Cochabamba

About Cochabamba

The Cochabamba valley has been populated for over a thousand years due to its fertile productive soils and spring-like year round climate. Archealogical evidence suggests that the initial valley inhabitants were of various ethnic indigenous groups. Inca, Tupuraya, Mojocoya, Omereque, and Tiwanaku inhabited the valley at various times before the Spanish arrived.

The first Spanish inhabitant of the Valley was Garci Ruiz de Orellana in 1542. He purchased the majority of the land from local tribal chiefs Achata and Consavana through a title registered in 1552 at the Imperial City of Potosí. The price paid was 130 pesos. His residence known as the House of Mayorazgo still stands in the Cala Cala neighborhood of the city.

Villa de Oropesa (as Cochabamba was first called) was founded on 2 August 1571 by order of Viceroy Francisco de Toledo, Count of Oropesa. It was to be an agricultural production center to provide food for the mining towns of the relatively nearby Altiplano region, particularly the city of Potosí that became one of the largest and richest cities in the world during the 17th century - funding the vast wealth that ultimately made Spain a world power at the time. Since the late 19th century it has again been generally successful as an agricultural centre for Bolivia.

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Climate

The weather is mild, with an average annual temperature around 21°C (or 70°F). Although the weather is generally warm all year round, cold wind patterns, The months of greater rainfall are January and February.

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How to get here

By air

Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano has several flights a day to Cochabamba's Jorge Wilstermann Airport from La Paz and Santa Cruz. If flying from La Paz, sit on the left side to get a stunning view of Mt. Illimani just off the wingtip. See flight availability and airport information by clicking here.

By land

From La Paz, it's seven hours by bus to Cochabamba via Oruro. The terminal is on the south end, just north of the market called Cancha. It's 6 hours by bus from La Paz and 10 hours Santa Cruz.

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Getting around in Cochabamba

It's easy to get around in Cochabamba people are very friendly just remember that everything here circles around el Prado and you'll have no problem getting your way around.

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Where to stay

Cochabamba has a lot of hotels and affordable places to stay, allowing the visitor to be close to the action find information on hotels and reservations by clicking here.

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  What to see while in Cochabamba

Santa Cruz has a lot to see no matter what you are looking for from cultural to high adrenaline sports here are some suggestions:

Sightseeing

South America's biggest open-air market, called La Cancha, is open seven days a week in Cochabamba, with Wednesday and Saturday being the busiest days of operation. Here merchants sell everything imaginable from witchcraft talismans to LCD TVs and electronics. The market is organized and divided in areas depending on the goods being sold.

Perched atop the San Pedro hill, the 33m (109ft) tall statue of the Cristo de la Concordia (Christ of redemption statue) is the tallest of its kind in the world (although it is mistakenly believed to be the Cristo del Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro). Visitors can climb inside up to the arms for a unique view of the city.

The Palacio Portales is an eclectic style mansion with French Renaissance architectural influences. It includes a Louis XVI room, a moor themed room and influences of Alhambra de Granada. It is located in the northern neighborhood of Queru Queru. It was built for Simon Patino, Bolivia's wealthiest industrialist. Currently the Palacio Portales holds tours as well as a library, art galleries and many gardens on the property.

The Parque Mariscal Santa Cruz is a recreational park located in the Chimba neighborhood. There is Gaudi inspired architecture in the quaint aquarium and surroundings. There is an artificial lake where paddle boats can be driven around fountains. There are also sports fields, dirt bike hills, picnic areas and giant slides.

The Cochabamba Country Club is located between Laguna Alalay and San Pedro Hill. There is an 18-hole golf course, 15 clay tennis courts, a swimming pool, skeet shooting, and horseback riding.

The Cochabamba Bolivia Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was dedicated on April 30, 2000 and is located in the neighborhood of Queru Queru Alto.

Cochabamba is home to many famous Roman Catholic Churches including the Convento De San Francisco built in 1607 which is made internally of rainforest wood. The convent also has a gold leaf altar. The Main Plaza Cathedral's facade reflects a (Mestizo) fusion of Spanish Baroque and Indigenous architectural styles.

Find tours or tourist guides

Going out

El Prado is a prominent commercial strip centered along the tree-lined boulevard, Avenida Ballivian. Attractions include an active night life, upscale restaurants and cafes, and upper-income condominium high rises.

On the Northern side of Rio Rocha is La Recoleta and Avenida Pando. This is the modern and chic area, center of the night life, where you'll find Cochabamba's 10-pin bowling alley, 10-screen movie theatre, a Mercedes-Benz dealership and many restaurants, cafes and nightclubs.

Eat

There are many restaurants, pizzerias, karaoke's, hotel restaurants, and discotheques offering great service and food so you have a good culinary experience.   Click here to find more information. Cochabamba claims to have the best food in Bolivia. Even though things have improved a lot lately, be careful to select a proper place to get your next meal because not all the vendors are known for keeping the highest standards for cleanness and hygiene.

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Do's and Don't in Cochabamba

The cost of living in Bolivia is very affordable so don't be afraid of going out and splurge there's a lot to see in town or out of it be as adventurous as you can, taking always some precautions. In crowded areas be careful for pickpockets and bags lashers. A common trick is that one person spills something on your clothes, and while you or he wipes it off another person lifts your wallet or slashes your bag.

Be vigilant when checking into a hotel or hostel. Keep a hand on all your bags/belongings at all times. Acting as if they work for the hotel, opportunist thieves will create a diversion and snatch the nearest unattended bag.

If you are approached by police in civilian clothes don't show any valuables or your passport. And certainly don't get in a taxi with them. Undercover police are strictly ordered not to hassle tourists. There have been several cases of muggings and things going missing from bags or luggage after "drug searches". Insist on being taken to the police station before giving them access to your things. If you can, call the 110, which is the Bolivian emergency number.

And the most important there have been several cases of violent muggings in taxis. Don't take unregistered taxis. Lock the doors and don't allow other people to share the journey with you.

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Places near Cochabamba worth to visit

The Tunari National Park flanks the city like a crescent to the north and northwest. Paragliding, trekking and bird watching tours are offered by several tourist agencies.

  Tunari (not to be confused with the Tunari National Park) is a small town in the Bolivian rainforest where visitors often go to see the animal refuge Inti Wara Yassi that houses several monkey species, pumas and exotic birds. An annual fish fair is held, where many varieties of trout and surubi fish can be delected.

Incallajta (Inca city) is a monumental inca site in central Bolivia, approximately 130 kilometers east of Cochabamba. It was most recently excavated by Larry Coben. Also spelled Inkallakta, Incallacta and Incallajta, the name literally means "Inca Town or Community."

No matter witch one you choose you'll have a great time for sure, while visiting Cochabamba.

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