Tourism in the City of Cochabamba, Bolivia

Cochabamba is called “the capital of the flowers”. Here, you will find excellent hotel and lodging services and you will taste the delicious gastronomy of the place.

The department of Cochabamba has 16 provinces and 201 cantons.

Cochabamba is literally the heart of Bolivia. This city is located in a warm valley; it contains several tourist places with extraordinary natural beauty; besides, there are various places of remarkable cultural interest.

Tourist Attractions

· The Cathedral, built in the XVI century, was the first church of Villa de Oropeza (the ancient name of Cochabamba during the colonial days).
· Santa Teresa - Cloister Monastery was the latest church to be inaugurated in the city, in 1760.
· The Church and Convent of San Francisco was built in 1572 and it was rebuilt in 1926.
. The Santo Domingo Church and Convent was built in 1778. It was completely finished in 2003.
The Church and Convent of Santa Clara was founded in 1684.

Other tourist attractions are:

. The Portales Palace was built between the years 1925 and 1927 by The King of Tin: Mr. Simon I. Patiño, as an incredible residence.
· The Archaeological Museum which contains more than 20.000 archaeological pieces from the Megalithic Cultures of Sauce, Mojocaya, Nazcoide, Tiwanakotas, Yampara, Kolla; as well as the invaluable chullpas (Inca mommies).
· The Museum of the Casona Santivañez where republican colonial paintings are exhibited. There are also different periodical presentations.
· The Martín Cárdenas House-Museum where this illustrious Bolivian scientist lived.

Among the recent constructions, it is possible to mention: "The Christ of Concord" (El Cristo de la Concordia) that is the highest Christ in the world (40,44 meters). This monumental work is located on the San Pedro Hill, to the east of the city. In that place, there is also a Cable Car which permits visitors to enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Cochabamba. The cycling way covers the second ring of the city and its surroundings. The renewed Alalay Lagoon counts with more than 150 birds species.

The city presents creative and colorful gardens, as well as big children and family parks like: Mariscal Santa Cruz, Educación Vial, Del Niño, among others; these are situated in different areas.

Some kilometers away from the city, you will find interesting tourist places such as the hot water springs of Liriuni and Caya Cayani, with medicinal waters; the lagoons and dams of La Angostura and Corani, the hydro-electric dam and the Wara Wara lagoon.

Archaeological Sites

The Fortresses of Incallajta, an Inca construction, was built between the years of 1460 and 1470 A.C.

The site of Inkaraq`ay was an administrative spot and a Sanctuary of the Inca Civilization.

Ecotourism

Bolivia is diverse and magical. It comprehends high mountains, snowy picks, warm valleys of eternal spring and, also, tropical and exotic places. If the visitor loves nature, it will be a great idea to start with a trip through the Bolivian Amazon basin. In Cochabamba, it is recommendable to visit:

Chapare - Villa Tunari. This is the tourist center of the tropical region of Cochabamba. The Machía Mountain and the eco tourist park of the same name are placed close to the city. There, you will appreciate the variety of typical flora and fauna.

Carrasco Park. Its ecological floors are situated 4,530 meters and 250 meters above the sea level. Here, the San Rafael Caverns or Repechón Caverns are placed; in this location, the incredible guacharo birds (blind birds) can be observed.

Incachaca. It is located 80 Km. away from the city. This is an ideal place for fishing.

Isiboro Sécure Park. It is one of the most important natural reserves of the entire country.
Other interesting places are:
· San Francisco Port.
· Aurora Port.
· Chimoré Village.
· Villarroel Port.

Another unique characteristic of Cochabamba is its different valleys:

The low valleys of Vinto, Sipe Sipe and Pairumani. This last one preserves the beautiful Albina Villa and the Seeds Research Center; in here, the Baron or the King of Tin constructed special edifications for his wife: Mrs. Albina Patiño.

The central valleys of Tiquipaya, El Paso and Quillacollo. In this last one, the famous Virgin of Urkupiña Sanctuary is located; this is also the see of the popular Virgin of Urkupiña Festivity.

The high valleys of Cliza, Punata, Tarata and Arani. Here, the visitor will find ancient religious constructions.
The valleys of Aiquile, Mizque and Totora. Here, the visitor will appreciate antique constructions.

Hotels in the city of Cochabamba