Nicknamed the "garden city" for its numerous parks and flowering gardens, Cochabamba exudes a provincial atmosphere that lends it a subtle charm. It is characterized by its significant colonial heritage and streets lined with sumptuous balconies. Yet a journey to Cochabamba extends far beyond its magnificent landscapes. The city also makes a name for itself in gastronomy.

A Geographic Perspective

Cochabamba is a city in Bolivie, serving as the capital of Cercado Province. It spans an area of 55,631 km² and sits 234 km southeast of La Paz. It is the only department in the country with no border zones. Furthermore, this region is home to the South American parliament.

The community is bounded by the Beni department to the north, by Potosi and Chuquisaca to the south, by Oruro and La Paz to the west and finally by Santa Cruz to the east. The province is subdivided into 16 provinces and 201 cantons. The city of Cochabamba perches high in the mountains. The highest peak, Tunari, rises to 5,020 meters above sea level. The region boasts numerous valleys, among them important ones such as Alto and Cliza.

History

During the pre-Columbian period, the Inca empire occupied the Cochabamba region. Among the ethnic groups existing at that time, the Quechua civilization boasted the largest population. Since then, the practice of this language has continued to be passed down through generations.

During Spanish colonization, Castilian became the dominant language of the region. At that time, conquistadors decided to establish several cities, including Cochabamba. It was first baptized Villa de Oropeza by Captain Jerónimo de Osorio on August 2, 1571. After a few years, Sebastián Barba de Padilla received orders from Viceroy Francisco de Toledo to recreate the city.

Today

Beyond the many facets Cochabamba reveals, the city takes pride in possessing areas most favorable for cultivating grapes, wheat, corn, potatoes, quinoa and more. Fruit production is concentrated largely in the tropical Chapare region, 200 km away, where bananas, plantains, oranges, papayas and various exotic fruits are harvested.

The city of Cochabamba hosts the Festival of the Virgin Mary of Urkupiña on August 13 and 14 each year. The celebration brings together a large number of people, whether of Bolivian origin or from different regions. A symbol of faith, unity and peace, this important traditional religious event is considered a significant cultural and tourist heritage of Bolivie.

At the Heart of the City

Cochabamba possesses numerous assets to showcase. Here are the different sites that have most notably set it apart.

La Cancha Market

This venue is South America's largest open-air market. Crowds gather here to shop and socialize. The market sprawls across several avenues of the city from the bus station. Open daily, it becomes particularly lively on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You'll find an array of local products, including vibrantly colored vegetables and fruits. In the artisan section, curious objects are on display that residents consider good luck charms: llama fetuses.

El Cristo de la Concordia

During a visit to Cochabamba, it's impossible to miss the immense white statue representing the Christ the Redeemer, inaugurated in 1994. Standing 40 meters tall including its base, the structure surpasses its Brazilian counterpart, which measures 38 meters. Access to the interior of the statue is reserved for Sundays.

September 14 Square

Framed by charming buildings and leafy, flowering spaces, it stands out from other plazas for its colonial architecture. At its center stands the Fountain of the Three Graces and the Heroes' Column.

El Palacio Portales

Designed with marble and woodwork, this history-laden building surprises visitors with its noble architectural style. Its conception is owed to French architect Eugène Bliault, who constructed the region's finest palace for baron Simon Iturri Patiño, between 1915 and 1927.

The Incallajta Archaeological Site

Located two hours from Cochabamba, this site contains important Inca ruins in Bolivie. On its heights, you can distinguish a city dating from the late 15th century, built by Emperor Tupac Inca Yupan. Among the ruins stands a solar calendar that allowed the Incas to observe the stars and climate of that era.

Laguna Angostura

This artificial lake supplies the Cochabamba region. It covers an area of 10.5 km² and has a capacity of 75 million cubic meters of water. The location is ideal for various activities such as zip-lining, pedal boats and boat excursions. Laguna Angostura is also known for its fish, prized for their quality.

Other Sites Worth Visiting

Planning to stay a few more days? Take the opportunity to discover new attractions both in the city and its surroundings, such as:

- the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Sebastian;

- the neighborhoods of Prado and Cala Cala;

- Avenue of the Americas;

- the Convent of Saint Theresa;

- the Martin Cardenas Botanical Garden;

- Torotoro National Park;

- the villages of Tarata, Punata, Arani, along the Valle Alto route;

- the natural site of Incachaca and its waterfalls.

Climate

The weather in Cochabamba varies according to altitude. Its mild and pleasant climate earns it the nickname "eternal spring". Sunshine and very dry conditions are observed from April to October. From January to March, precipitation occurs in the form of storms. Throughout the year, temperatures range from 14°C to 30°C, most often with very strong temperature swings during the day. Overall, Cochabamba can be visited year-round.

There are no direct flights from France, but rather flights to Santa Cruz or La Paz. Then, by means of a transfer, buses ensure the journey to Cochabamba at reasonable rates.

It is easy to rent a car upon arrival at the airport or in the city. The second option is to travel by bus, relatively inexpensive but quite slow. Additionally, there are micro or minibuses with 20 to 30 seats running short distances. Luggage will be hoisted onto the roof.