Boasting not much more than car repair shops and hardware stores, Caranavi is a business spot for Bolivians and a necessary transit stop for travelers; it is the central most point between La Paz and the northern Yungas. If you do find yourself here, enjoy the warm weather and rest assured that aside from a cash machine, Caranavi has all you’ll need an afternoon layover or even a night’s stay.

Restaurants (and everything else for that matter) line the town’s main street, Mariscal Santa Cruz, and most other eateries serve daily almuerzos for under $2, including rice, yucca and chicharron (fried pork). Restaurant Urkupiña has giant cold cokes and a flat screen TV, just west of the bus terminal.

If you need to make a national or international phone call, try directly across from the bus station, there are a handful of cabiñas to do so. DumboNet (Tel: 591-823-30-74 / 712-12-38. Corner of Mariscal Sucre and Battalon de Ingeneros) offers phone booths, and Internet as well. There are 10 computers (3 Bs. per hour) and 11 phones.

As far as lodging, the Complejo Landivar is your best option. Private bathrooms, TVs and fans are in all rooms (single 80 Bs. / double 120 Bs. / triple 160 Bs.) and there is Internet and an enticingly clean pool. If you’re on a tight, tight budget, Residencia Mexico costs just $2 (15 Bs.) per person. Some rooms have private baths, but the whole place is a bit dodgy.

A market town of sorts, it’s easy to find small necessities like toilet paper, shampoo, and treats for your trip, though beware that there is no ATM, so carry cash. Also, Caranavi has a handful of public bathrooms and showers for those in need--bring your flipflops if your daring enough to try for a wash.