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Cochabamba

Cochabamba, or simply Cocha, is the fourth largest city in central Bolivia, in a valley with the same name, in the Andes mountain range. Its name is from a compound of the Quechua words q'ucha, meaning "lake", and pampa, "open plain". It is known as the "City of Eternal Spring" and "The Garden City" because of its spring-like temperatures all year round. It is also known as La Llajta, which means "town" in Quechua.

See
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Do
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Eat
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Drink
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Buy
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11 places match

  1. See

    Cristo de la Concordia

    The statue is just a bit higher and larger than the one in Rio de Janeiro, making it the world's largest statue of Jesus until 2010, when a larger one was completed in Poland. It offers a great view of the city. Walk Calle Colombia until its eastern end, then a swift right: This park/playground is where the cable car goes from, Bs. 6.50 each way. You can also walk. The stairs are safe during the day. After sunset it is better to go in a group of 4 or more. However, the warning displayed at the cable car station, not to use the stairs, is obviously just there to make more money. The cable car is often under maintenance. There is no good way to know before heading out to the station, but the local newspaper is pretty good about updating any changes.

  2. See

    Medical Museum

    The main hospital in Cochabamba, Hospital Viedma, has a cute little medical museum attached, with some amazing old x-ray machines. The museum is near the corner of Venezuela and Oquendo.

  3. See

    Museo Archeologico

    Awesome archeological museum with mummies, deformed skulls, amazing pottery and other artifacts. Well worth a visit.

    Bs. 25

  4. See

    Parque de la Familia

    Dancing fountain light show at night. Occurs from around 20:00-22:00 and small entrance fee.

  5. See

    Plaza Colon

    Cochabamba's other popular square, next to city hall, and a little greener than Plaza de Armas, 14 de Septiembre.

  6. See

    Plaza de Armas, September 14

    City center, site of commemoration of Bolivia's independence, where you can feed the pigeons and look at the Metropolitan Catedral of Saint Sebastian.

  7. See

    Plaza de Las Banderas

    If you are interested in seeing different flags of the world on display, this might be of interest. But it makes for a pleasant stop if walking along the prado, and sometimes there are arts and crafts on display.

  8. See

    Simón I. Patiño Cultural Center

    Centro Pedagógico y Cultural Simón I. Patiño

    Includes the Palacio Portales mansion, gardens (Jardines), and an art museum (Centro de Arte Contemporáneo). The mansion was built by Patiño, a tin magnate who controlled over half of the nation's output in the 1930s.

    Guided tour Tue-Fri, 15:00, 15:30, 16:30, 17:30, 18:00 (Spanish), 16:00, 17:00, 18:30 (English & French). Guided tour Sat, Sun 10:00, 11:00, 12:00 (Spanish), 10:30, 11:30 (English & French).Bs. 20 (foreign visitors), Bs. 15 (Bolivian nationals), Bs. 5 (kids)

  9. See

    Martín Cárdenas Botanical Garden

    Display of native and non-native flora.

    Mon-Sat 09:00-16:30, closed Sun

  10. See

    Museo Convento Santa Teresa

    1760 convent that is restored for viewing.

    Mon-Sat 08:00-12:00 14:00-18:00, closed Sun

  11. See

    Natural History Museum "Alcide d'Orbigny"

    Calle Potosi, Recoleta

    Mon-Fri 09:00-12:00 15:00-18:00, closed Sat-Sun