Exploring Cochabamba: A Must-Do Adventure In Bolivia

Cochabamba, Bolivia's culinary capital, is a bustling city with a distinct, almost Mediterranean vitality. With its balmy climate, vibrant student population, and array of restaurants and bars, Cochabamba is a must-visit destination. Here are some of the top attractions to explore during your trip:

- El Cristo de la Concordia: Climb up to this towering statue of Christ, the second-largest of its kind in the world, and enjoy 360-degree views of the city.

- La Cancha: Wander through one of the largest flea markets in South America, where you can find everything from clothes and animals to food and handicrafts.

- Palacio Portales: Admire the opulent European-style mansion built by tin baron Simón Patiño, a symbol of Bolivia's gilded mineral age.

- Convento Museo Santa Teresa: Explore this beautiful, timeworn convent, straight out of a Gabriel García Márquez novel, offering stunning views of the city from its roof.

- Tunari National Park: Go hiking in this park, located at a higher altitude than Cochabamba, and discover the Tunari Peak with its breathtaking views of the Cochabamba valley.

- Plaza 14 de Septiembre: Relax in this charming plaza, capturing the beauty of the old city, and don't miss the nearby Saint Sebastian Cathedral.

- Parque Torotoro: Venture outside the city to this stunning national park, where you can find dinosaur footprints, cave paintings, canyons, and waterfalls.

- Westeros Café: For all the Game of Thrones fans out there, dress up like Jon Snow and enjoy a delicious coffee while sitting on the Iron Throne.

Visit El Cristo de la Concordia: a towering statue of Christ with the best views of Cochabamba

Cochabamba, Bolivia's culinary capital, is a city full of life, with a booming population and a rapidly developing society and economy. It is a progressive city with a lot to offer, from its vibrant food scene to its unique and visit-worthy historic buildings. One of the must-do activities in Cochabamba is visiting El Cristo de la Concordia, a towering statue of Christ with the best views of the city.

About El Cristo de la Concordia

El Cristo de la Concordia, or Christ of Peace, is a statue of Jesus Christ located atop San Pedro Hill, to the east of Cochabamba, Bolivia. It stands at 33.44 metres (including an extra 44 centimetres for Christ's well-coiffed hair) on a pedestal of 6.24 metres, for a total height of 39.68 metres. The statue was designed by César and Wálter Terrazas Pardo and was modelled after the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. It is the second-largest statue of Jesus Christ in the world.

How to Get There

You can reach El Cristo de la Concordia by climbing 2,000 steps or by taking the cable car, known as the teleferico, for a small fee. It is recommended to take the cable car due to safety concerns, as tourists have been robbed while walking up or down the steps.

Views and Attractions

El Cristo de la Concordia offers breathtaking 360-degree views of Cochabamba and its surrounding landscape. From the statue's base, you can take in the enormity of the city, which is the fourth-largest in Bolivia. On Sundays, you can climb the internal staircase of the statue (1,399 steps) to access viewing areas inside the arms and head of the statue. These platforms provide a unique bird's-eye perspective of the city below.

Safety Considerations

When visiting El Cristo de la Concordia, it is important to leave your valuables behind and avoid wearing expensive-looking jewellery or clothes. Keep a tight grip on your belongings at all times, as robberies have been reported in the area.

In summary, a visit to El Cristo de la Concordia is a must-do when in Cochabamba. The towering statue of Christ offers stunning views of the city and provides a cultural and architectural experience that should not be missed.

Explore La Cancha: one of the largest flea markets in South America

La Cancha is Cochabamba's giant open-air market and one of the largest flea markets in South America. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Cochabamba.

The market is incredibly cheap and busy, with a myriad of commodities on offer: clothes, animals, textiles, food, handicrafts, technological merchandise, kitchen utensils, and much more. It is a perfect introduction to the eclectic nature of Bolivian markets.

La Cancha is a fascinating labyrinth of walkways and stalls, with aromas, colours, and noises to dazzle the senses. It is a cultural experience as well as a shopping trip, offering an insight into the daily lives of local people.

The market is open seven days a week, with Wednesday and Saturday being the busiest days. It is organised and divided into different areas, depending on the wares being sold. For example, there are specific sections for tourists looking for souvenirs, and another for musical instruments and textiles.

It is recommended to bargain for prices and to be wary of pickpockets. It is also advised to avoid weekends when the market is at its most crowded.

La Cancha is an essential part of any visit to Cochabamba, offering a unique and authentic experience of Bolivian life.

Hike up the Cerro Tunari mountain: escape the city and enjoy the natural landscape

If you're looking to escape the city and get closer to nature, hiking up Cerro Tunari mountain is a must-do when visiting Cochabamba, Bolivia. Here's everything you need to know about this incredible experience.

About Cerro Tunari Mountain

Cerro Tunari is the highest mountain in the Cochabamba Department of central Bolivia, standing tall at 5,035 meters (16,519 feet) above sea level. It is part of the Cordillera Tunari mountain range, which is protected by the Tunari National Park. The park spans about 309,000 hectares and was established in 1962 to safeguard the stunning Andean landscapes surrounding Cerro Tunari.

