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Cochabamba, or simplyCocha is fourth largest city in centralBolivia, in a valley with the same name, in theAndes mountain range. Its name is from a compound of theQuechua wordsq'ucha, meaning "lake", andpampa, "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 asLa Llajta, which means "town" in Quechua.
The main thoroughfare in Cochabamba isAvenida de las Heroinas, which runs east-west, with its north-south counterpartAvenida Ayacucho. The intersection of these two is known asEl Correo (the post office is located on that intersection). Plaza 14 de Septiembre is considered the center of the city. Avenida Ballivian, commonly calledEl Prado, is a tree-lined boulevard running north fromPlaza 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. Avenida América north of La Recoleta runs east to west is also a major avenue with many restaurants and shopping.
| Comuna Tunari North of theCircunvalación Beijing Avenue andSimón López Avenue, based on the water recharge of the valley, has ditches (torrenteras) that run water in the rainy season from mountain range in theTunari National Park. In the Tunari National Park there are many paths for hiking or mountain cycling and waterfalls, ideal for outdoor activities |
| Comuna Molle West of theMelchor Perez de Olguín Avenue andRocha River from the bridge14 de Enero (aka Puente Quillacollo) |
| Comuna Adela Zamudio Historic center and east uptil to theSerranía de San Pedro |
| Comuna Alejo Calatayud Southeast of9 de Abril Avenue,Independencia Avenue andSiglo XX Avenue until theSerranía de San Pedro |
| Comuna Valle Hermoso Southeast ofSajama Avenue,Independencia Avenue andSiglo XX Avenue until theSerranía de San Pedro |
| Comuna Itocta South of theArquímedes Avenue andTamborada River |
The terminal is some 10 blocks south of the center, just north of the market called La Cancha. From the north, you can catch several trufi lines to get to the bus terminal. For example, the green 101, the 102, the 103, the 109, all travel along Av. Ayacucho, passing the bus terminal. At the north end of the terminal, there are radio taxis associated with the terminal. These are much more convenient to get to your destination. If you are traveling with a lot of luggage, it is not recommended that you exit the main terminal to catch a bus. It's quite hectic making you an easier target for pickpocketing. It is also not recommended walking from the terminal especially late at night.
Most bus companies will charge around the same amount for a ticket, but there are different seat classes. Weirdly enough, even though it is a poor country, the amount of "leito" seats (aka cama) is far higher than that of semi-cama or regular seats.
Bus times are generally quite accurate, because the station is so busy that buses cannot wait forever at a platform. Arrive about 1 hr before the bus leaves to get the best price.
Always be aware of roadblocks while traveling in Bolivia. If companies know of existing roadblocks, many of them will halt their services, while others will take you as far as the roadblock, and you'll have to pay again after crossing the roadblock. It's always recommended to wait for a roadblock to be lifted before traveling, even if a bus will take you that far.
If you're planning to go to any other cities not listed, it's typically advisable to not go directly from Cocha. Rather, first travel to one of the intermediary cities above and take another service once you arrive.
A taxi to the center of town from the airport ranges between Bs. 25-35 (approx. US$3.50-5.00) depending on the distance. When exiting the airport, there is a sign with the fixed costs depending on the boundaries. You may want to snap a picture of that sign in case the driver wants to charge you more. There is also a public bus "B" line that eventually makes it way to the center of town.
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. 1.90. (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. Adding additional passengers should cost between Bs. 1 and Bs. 2/person. Downtown to Quillacollo is Bs. 25-30 There is no standard fare, and most taxi drivers will try to overcharge tourists.
If you are in a radio taxi (with a company logo on the side of the car), you can ask the driver to call into the dispatcher to quote you the official price. There is a municipal governmental toll-free phone number to report overcharging - 800-14-0201
It's recommended to take radio taxis in the evenings. There is no additional charge to call a taxi to come pick you up.
(updated Sep 2020)(updated Sep 2020)
Cochabamba has two first divisionfootball teams, Jorge Wilstermann and Aurora, which play at-17.378781-66.1619225Felix Capriles Stadium located on Avenida Libertador Bolívar (at the end of El Prado crossing the Cala Cala bridge). Matches usually take place on Sunday afternoons, as well as some weekday evenings. Matches rarely sell out, and one can buy a ticket the day of the game choosing among different seating sections. "Preferencia" is the most expensive, around Bs. 50-80 per match (depending on the rival), but for afternoon matches its location has the most shade. The supporter groups for Wilstermann are seated in the middle portion of both endzone (curvas).
