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.
Cochabamba's history is long and colorful with the indigenous population having inhabited the Cochabamba Valley for millennia. Indigenous peoples in the area included Tiwanaku, Tupuraya, Mojocoya, Omereque, and, at the time the Spanish arrived, the Inca. Cochabamba was an important agricultural community, and the Inca used it as a source of maize (corn). During the Spanish colonial era, the city continued to be an agricultural hub, providing food and wood to nearby mining communities. Cochabamba was established as a Spanish city in 1571. Early rumblings of discontent with the Spanish government arose in the 1780s, and in 1812, a major uprising took place in the city.
Cochabamba has buses (micros), mini-vans (trufis) and shared cabs (taxi-trufis) that run along fixed routes. There are no set stops and in order to get off, you must say "me bajo" (I want to get off) or "esquina" (for stop at the corner). Fares are Bs. 3 (Apr 2026). (Many drivers do not have adequate change, so do not be surprised if you do not receive change). Most cars honking at you are cabs. Ask and negotiate the fare before entering a cab. According to regulations that aren't very well publicized (some mentions in the local press), the price should be Bs. 6 for one person within the city center (inside the boundaries of the river). Crossing the bridges, adds another Bs. 2.
1 Cristo de la Concordia, Av 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.
1 Teleférico (Cable Car), ☏ +591 4 4446866. Tu-W 10:00-18:00, Th-Sa 10:00-19:00, Su 09:00-18:00, closed M. Cable car to the top of Cristo de la Concordia peak. (updated Sep 2020) 2 Cinecenter (Just north of Plaza Quintanilla), ☏ +591 64876494. The biggest cinema in town features a handful of showrooms mostly flashing the latest Hollywood fare, and a food court. (updated May 2018) 3 mARTadero, Ollantay esq. 27 de Agosto, ☏ +591 4 4588778. A great arts and performance center based in an old slaughterhouse. They have rotating art exhibits, music performances, and other interesting stuff. 4 Parque Mariscal Santa Cruz, Calle Hernan Morales. Tu-F 10:00-19:00, Sa-M 10:00-19:30.
Lunchtime usually consists of a fixed menu at a number of restaurants or pensiones around time. The "almuerzo completo" consists of soup + main dish and often an appetizer and dessert. There are many options to find the menu displayed outside the door, usually consisting of your choice of two soups or 2-3 main dishes. This fixed menu varies in price depending on the part of town, and could run between Bs. 15-25. Silpancho is traditional Bolivian dish that supposedly originates from Cochabamba. Thanks to the city's origin as an agricultural center for mining communities, Cochabamba claims to have the best food in Bolivia. 1 Bufalo's Rodizio, Avenida Oquendo N.
The best chicha, fermented corn (or peach) based beverage, is said to come from the Cochabamba region. The small town of Punata, some distance to the southwest, is especially well-known. Please note that not all chicherías have the same hygienic standards. 1 Cafe Paris, NE corner of Plaza 14 de Septiembre (Corner of Bolivar and 25 de Mayo). Parisian style café with both filling and sweet crepes as well as a good coffee. Very reliable WiFi available too. Coffees Bs. 4-17. Most small bars are on 25 de Mayo and España close to Plaza Colon. Av. Ballivian (Prado) has bigger and noisier stuff.
Cars rarely give preference to pedestrians, even at crosswalks. Don't assume they will stop. When getting into a cab late at night, it is best to call a radio taxi which you can get from friends, a local family, or the hostal you are staying at. If you cannot call a mobile radio to pick you up, make sure to take a taxi with a company name on the side and remember that company in case anything happens so that you can report it to them. It is best to ask a hotel, restaurant, bar, or discoteca to call a taxi for you. Roving gangs of supposed glue sniffers (cleferos) are known to attack and rob people, especially at night. Stay on streets with ample pedestrian traffic.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Aug, Cochabamba typically sees ~24°C daytime highs and 4 rainy days.
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