Hiking the Mountain

The hike to the summit of Cerro Tunari is a challenging yet rewarding experience. It typically takes around 5 to 6 hours round trip, and the maximum altitude you'll reach is 5,035 meters. The best season to attempt this hike is any time of the year, as the climate in the area is dry with minimal rainfall. However, don't underestimate the effects of high altitude and be sure to acclimatize properly before attempting the climb.

The trail to the top will take you past two pristine mountain lakes: Laguna Macho and Laguna Turu. The path can be rocky and gravelly, especially after the second lake, where it becomes less defined. It's important to have a guide with you, as it can be easy to get lost among the boulders and steep slopes.

What to Expect

As you ascend Cerro Tunari, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The mountain is visible from Cochabamba and looms over the city, providing a dramatic backdrop. From the summit, you'll be rewarded with a panoramic vista of the Cochabamba valley and the impressive Cordillera Tunari mountain range. On a clear day, you might even spot the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Real in the distance.

The Tunari National Park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for Andean fauna such as vicuñas and llamas, and if you're lucky, you might spot the majestic condor soaring in the skies above.

Practical Information

To get to the starting point of the hike, you can take public transportation to Quillacollo, located west of Cochabamba. From there, you can either take another bus towards Morochata or opt for a taxi to the trailhead. Alternatively, you can book a tour with a local agency, which typically includes transportation, a professional guide, and sometimes even meals.

Don't forget to bring appropriate clothing and gear for the hike, including good hiking boots, warm layers, sun protection, and plenty of water. Stay mindful of the high altitude and take breaks as needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Hiking up Cerro Tunari mountain is an unforgettable adventure that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of Bolivia. So, if you're looking to escape the city and challenge yourself, this is the perfect activity for you!

Discover Palacio Portales: admire the extravagant mansion built by tin baron Simón Patiño

Cochabamba, Bolivia's culinary capital, is a city full of life. With its booming population, rapidly developing society and economy, and vibrant university population, it is not to be missed on your travels.

One of the must-dos in Cochabamba is to discover Palacio Portales, an extravagant mansion built by tin baron Simón Patiño. This opulent mansion, completed in 1927, was designed by French architect Eugene Bliault and is a beautiful example of the eclectic style with French Renaissance architectural influences. It includes a Louis XVI room, a moor-themed room, and a games room imitating Granada's Alhambra, with the main hall taking its inspiration from Vatican City. The mansion is set in 10 hectares of gardens inspired by Versailles.

Patiño, known as 'the tin baron', controlled over half of Bolivia's tin output in the 1930s and was one of the richest people in the world. He commissioned the mansion but never lived in it. Instead, it is now the Cultural and Pedagogic Centre Simon I. Patino, a museum and cultural centre for music and art events.

The mansion is located in the upscale neighbourhood of Queru Queru in the north of the city. You can wander the grounds and gardens for free, or take a guided tour for 20 Bolivianos. Tours in English are offered at 16:00 and 17:00. The house is stocked with fine imported materials, including Carrara marble, French wood, Italian tapestries, and delicate silks.

Discover Palacio Portales to admire the extravagant mansion's architecture, interiors, and gardens, and to learn about Simón Patiño and Bolivia's gilded mineral age.

Stroll through Plaza 14 de Septiembre: a charming plaza capturing the beauty of the old city

Cochabamba, Bolivia's culinary capital, is a city full of life, with a booming population and a rapidly developing society and economy. Located in a lush valley, with a backdrop of mountain peaks and fertile farmland, Cochabamba is the perfect destination to indulge in delicious food and enjoy a thriving nightlife. While in Cochabamba, a must-visit attraction is the charming Plaza 14 de Septiembre, which captures the beauty of the old city.

Plaza 14 de Septiembre, or the main plaza, is the heart of Cochabamba. It is a place where the old world charm meets modern city life. The plaza boasts beautifully landscaped gardens, with constant upkeep to ensure the flowers and grass are "perfect". Surrounded by historical buildings, the plaza is home to the Catedral de San Sebastian, the Gobernación, the Municipalidad, and other state agencies and private businesses.

One of the notable features of the plaza is the Fuente de las Tres Gracias, a fountain featuring three women representing three Greek goddesses: Áglae, the goddess of beauty and splendour; Talía, the goddess of theatre and festivities; and Eufrosina, the goddess of jubilee and joy. This fountain, acquired from France in the late 19th century, adds to the aesthetic appeal of the plaza.

The plaza is a great place to relax, sit, and watch people go about their day. It is surrounded by cafes, such as Cafe Paris, and shops, making it a convenient spot for a break during a day of exploration. The plaza also hosts various events and is a popular meeting place for the locals.

Plaza 14 de Septiembre has undergone renovations and improvements over the years, making it more pedestrian-friendly. The vehicle access has been limited, and the area now boasts pedestrian walkways and improved lighting. The plaza is ranked highly among the attractions in Cochabamba and is definitely worth a visit.

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