TravelTips24 : South America : Bolivia : Cochabamba (department) : Cochabamba

Cochabamba

Cochabamba, or simply Cocha, the third largest city in Bolivia, is located some 240km southeast of La Paz. The city, set on a plain surrounded by mountains, is known for its moderate climate and is often called Bolivia's "resort city". Other nicknames for Cochabamba include the "Garden City" and the "City of Eternal Spring".

Culture and History

Orientation

The main thoroughfare in Cochabamba is Avenida de las Heroinas, which runs east-west, with its north-south counterpart Avenida Ayaucho. The intersection of these two is known by its Correo. Plaza 14 de Septiembre is considered the center of the city. Avenida Ballivian, commonly called El Prado, is a tree-lined boulevard running north from Plaza Colon, with many of the city's better restaurants and hotels nearby. Generally, neighborhoods get more affluent towards the north, and poorer to the south.

Travel to Cochabamba & Visa Requirements

Flights and airtickets to Cochabamba

Cochabamba's Jorge Wilstermann Airport connects well to other large cities in the country. If flying from La Paz, sit on the left side to get a stunning view of Mt. Illimani just off the wingtip. A taxi to the center of town from the airport is about Bs 25.

Most flights are handled by Aerosur[1], some by Brazilian TAM[2], and a few by Bolivia´s military airline, also named TAM.

Buses to Cochabamba

The terminal is some 10 blocks south of the center, just north of the market called Cancha.

  • From La Paz, it's seven hours by bus to Cochabamba. Buses every hour, 30-60 Bs. A new highway is being constructed, which will reduce travel time by some 3 hours.
  • It's 10 hours by bus from Santa Cruz, 30 Bs.
  • Night buses to Sucre, 11 bumpy and cold hours, 40 Bs.

Tours & Getting around Cochabamba

By bus

Cochabamba has buses (micros) and and shared cabs (trufis), at 1,50-3 Bs.

By taxi

Most cars honking at you are cabs. A fare within ten blocks should be Bs 6-8 but you can bargain to get a lower price most of the times, somewhat more late at night. Downtown to Quillacollo is 25-30 Bs.

Cochabamba attractions and sightseeing

  • Cristo de la Concordia. The statue is just a bit higher than the one in Rio de Janeiro, -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, 3 Bs each way. You can also walk, but stay in a group, as rumours has it robbers attack. Finally, taxi is always an option.
  • Simón I. Patiño Cultural Center (Centro Pedagógico y Cultural Simón I. Patiño) [3], Av. Potos
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    This page was last edited at 22:42, on 27 October 2008 by Emilio Carranza. Based on work by Bastian, Marius Mollersen, David and Paul N. Richter, Wikitravel user(s) Airin, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.

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