The mountaineer magnet of Sorata lies at the foot of the magestic snowcapped Illampu and Ancohuma mountains, some 160 kilometres northwest of La Paz.

Set on a hillside and surrounded by verdant valleys, this chilled-out colonial town sports a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and a busy Sunday market.

Aside from relaxing, Sorata makes an ideal base for day hikes to nearby lakes and caves as well as multi-day hikes to glaciers and lofty peaks.