Cochabamba Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and tips for a safe and enjoyable trip to Cochabamba, Bolivia.
- Introduction to Cochabamba
- List of Places to Visit in Cochabamba
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Cochabamba
- Best Things to Do in Cochabamba: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Cochabamba
- Food and Drink Scene of Cochabamba
- Where to Stay in Cochabamba: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Cochabamba: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Cochabamba
- Best Time to Visit Cochabamba
- Do’s and Don’ts of Cochabamba
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Cochabamba: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Cochabamba
- Where to Go Next from Cochabamba: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Cochabamba
Welcome to Cochabamba, Bolivia’s fourth-largest city and a cultural hub of the country. Located in the central part of the Andean mountain range, Cochabamba is nestled at an altitude of 2,558 meters above sea level and boasts beautiful landscapes, rich history, and fascinating cultural traditions.
Known as “the City of Eternal Spring” for its mild climate throughout the year, Cochabamba is a must-visit destination for travel enthusiasts seeking unique experiences, adventure, and cultural immersion.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan a memorable trip to Cochabamba, including the top places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and much more.
List of Places to Visit in Cochabamba
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
Cochabamba is home to a wide range of museums and historical attractions that provide valuable insights into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
1. The Cochabamba Cathedral: Located in the city’s main square, Plaza 14 de Septiembre, this stunning cathedral is an excellent example of colonial architecture, with its grand façade and intricate details.
2. Simon I. Patiño Cultural Center: A former industrialist’s mansion that has been transformed into a cultural center, the Simon I. Patiño Cultural Center is home to several exhibitions, including archaeological and ethnographic displays, art galleries, and a library.
3. Palacio Portales: Built-in the 1920s by Simon I. Patiño, this luxurious mansion is another well-preserved example of the city’s colonial architecture and is now open to the public as a museum.
4. Museo del Litoral: This museum is dedicated to the Bolivian Navy and showcases the country’s maritime history through its collection of antique ships, maps, weapons, and more.
Natural Attractions of Cochabamba: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Cochabamba is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes and offers an array of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
1. Tunari National Park: With an area of 3,350 km², Tunari National Park is the largest protected area in Cochabamba. It is home to diverse flora and fauna, snow-capped mountains, lagoons, and waterfalls. Popular activities include hiking, rock climbing, and bird watching.
2. Cristo de la Concordia: The world’s largest statue of Jesus Christ is located on San Pedro Hill, overlooking the city of Cochabamba. Visitors can take a cable car or hike up the hill to enjoy stunning panoramic views of the city.
3. Toro Toro National Park: This park is known for its canyons, waterfalls, dinosaur footprints, and caves. Visitors can explore the park’s attractions through many guided tours available, including visits to caves and canyons, or taking a dip in beautiful natural pools.
4. Pairumani Park: Only 20 km from the city center, Pairumani Park is a perfect getaway to enjoy the outdoors. Visitors can hike, cycle or horse-ride through the breathtaking scenery.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Cochabamba
Cochabamba is a great destination for hiking and cycling enthusiasts, with several excellent routes to explore the surrounding natural beauty.
1. The Three Crosses Trail: An easy hiking trail that starts from the village of Quillacollo and leads to the three crosses overlooking the city of Cochabamba.
2. The El Mirador Trail: A challenging hike through Tunari National Park that rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, lagoons and valleys.
3. The Chochis Waterfall Trail: This easy 2-hour hike takes visitors to a stunning natural waterfall in Pairumani Park, where they can picnic and swim.
Best Things to Do in Cochabamba: Activities and Tours
Cochabamba offers a range of activities and tours to keep visitors entertained throughout their stay. Here are several must-try experiences:
1. Paragliding: Experience the thrill of flying over the city of Cochabamba with a tandem paragliding flight.
2. Cooking Classes: Learn to cook traditional Bolivian dishes with a local chef and enjoy a delicious meal afterward.
3. Hot Springs: Relax and unwind at the warm waters of Piscina Cebolla, located only 30 minutes from the city center.
4. Local Markets: Explore the vibrant and colorful markets of Cochabamba, where visitors can shop for local crafts, textiles, and fresh produce.
Week-Long Itinerary for Cochabamba
With so much to see and do in Cochabamba, we recommend a week-long stay to fully explore and enjoy all the city has to offer. Here is a suggested itinerary:
Day 1: Visit the Cochabamba Cathedral and Plaza 14 de Septiembre.
Day 2: Explore the Simon I. Patiño Cultural Center and Palacio Portales.
Day 3: Spend the day hiking in Tunari National Park.
Day 4: Take a guided tour of Toro Toro National Park.
Day 5: Go paragliding over the city of Cochabamba.
Day 6: Visit the local markets and enjoy a cooking class with a local chef.
Day 7: Relax and unwind at Piscina Cebolla Hot Springs.
