommodate to Las Piedras or Altai Oasis, which are a bit further than the rest of the town.
So, what have you come for in Sorata? To hike the Gruta de San Pedro, of course. You will spend about 3 hours or more when traveling from the town to the caves and another 3 hours when coming back. Want to get faster? Arrange for a taxi to wait for you. Don’t rely on the fact that there will be one there to hail, because it won’t.
There are also some other walks you can take like Mapiri walks, Road gold, circuit Illampu or the longest one, Trans cordillera – 10 nights and 11 days. Do you own a Mountain Bike? Well, you came to the only place in Bolivia where you have a Mountain Bike Downhill possibility.
As we mentioned before, Sorata is a small town so there isn’t really anything to buy. You can attend the Sunday market, for buying food and general goods. Otherwise, you can check it every day for fresh fruits and vegetables.
You will find two main places where you can eat in Sorata. One of them is placed near the square, and it is called Pete’s Place. The other one is situated in a tree-house somewhere around the San Pedro caves. Both of them have reasonable prices and good food.
After a long day of hiking, you will need a place to rest, so make sure you chose one before starting hiking. You can choose between Residencia Sorata Central, Casa Reggae, Hostal Las Piedra and Altai Oasis. All of them will provide you with good conditions (especially Hostal Las Piedra – after all it has a German owner). Casa Reggae is the only place where you will find a bar that serves cocktails and beer – this way you must understand that the small town of Sorata isn’t the ideal place for spending a wild night.
