Exploring Cochabamba: Bolivia's Underrated Gem

Cochabamba, Bolivia, is a city full of life, with a booming population, a rapidly developing society and economy, and a vibrant university scene. Known as the 'City of Eternal Spring', Cochabamba has a pleasant climate and is surrounded by natural beauty. The city itself is situated in a lush valley, with a backdrop of mountain peaks and fertile farmland. With so much to offer, here are some highlights of things to do in Cochabamba.

Visit El Cristo de la Concordia, a towering statue of Christ

El Cristo de la Concordia is a colossal statue of Jesus Christ, located on San Pedro Hill, east of Cochabamba, Bolivia. It is one of the tallest statues of Jesus Christ in the world, standing at 33.44 metres (including the pedestal, the total height is 39.68 metres). The statue was designed by César and Wálter Terrazas Pardo and constructed between 12 July 1987 and 20 November 1994. It is said that each metre of the statue's original planned height of 33 metres represents one year of Christ's life, with an extra 44 centimetres added to represent him living "a little past" his 33rd year, according to locals.

The statue is accessible by cable car or by climbing 2,000 steps. Visitors can also climb the 1,399 internal stairs to a viewing area inside the statue's arms, but only on Sundays. The cable car costs around 10 Bolivianos, and the internal staircase costs 1.50 Bolivianos. The statue is visible from practically any point in the city, and the views from the top are spectacular, offering a 360-degree panorama of Cochabamba and its surrounding landscape.

When visiting El Cristo de la Concordia, it is recommended to take the cable car rather than climbing the steps, as tourists have been robbed while walking up or down. It is also advised not to wear expensive clothing or jewellery, and to keep a tight grip on your belongings at all times.

El Cristo de la Concordia is a must-see attraction in Cochabamba and provides a great overview of the city and its surrounding mountains.

Explore La Cancha, one of the largest markets in South America

Cochabamba is home to La Cancha, one of the largest markets in South America. Covering a 15-block area of the city, the market is a sprawling, chaotic maze of vendors and stalls. It is a locale where you can witness interactions among the Bolivian people as they barter, trade, buy, and sell a vast array of products.

La Cancha is divided into different sections, each designated for particular products such as agricultural produce, meat, fish, fabrics, clothing, and handicrafts. The market is a mix of permanent vendors, who operate steady stands that they rent from the city, and mobile vendors, who travel to La Cancha and set up temporary stands on market days, which take place every Wednesday and Friday.

When visiting La Cancha, it is important to be aware of pickpocketing and to be cautious when taking photos, as some people may not appreciate having their photo taken. It is also recommended to go with a guide, especially if you don't speak Spanish, as it can be easy to get lost in the labyrinth of stalls.

La Cancha is a great place to purchase fresh produce, barter for handmade crafts, and interact with local Bolivians. It offers a unique cultural experience and provides a deeper understanding of Bolivian culture and people. The market is a vital source of income for many Bolivians, and it is an integral part of the informal economy of the country.

So, if you're looking for a truly local experience in Cochabamba, exploring La Cancha is a must!

Admire the colonial architecture of Plaza 14 de Septiembre

Cochabamba's Plaza 14 de Septiembre is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. This elegant main square is a hub of activity, a place where locals and tourists alike gather to socialise, eat, and take in the surrounding colonial architecture. Named after the date Cochabamba gained independence from Spain, the square is adorned with cascading fountains, shady palm trees, and a towering central column. It is flanked by buildings that represent the state and religious power of the city.

The square is surrounded by several notable buildings, including the Casa Calatayud y Compañía, the Ex Banco Nacional de Bolivia, the Alcaldía Municipal de Cochabamba, and the Casa Departamental de Culturas. At the heart of the square is the Fountain of the Three Graces, and the Heroes Column, erected in 1851, commemorating Bolivian revolutionaries.

The area is well-known for its culinary delights, with restaurants serving both international cuisine and local dishes inspired by the indigenous culture and Spanish heritage of the valley. Visitors can sit down for a formal meal or purchase snacks from street vendors, such as tumbo-flavoured ice cream, made with jungle fruit also known as banana passion fruit.

Plaza 14 de Septiembre is easily accessible by taxi or minibus, and many of the city's key attractions are within walking distance. There is no admission fee, and the square is open at all times, making it a convenient and enjoyable place to spend a few hours soaking up the atmosphere of Cochabamba.

Discover the natural wonders of Carrasco National Park

Spanning a surface area of 6,226 square kilometres, Carrasco National Park is a nature reserve in Bolivia's Cochabamba Department. Established in 1991, the park is a biologically diverse area, harbouring over 5,000 plant species and a multitude of endangered animals. The park's landscape is characterised by mountains, rivers, waterfalls, valleys, and canyons, showcasing the beauty of Bolivia's Yungas ecoregion.

Carrasco National Park is located in the eastern region of the Cochabamba Department, encompassing parts of eight municipalities, including Colomi, Villa Tunari, Tiraque, Totora, Pocona, Pojo, Chimor, and Puerto Villarroel. The park is bordered by the Ambor National Park in the neighbouring Santa Cruz department.

The park boasts a rugged physiography, with high mountains, deep canyons, and gentle valleys. The Northern Zones feature rolling hills covered in lush tropical forests, while the Southern Zone, known as the Tucumano-Bolivian Forest, exhibits a more temperate climate influenced by cold southern winds during the winter.

The park is drained by several important watercourses, including the Iviriz, Chimor, Sajta-San Mateo, Ichilo, and Ichoa rivers. The climate varies across the park, with the high-altitude western and southern portions experiencing cold to temperate conditions, while the low-altitude northern areas have a hot, tropical climate. Carrasco National Park is located in one of the rainiest parts of Bolivia, receiving abundant rainfall that contributes to its vibrant biodiversity.

Exploring Carrasco National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and discover the rich variety of plant and animal life that calls this park home. Visitors can hike along trails, such as the old road to the Yungas forest, and experience the breathtaking scenery of this protected area.

Hike up the famous Cerro Tunari mountain

If you're looking for a day out of the city of Cochabamba, Bolivia, why not hike up the famous Cerro Tunari mountain? This challenging, high-altitude hike takes you up to 5,035m above sea level, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Cochabamba valley and the surrounding mountain range.

Getting to the Trailhead

The trailhead is about a two-hour drive from Cochabamba. You can get there by public transport, taxi, or as part of a guided tour. The drive takes you through winding mountain tracks, offering great views of the city, and the scenery changes from semi-tropical to mountainous.

The Hike

The hike itself takes around 5-6 hours round trip, and it's important to be well-acclimatised to the altitude before attempting it. The trail passes by two lakes—Laguna Macho and Laguna Turu—and offers the chance to see typical Andean fauna, such as llamas, vicuñas, and condors. The path is very rocky and gravelly, and there isn't a clear trail after the second lake, so it's recommended to go with a guide.

What to Bring

Good hiking boots, a small backpack with snacks and water, sun protection, and a warm coat are all essential for this hike. It can be very windy and cold at the summit, so make sure you have enough layers to stay warm.

Other Attractions in Tunari National Park

Tunari National Park is home to 85 named mountains and covers about 3,000 sq km in central Bolivia. The park features hot springs, lakes, and diverse wildlife, including over 30 species of mammals and 163 species of birds. The Liriuni Hot Springs, with their medicinal mineral-rich waters, are a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Frequently asked questions