Food and Drink Scene of Cochabamba
Cochabamba has a vibrant food and drink scene, with traditional dishes and drinks that reflect its cultural heritage. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
1. Pique Macho: A hearty dish consisting of beef, sausage, onions, peppers, and French fries.
2. Silpancho: A dish of beef, rice, potatoes, and eggs, typically served with salsa and hot sauce.
3. Chicha: A fermented corn drink that has been a Bolivian tradition for centuries.
4. Empanadas: Pastry filled with cheese, meat or vegetables.
Local Beverages
1. Singani: A grape-based liquor made in the hills around Cochabamba.
2. Api: A warm and comforting drink made from purple corn and flavored with cinnamon and cloves.
3. Mocochinchi: A refreshing drink made from dried peaches soaked in water with cinnamon, clove, sugar, and lemon zest.
Where to Stay in Cochabamba: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Cochabamba offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some popular choices:
1. Hotel Aranjuez Cochabamba: A luxurious hotel located in the city center and offers an outdoor pool, sauna, and free Wi-Fi.
2. Hostal Jordan: A mid-range hostel with comfortable rooms and a rooftop terrace with beautiful views of the city.
3. La Colonia: A charming guesthouse in a beautiful colonial-style building and offers cozy rooms and a peaceful garden.
What to Buy in Cochabamba: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Cochabamba is known for its handcrafted products and traditional textiles, making it an excellent destination for souvenir shopping. Here are some things to look out for:
1. Textiles: Alpaca and llama wool blankets, ponchos, and scarves are popular choices.
2. Pottery: Handcrafted ceramics, such as plates, bowls, and cups.
3. Key Chains/ Fridge Magnets: for a small piece of memories of Cochabamba
Local Culture and Customs of Cochabamba
Cochabamba has a rich cultural tradition, with a mix of indigenous and Spanish influences. Here are some customs to be aware of:
1. Greeting: When meeting someone, it’s customary to shake hands and kiss on the cheek (once on the right side).
2. Dress Code: It’s respectful to dress conservatively when visiting religious sites or attending formal events.
Best Time to Visit Cochabamba
Cochabamba has a mild climate throughout the year, making it a great destination to visit anytime. The best time to visit is from March to May when the weather is pleasant and the landscape is lush and green.
Do’s and Don’ts of Cochabamba
Do:
- Try the local food and drinks.
- Take a guided tour to explore the city and its surroundings.
- Dress appropriately when necessary.
Don’t:
- Photograph or record people without their permission.
- Litter or pollute the environment.
- Go out alone at night in unfamiliar areas
Safety and Health
Safety in Cochabamba
Cochabamba is relatively safe compared to other South American cities, but visitors should remain vigilant, especially when traveling alone or at night.
Here are some safety tips:
- Keep your valuable belongings safe and secure.
- Avoid carrying large sums of money or expensive jewelry.
- Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
Health in Cochabamba
Visitors should take necessary precautions against altitude sickness, drink plenty of water, and avoid heavy meals or excessive alcohol consumption. Always carry sufficient water, sunscreen, and insect repellent when going outside, especially when traveling to natural parks.
Getting to Cochabamba: Transportation Options and Logistics
Cochabamba is easily accessible through various modes of transportation, including flights, buses, and taxis.
Airports Near Cochabamba
Cochabamba’s Jorge Wilstermann Airport is served by several airlines, with flights to major cities in Bolivia and neighboring countries. Taxis and minibusses are readily available at the airport for transport to the city center.
Bus Stations Near Cochabamba
The city’s central bus station, Terminal de Buses Cochabamba, is located about 3km from the city center and offers bus services to major destinations in the country.
Other Options
Taxis are widely available in Cochabamba, and visitors should agree on the fare before commencing the journey. Shared taxis, known as trufis, operate on fixed routes.
How to Get Around in Cochabamba
Cochabamba has an extensive public transportation system, including minibusses and trufis, that connect visitors to different parts of the city. Taxis are also readily available. Visitors can opt to rent a car or a bike to explore the city at their leisure.
Where to Go Next from Cochabamba: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Cochabamba is a great base for exploring other destinations in Bolivia. Here are some nearby ones:
1. Sucre: A UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful colonial architecture and rich history, located about five hours from Cochabamba.
2. Potosi: A historic city known for its silver mines and colonial-era architecture, located about six hours from Cochabamba.
3. La Paz: Bolivia’s administrative capital, located in the Andes mountain range and known for its cultural heritage and stunning scenery, located about eight hours from Cochabamba.
Conclusion
Cochabamba is a beautiful and exciting destination that offers something for every traveler. From its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural scenery, and delicious food and drinks to the numerous activities and adventures, Cochabamba is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable travel experience. Plan your trip to Cochabamba today, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
