Travel tips
The Tropic of Cochabamba is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and constitutes an important ecological reserve. Its varied topography includes mountains, hills, rivers and plains with altitudes ranging from more than 4,000 up to 200 meters above the sea level. Chapare offers a variety of ecological zones that are home to countless vegetal and animal species.
WHEN TO TRAVEL
The climate of the Chapare is characterized by two seasons: dry season (April to September) and rainy season (October to March), however you can travel at any time of year, as rain is an essential part of the tropics and does not prevent from having contact with nature. Those who prefer to visit the tropics of Cochabamba during the dry season that corresponds to the austral winter, so the temperature drops considerably; we recommend bringing warm clothing.
WHAT TO BRING
Because of sudden temperature changes it is recommended to bring warm clothing and waterproof, and for high temperatures, light and bath clothing, hats, and comfortable shoes to enjoy walking, also carrying mosquito repellents, sunscreen and camera.
GETTING THERE
To travel to the touristic capital of Cochabamba - Villa Tunari, there are 2 major sections:
Cochabamba – Villa Tunari a distance of 160 km paved and gravel road, the road includes the ascent of the mountains reaching up to 4,000 m. and an average temperature of 10 to 12°C, continuing the journey down to 200 m. with an average temperature of 35 to 38 °C.
Santa Cruz – Villa Tunari a distance of 312 kilometers by paved road with a slight decrease of 400 to 200 meters above the sea level.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
From Cochabamba The Tropic of Cochabamba daily transport consist in buses and vans that leave from the Republica Avenue and Oquendo in continuous hours of 8:00 at 22 hours, at a cost of 4.00 USD and an average travel time of 4 hours to the touristic capital of Chapare - Villa Tunari.
From Santa Cruz to the Tropic of Cochabamba you can take inter-departmental buses at a cost of USD 6.00 to 10.00 and average travel time from 6 to 8 hours to Villa Tunari. Since this is a small village, we recommend informing the bus driver where you want to stop.
DOCUMENTS TO COVER THE TRIP
Bolivian Tourists.- Current ID, certificate of vaccination against yellow fever
Foreign Tourists.- Passport, certificate of vaccination against yellow fever
TOURIST SERVICES IN THE REGION
- Mayor Tourism Unit of Villa Tunari
- Hotels
- Hostels
- Camping
- Restaurants
- Clubs
- Bank
- Cooperative
- Hospital
- Payphone
- Internet
- Public Transportation
- Eco Parks
- Recreation parks
- Boating and Fishing
LANGUAGES
Spanish is the official language of Bolivia, but there are other languages spoken as English, French and Portuguese. As an ethnically and culturally so diverse country, different native dialects are also spoken like Quechua, Aymara, Ayoreo, Guarani and others.
CURRENCY RATE
- Currency - Boliviano
- U.S. Currency - Dollar
- Debit cards (pay only for hotels)
- Credit Cards - Visa and Master Card (only for hotels payment)
ELECTRICITY
The standard power in Bolivia is 220 volts, 50 cycles
HOW TO STAY IN OUR HOTEL
For a comfortable and enjoyable stay, we recommend the following:
- Always confirm reservations via phone, email, Web site or in person at our headquarters in Cochabamba or representatives in the city of La Paz and Santa Cruz.
- Apply in advance your reservations, accommodation preferences and additional services that you wish to hire.
- We recommend to present at the reception your reservation voucher and personal identity documents.
- For your safety we recommend to deposit your valuables in the safe of the hotel and request a receipt of the given property, this document will serve for the return of property after your stay.
- For payment of services our hotel accepts currency, USD, debit cards, Master Card and Visa credit cards.
- Request information on tours offered by our hotel.
- Request information on offers and under way plans in our hotel.
- Ask about the regulations and internal policies of our hotel.