The city is Bolivia'sparagliding capital. Several agencies offer tandem flights (Bs. 300) and courses. A typical beginner´s course will take minimum 10 days (2 hours theory and 4 hours practice every day, 12 solo flights) and cost about Bs. 3,000. Among the cheapest on the continent.
There are some towns and places around Cochabamba worth visiting and even several day excursions. Some of these can be found in towns near Cochamba such asQuillacollo,Tarata, and Punata.
(updated May 2018)(updated May 2018)Some organizations charge a fee for volunteer or intern to cover logistical and organizational costs. Please ask each organization for their policy.
If you don't want to get knee-deep into the sprawling Cancha for your souvenirs, there is also a small pasaje behind the Post Office. You can enter from Av. Heroínas Avenue or Esteban Arze. Prices are comparable to La Cancha and you can pick up typical Cochabamba goods.
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.
The bestchicha, fermented corn (or peach) based beverage, is said to come from the Cochabamba region. The small town ofPunata, some distance to the southwest, is especially well-known. Please note that not all chicherías have the same hygienic standards.
Most small bars are on 25 de Mayo and España close to Plaza Colon. Av. Ballivian (Prado) has bigger and noisier stuff. The joints grow fancier and more expensive has you head north into Recoleta, centred on Calle Pando.
There are dozens and dozens of hotels andhostales between the bus terminal and the center (Plaza 14 de Septiembre). This area is not very safe late at night, however, and these options should only really be considered if none of the above are available. Always take a cab back to these locations after dark.
Many of the upper-end hotels are concentrated within a block or two from Plaza Colon. Expect to pay upwards of Bs. 200 for a single. Also many classy hotels in Recoleta. None of the hotels are particularly expensive by American standards, with almost all hotels offering less than the equivalent of $100 per night for a room.
Cars rarely give preference to pedestrians, even at crosswalks. Don't assume they will stop.
When getting into acab 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.
Rovinggangs of supposed glue sniffers (cleferos) are known to attack and rob people, especially at night. Stay on streets with ample pedestrian traffic. They tend to hang out under the bridges at night and rob people crossing. The-17.4065-66.15851hill of the Coronilla (behind the bus terminal) is particularly not safe because this is where many of them hang around and camp. Generally, anywhere south of-17.3993-66.15762Avenida Aroma, be very cautious. On the stairs of the hill-17.3843-66.13553Cerro San Pedro, there have been robberies. The cable car provider uses it as an argument for you to use the cable car (Bs. 6.50). However, during the day it should be fine. At dusk and later, take a taxi or the teleferico (cable cars) to/from the top.
Robbers also operate from cars, particularly cabs, late at night. Stay alert if one stops right in front of you. Cross the street!
Theplain-clothed police officer scam seems to be popular (but seldom) in Cochabamba. Read all about it underBolivia#Stay safe and be aware.
If you have an unlocked phone, you can purchase an inexpensive SIM card from the three major telecoms, Tigo, Viva, Entel and top up as needed. All of have pre-paid data plans. You must register your SIM card with your passport.
Calls to landlines in Europe and North America can be had as low as Bs. 0.50 a minute. Shop around!
Internet cafés have become less common due to the availability of mobile internet. ThePunto Entel on the southeast corner of Heroinas and Ayacucho is probably the neatest and best equippedinternet spot. The going rate is Bs. 2-3 an hour. The internet/callshop at Av. Heroinas E0151 (near the corner of Ayacucho) is good forSkype.
There are a fewexchange bureaus at the SW corner of Plaza 14 de Septiembre.
Many streetmoney changers are located near some bridges such as Cala Cala bridge, 25 de mayo and Sucre, and Plaza Colón. You'll get better rates than from banks, but also a little riskier. There are some money exchange businesses around the Plaza that are more reliable. Please note that some money changers on the street won't accept bills smaller than US$100 or will want to give you a less favorable exchange for US$20 or less.
Forvisa extensions, head to "Migración" located in the north part of Cochabamba at Av. J. Rodriguez between the streets Santa Cruz y Potosí (near Instituto Americano)
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