Cochabamba Bolivia’s “city of eternal spring”

Cochabamba is located in central Bolivia and is the country�s third largest metropolis with a population 600,000. Known as the �city of eternal spring�, the �garden city�, and Bolivia�s �paragliding tours capital,� there is much to see and do in this very lovely Bolivian city.

History

This area has long been inhabited by indigenous groups, including Inca and Tiwananku, who were attracted by the fertile soil and excellent climate found in this plain surrounded by mountains. After the arrival of the Spanish, the town grew as an agricultural production center for Potosi and other mining towns. The town thrived throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, until mining production began to decline. Since the late 19th century, Cochabamba has regained its importance as an agricultural center. It is a leading producer of coca leaves, and other products include grains, potatoes, coffee, tobacco, and fruit.

Today, Cochabamba is one of Bolivia�s most economically productive cities and has a reputation for being the most socially progressive. Business and commercial activity are concentrated on Plaza Colon, Plaza 14 de Septiembre, Calle Espa�a, and Avenida Ballivian, known as El Prado, the main tree-lined boulevard, and travelers will find that the city is filled with a wide range of services and amenities.

Attractions:

The most visible landmark in Cochabamba is the Cristo de la Concordia statue, which at 132 feet (40 meters) was at one time the tallest Christ statue in South America. Located on Cerro de San Pedro, the statue is accessible by cable car or by foot.

The Simon I. Pati�o Cultural Center offers a great introduction to Cochabambino history and culture. Under its auspices are the Palacio Portales mansion with sprawling gardens, Centro de Arte Contempor�neo, and the Museo Arqueol�gico. The city is also renowned for its excellent paragliding tours. Tandem flights and paragliding tour courses can be arranged for reasonable prices. Mercado Cancha is one of the largest open-air markets in Bolivia and in South America, where visitors can buy clothing, souvenirs, food, and more. �

There are a few small towns just outside the city that are also worth a visit. The town of Punata, hosts an agricultural market of Tuesday. The small city of Tarata is 29 km from Cochabamba; attractions are the many elegant colonial-era buildings, including the cathedral and convent, as well as a popular traditional handicrafts market. The growing city of Quillacollo is 8 miles (13 km) from Cochabamba and is famous for its Virgen de Urqupi�a festival in August.�

How to get there:

Cochabamba is 150 miles (240 km) from La Paz. Flights arrive from La Paz and other destinations across Bolivia, and is served by Aerosur, Brazilian TAM, and others. By bus, the ride if 7 to 8 hours from La Paz, 10 hours from Santa Cruz, and 11 hours from Sucre. �