Cochabamba
A view of Cochabamba down Ayacucho Avenue
Cochabamba is a city in central Bolivia, located in a valley bearing the same name in the Andes mountain range. It is the capital of the Cochabamba Department and is the third largest city in Bolivia with a metropolitan population of more than 800,000 people. The name derives from a compound of the Quechua words qhocha, or lake, and pampa, or open plain. Residents of the city and surrounding areas are commonly referred to as Cochabambinos. Cochabamba is known as the "City of Eternal Spring" and "The Garden City" due to its spring-like temperatures year round.
The Cochabamba valley has been populated for over a thousand years due to its fertile productive soils and climate. Archealogical evidence suggests that the initial valley inhabitants were of various ethnic indigenous groups. Inca, Tupuraya, Mojocoya, Omereque, and Tiwanaku inhabited the valley at various times before the Spanish arrived.
Currently, Cochabamba is an economically active city and tends to be one of the more socially liberal locations in the nation. Like other large cities in the Andes, Cochabamba is a city of contrasts. Its downtown core, around areas such as Plaza Colón or Plaza 14 de Septiembre, is generally quite modern. There are bright lights, bustling streets, and countless automobiles and internet cafes. It is in these locations where the majority of the city's business and commercial industries are found. An active nightlife is centred around Calle España and also along a broad tree-lined boulevard called El Prado. As one moves further out from the city centre, however, the communities become less technologically advanced. Cochabamba's outlying neighborhoods often find themselves with higher crime rates and lacking electricity, indoor plumbing, and paved streets. An extreme example of this is the area immediately south of the airport where half built adobe homes lie on unpaved dirt streets - which is often the first impression visitors get when flying into the city.
The most widely spoken language in the city of Cochabamba is Spanish (or Castellano, as usually referred to by locals). Although the Spanish that is spoken in the Cochabamba region is generally regarded as rather conservative in its vocabulary, some Quechua and Aymara words have been incorporated into everyday use.
As with most cities around the globe, the English language is increasingly spoken and understood, particularly amongst business executives and westernized Cochabambinos. English-language instruction has become incorporated into various levels of Bolivian education from elementary to college-level.
Places of Interest
Cristo de la Concordia
- South America's biggest open-air market, called La Cancha, is open seven days a week in Cochabamba, with Wednesday and Saturday being the busiest days of operation. Here merchants sell everything imaginable from witchcraft talismans to LCD TVs and iPods. The market is organized and divided in areas depending on the wares being sold.
- Perched atop the San Pedro hill, the 33m (109ft) tall statue of the Cristo de la Concordia (seen at right) is the tallest of its kind in the world (although it is commonly believed that the Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro is the tallest). Visitors can climb inside up to the arms for a panoramic view of the city.
- The Palacio Portales is an eclectic style mansion with French Renaissance architectural influences. It includes a Louis XVI room, a moor themed room and influences of Alhambra de Granada. It is located in the northern neighborhood of Queru Queru. It was built for Simon Patino, Bolivia's wealthiest industrialist. Currently the Palacio Portales holds tours as well as a library, art galleries and many gardens on the property.
- The Tunari National Park flanks the city like a crescent to the north and northwest. Paragliding, trekking and bird watching tours are offered by several tourist agencies.
- Villa Tunari (not to be confused with the Tunari National Park) is a small town in the eastern Cochabamba rainforest where visitors often go to see the animal refuge Inti Wara Yassi that houses several monkey species, pumas and exotic birds. An annual fish fair is held, where many varieties of trout and surubi fish can be delected.
- The Parque Mariscal Santa Cruz is a recreational park located in the Chimba neighborhood. There is Gaudi inspired architecture in the quaint aquarium and surroundings. There is an artificial lake where paddle boats can be driven around fountains. There are also sports fields, dirt bike hills, picnic areas and giant slides.
- El Prado is a prominent commercial strip centered along the tree-lined boulevard, Avenida Ballivian. Attractions include an active night life, upscale restaurants and cafes, and upper-income condominium highrises.
- On the Northern side of Rio Rocha is La Recoleta and Avenida Pando. This is the modern and chic area, center of the night life, where you'll find Cochabamba's 10-pin bowling alley, 10-screen movie theatre, a Mercedes-Benz dealership and many restaurants, cafes and nightclubs.
- The Cochabamba Country Club is located between Laguna Alalay and San Pedro Hill. There is an 18-hole golf course, 15 clay tennis courts, a swimming pool, skeet shooting, and horseback riding.
- The Cochabamba Bolivia Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was dedicated on April 30, 2000 and is located in the neighborhood of Queru Queru Alto.
- Cochabamba is home to several Catholic churches including the Convento de San Francisco built in 1607 which is made of rainforest wood and has a gold leaf altar. The Main Plaza Cathedral's facade reflects a mestizo fusion of Spanish Baroque and Indigenous architectural styles.
- There are two shopping malls operating in Cochabamba. The larger of the two is located next to the IC Norte Supermarket in the Sarco neighborhood on Avenida Melchor Perez de Olguin. It includes an arcade, several levels of shopping boutiques, a food court and a movie theatre. Seasonal fashion shows are held on the first level. The second mall is located in the Torres Sofer highrise building near downtown Cochabamba. Here you'll find boutiques, travel agencies, commercial offices (including plastic surgeons) and expensive imported merchandise.
- The CineCenter is Cochabamba's largest movie theater circuit located in the La Recoleta district. It features 16 movie auditoriums, arcade and an 11 station food court.