Cochabamba · Bolivia

Cochabamba (Cochabamba), Bolivia

City in Bolivia’s central valley, with mild weather year-round, the Cristo de la Concordia on Cerro San Pedro, Plaza 14 de Septiembre and the large La Cancha market.

Vales

In the photo: Cochabamba valley and Tunari range.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Send your photos

Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Cochabamba lies in a wide, fertile valley in central Bolivia, at about 2,570 meters altitude, between the high plateau of La Paz and the lowlands of Santa Cruz. The dry, mild climate for much of the year earned the city the nickname “city of eternal spring.” To the north, the mountains of the Tunari range close the horizon.

The city was founded in 1571 as Villa de Oropesa and refounded in 1574. The historic center is organized around Plaza 14 de Septiembre, which recalls the 1810 uprising, with the metropolitan cathedral and arcaded galleries. A few blocks away are other colonial-period churches.

At the top of Cerro San Pedro, east of the center, the Cristo de la Concordia dominates the landscape. Completed in 1994, the statue is over 30 meters high and can be reached by cable car or by stairs. To the north, in the Queru Queru neighborhood, Palacio Portales shows the house the tin magnate Simón I. Patiño commissioned in the 1920s.

Cochabamba is known nationwide for hearty food and large portions. It is the birthplace of pique macho and silpancho, and the La Cancha market, south of the center, brings together food stalls, handicrafts and clothing in one neighborhood.

This destination brings together 1 city: Cochabamba.

Share: WhatsApp

Traveler, share your experiences through photos Up to 5 photos of each place you visited.

One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Cochabamba (Cochabamba), Bolivia is

Contornos: GeoBolivia, via geoBoundaries (CC BY 4.0). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Cochabamba (Cochabamba), Bolivia

✈ Aeropuerto Internacional Jorge Wilstermann (CBB) · 4 km to Cochabamba

Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB) is about 4 km from the center and handles domestic flights from La Paz, Santa Cruz and other cities. Long‑distance buses connect the city with the country’s main cities. Confirm schedules and connections before traveling.

Cochabamba · Cochabamba (Cochabamba), Bolivia Capital

Cochabamba

Capital of the Cochabamba department, in a valley at about 2,570 meters altitude, with mild climate for much of the year. The center revolves around Plaza 14 de Septiembre and the metropolitan cathedral. At the top of Cerro San Pedro is the Cristo de la Concordia; to the north, Palacio Portales, built by Simón I. Patiño; to the south, the La Cancha market. It is the birthplace of pique macho and silpancho.

The local experience

Things to do in Cochabamba (Cochabamba), Bolivia

Cochabamba · Cochabamba · Monument

Christ of Concordia

Statue of Christ atop Cerro San Pedro, east of the center, completed in 1994. With its pedestal it exceeds 39 meters in height, at about 2,840 meters altitude. You can reach it by cable car or by staircase.

Cochabamba · Cochabamba · Church

Metropolitan Cathedral of Cochabamba

Cathedral on Plaza 14 de Septiembre, the heart of the historic center. The current building dates from the early 18th century, built over a 16th-century church, with a baroque façade featuring Solomonic columns.

Cochabamba · Cochabamba · Palace

Portales Palace

House built from 1915 to 1927 for tin magnate Simón I. Patiño, who never lived there. It contains materials brought from Europe and gardens with statues. It houses a cultural center of the Patiño Foundation.

Cochabamba · Cochabamba · Market

La Cancha Market

Large market area south of downtown Cochabamba, with stalls selling food, fruits from the valley, clothing, crafts and household items. It operates every day and gets even busier on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

From May to October rain is scarce and days are usually sunny, with cooler nights between June and August. The rainy season runs from November to March, with more precipitation between December and February. In September the city celebrates 14 de Septiembre, the date of the 1810 uprising.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Two days allow you to see the historic center, go up to the Cristo de la Concordia, visit Palacio Portales and spend a morning at La Cancha. With more time, the city serves as a base for excursions around the valley and for the trip to Torotoro National Park, which requires at least two more days.

Which city to stay in

The center, around Plaza 14 de Septiembre, puts the churches, museums and La Cancha within walking distance or a short ride. To the north, the residential neighborhoods of Queru Queru and La Recoleta are near Palacio Portales and have many restaurants. Avenida Ballivián, known as El Prado, connects the two areas.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Cochabamba (Cochabamba), Bolivia

How many days to stay in Cochabamba?

Two days are usually enough for the historic center, the Cristo de la Concordia, Palacio Portales and the La Cancha market. If you want to visit Torotoro National Park you should add at least two days, since the outbound trip takes several hours.

What is the best time to go to Cochabamba?

From May to October, the dry season, days are usually sunny and rain is rare. From November to March is the rainy season, stronger between December and February. Temperatures are mild year‑round, with cool nights in winter, from June to August.

Is Cochabamba very high? Does it cause altitude sickness?

The city sits at about 2,570 meters, well below La Paz and Oruro. Many travelers feel little or no effect, but if you arrive from sea level you should take it easy on the first day, drink water and avoid intense exertion, especially when climbing to the Cristo.

Do you need a car in Cochabamba?

Not for the city. The center is walkable, and taxis and minibuses connect the neighborhoods. For tours around the valley and to Torotoro, it’s more practical to hire a tour or a car with a driver.

Can you go from Cochabamba to Torotoro?

Yes. Torotoro National Park, known for dinosaur footprints, canyons and caves, is in the department of Potosí, about 140 km by road. The trip takes several hours and the visit requires at least two days. Check road conditions before you set out, especially in the rainy season.

Explore other destinations Search by state and city

Cochabamba (Cochabamba), Bolivia

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

The cities on this trip