The Other Side of Bolivia - Cochabamba and Toro Toro National Park

Toro Toro National Park remains relatively unknown even among avid backpackers, partially due to the inaccessibility. Its nearest launch city, Cochabamba, is sadly often dismissed by backpackers rushing to get to Uyuni salt flat or La Paz.

• How to get there: The easiest way to get to Toro Toro is from Cochabamba, a charming eternal spring city located between La Paz and Sucre. Walk or hail a taxi and ask the driver to drop you off at del Norte office on Ave. Republica at the corner of Ave. Barrientos. Transportation includes bus or small van (collectivo). A bus could take up to 6 hours but collectivos usually take 3-4 hours. Be sure to get there early, the first collectivo leaves at 7 a.m. or whenever filled up. It costs 35 Bolivianos one way.

• Where to sleep: while traveling to Toro Toro might be a hassle, finding a place to stay is easy like a breeze once you are in the town of Toro Toro. No need to book ahead of time (since there is no wifi in the whole town, it's almost impossible to book online anyways). Once dropped off by the bus or collectivo, walk to the central plaza, there are plenty of cheap hostels around 50 meter parameter. I stayed at Hostel Asteria and paid $8 for a single room (exercise your negotiation skills!).
• What to do: Toro Toro is popular for its dinosaur footprints, but this charming park has so much more. Ciudad de Itas (City of Rocks) and Cueva Humajalanta (cave) are one of the popular day tours. And "Vergel", the canyon is a close second. Please note that these two tours are surprisingly demanding physically. It takes 800 steps to go up and down the canyon, and squeeze yourself through the cave would definitely make you break into sweats. Keep in mind the caves are narrow at some parts, definitely not for the claustrophobic! All the tours can be booked at the tourism office at the main plaza, you will have to register one day before and pay a small fee. 
• What am I going to do with food? 
  
  Toro Toro might be one place you would have trouble finding a decent restaurant. Sure there are some diners around selling fried chicken and bread, and some locals open their front door selling vegetable, fruits and meat. But this small town is so tranquil and relaxed outside of meal hours you might not be able to find food easily. Buy snacks from the local store while they are open, check out the only comedor they have in town during lunch hour.
  
  
• Tips: Go to the tourism office early, all the tours are first-come, first-serve basis and there are limited numbers of drivers (guides);
• Dress appropriately for climbing down the cave. It's dirty, wet and very muddy, protect your camera.
• The ride from Cochabamba to Toro Toro is a great opportunity to check out the beautiful country side of Bolivia, keep your eyes open :)