Sorata - Sorata

Sorata is a center of the La Paz Department.

To know

Sorata is often referred to by the paceños as the perfect place for a relaxing weekend. It is often the base for hikers preparing to tackle the Cordillera Real.

Geographical notes

Sorata is located in the district of La Paz, about 150 km from the capital. Its position, on a hill surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dominated by the Illampu (6,368 m), makes it an ideal place for a short excursion away from city traffic.

When to go

Because of its position, protected by the mountains, its altitude (about 2,600 m) Sorata enjoys an ideal climate. Even in the wet season (December to March), the days are generally sunny, with showers lasting a few hours at most, but the season for demanding hikes on the Cordillera is from March to September.

Background

Thanks to its strategic position, during the colonial period Sorata was on the communication route that led to the Amazon, the gold mines and the rubber tree forests. This allowed the city at that time to reach the splendor that now still shines through the patina of the years.

How to orient yourself

Sorata is now little more than a village. The best way to get around is on foot.

How to get

By bus

The minibuses depart from the cemetery area of ​​La Paz (Kollasuyo corner Bustillos) and take about 3 and a half hours to reach Sorata (15 Bs). The last departure is at 5 pm. It is possible to book with the Trans Unificado Sorata (238-1693), but the booking is not 100% reliable. It is certainly better to show up, even with the reservation half an hour or an hour before, in order to be sure.

From Sorata buses depart towards La Paz from the central square. On Sundays it can be very difficult to find a place, it is necessary to book a few hours in advance.

How to get around

What see

Events and parties

What to do

Shopping

How to have fun

Where to eat

Average prices

Around the main square are local restaurants offering a variety of local dishes, sandwiches and drinks, here are some of the best places to try.

• Pete's Place, Esquivel (on the left on the first floor, look for the sign and go up the stairs). breakfast ~ 25Bs, set lunch and dinner 15-20Bs, burgers 20Bs, steaks and more up to 40-50Bs. 8.30-22.00. Great place to relax, good music, lots of guides and maps available. Meeting point for many foreign tourists. 
• Café Illampu (15 minutes from the city, in the direction of the Gruta de San Pedro). Superb breakfast at 30 Bs. Closed on Tuesday. If you want to spend the morning in idleness this is the place for you. Just outside of town, with grass and shade, great breakfasts, fruit

fresh and sweet. There is also space for children to play and even for camping (10Bs). 

Where stay

In general, it is easy to find accommodation in Sorata, which now increasingly lives on tourism.

Moderate prices

• Hostal El Mirador, Calle Muñeca 400 (two blocks from the central square), ☎ 591 02 298-6484, 591 735-05453 (Mobile phone), 591 712 46996 (Mobile phone). 30 Bs per person with shared bathroom. 50 Bs per person with private bathroom. As the name suggests, one of the best in terms of views. Sunny terrace, chairs and deck chairs to relax. Ask the owner about the walks. For breakfast, available, remember to ask the night before. 
• Hostal Las Piedras, Ascarrunz (next to the football field), ☎ 591 7191-6341. 2.50-7.50 (with bathroom) US $. Familiar and welcoming, with breakfast offered separately, quiet rooms with good views of the valley. 

High prices

• Grand Hotel Sorata, Av. Samuel Tejerina, ☎ 591 02 213-5201. 12-14 US $. It offers great views, swimming pool, garden, recreation room and disco on weekends. 

Safety

How to keep in touch

Internet

Only one internet point, at the time of the research, was available on the square.

Around

Sorata is the base for many excursions in the Cordillera Real, including El Camino de Oro, the Mapiri trail, and the complex Trans Cordillera.

Itineraries

• Gruta de San Pedro - The short trek to the Gruta de San Pedro offers beautiful views of the valley and a visit to the cave with an underground lake. The level of the excursion is accessible to all, the cave is located about 12 km from the city, and it is a journey of about 3 hours (one way).
• Lakathiya village
• Laguna Chillata - One of the best short hikes in the area. It offers wonderful views of the sierra he was born in Titicaca lake. The ascent takes about 5 hours, with an altitude difference of 1500 km. It is possible to camp at the lagoon, as is the day trip. Guides suggest contacting a local guide so as not to lose your way.
• Glacial Lagoon - A continuation of the previous excursion, which includes a further ascent up to 5100 m.
• El Camino de Oro
• Mapiri trail
• Trans Cordillera

Other projects

• Commons contains images or other files on Sorata

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