Things To Do
in Cochabamba
Cochabamba is a highland city in Bolivia known for its mild climate and vibrant markets. Nestled at about 2,565 meters above sea level, it blends Andean heritage with a lively modern scene. The city is a gateway to nearby valleys and Andean trails, offering a rich food culture, colonial architecture, and scenic viewpoints.
Expect green plazas, friendly locals, and a calendar of markets, festivals, and cultural spaces year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Plaza 14 de Septiembre, where you can admire the beautiful architecture of the Basilica de San Sebastián. Enjoy a traditional Bolivian breakfast at a nearby café, sampling local pastries like salteñas and api. As the sun rises higher, take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant streets, taking in the sights and sounds of Cochabamba's bustling morning market.
After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Palacio Portales, an impressive mansion built by the wealthy industrialist Simón I. Patino, to explore its stunning gardens and intricate architecture. Next, visit the nearby Museo de Historia Natural, where you can learn about Bolivia's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Spend some time shopping for unique handicrafts at the nearby artisan market.
As the day winds down, find a cozy spot in one of the city's many plazas to enjoy a refreshing drink, perhaps a local chicha or a cocktail made with Singani. For dinner, indulge in traditional Bolivian cuisine at a restaurant, trying dishes like pique a lo macho or anticuchos. Conclude your evening by watching a local dance performance or enjoying live music at a nearby venue.
Kick off your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a hike to Cerro San Pedro, a hill offering panoramic views of Cochabamba. The trek will take you through lush landscapes adorned with local flora and fauna, giving you a chance to connect with nature. Once you reach the summit, take in the breathtaking views and snap some unforgettable photos.
After descending, treat yourself to a leisurely lunch at a nearby café, savoring traditional Bolivian dishes. Spend the afternoon visiting the Christ of the Concord statue, the largest of its kind in the world, and take time to explore the surrounding park. Relax under the shade of a tree, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the stunning views of the city below.
As evening approaches, head back to the city to enjoy dinner at a popular restaurant featuring local specialties. After your meal, wander through the city center, where you can experience the lively nightlife and perhaps catch a street performance. Wind down your day with a dessert made from local ingredients, such as dulce de leche or a refreshing fruit salad.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-2 |
| 🚌Local transport (monthly pass) | $8-15 |
| 🏠Rent (1 BR, city center) | $250-450 |
| 💊Doctor visit | $10-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Mild year-round climate and friendly people
- Vibrant markets and food scene
- Gateway to Andean landscapes and national parks
- Altitude can affect some travelers
- Limited English in rural areas; some services can be cash-only
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Estoy perdido" - I’m lost
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
Places to Visit in Cochabamba
Visit one of these nice places.
A famous statue offering sweeping panoramic views of Cochabamba, best at sunrise or sunset.
Colonial architecture with arcades, colors, and lively street scenes.
Colorful daily market scenes with textiles, produce, and locals going about their routines.
Rugged mountain scenery above the city, perfect for landscape photography.
Arcaded streets near the city center, great for architectural shots and candid street life.
Food in Cochabamba
Cochabamba Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A breaded beef cutlet served with rice, potatoes, and a fried egg; a signature Cochabamba dish.
Must-Try!
Chunks of beef with fries, onions, peppers, and salsa, a popular hearty dish in many Bolivian cities.
A wintery sopa made with chuño (dried potato), potatoes, carrots, and corn, often with meat.
Baked cheese bread rolls, a common snack found in markets and cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market known for fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and street-food stalls.
Morning snack options; savory empanadas and skewered grilled meats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm handshake or cheek kiss is common among friends; address elders with usted (you).
Meal times are flexible; wait for everyone to be seated before starting. It’s polite to finish what you order rather than leaving unfinished items.
Safety
Tipping in Cochabamba
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is common if service is not included; many places add 10% as a service charge. For street vendors and markets, tipping is optional and appreciated for good service.
Cash in local Bolivianos is widely accepted; many tourist areas also accept cards, especially in larger restaurants and hotels. ATMs are common in the city center.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry-warm daytime temperatures with mountain humidity; possible afternoon showers. Pack light clothing, a rain jacket, and sun protection.
Mild days and cooler nights; a good time for outdoor activities and city exploration.
Cool to chilly nights, pleasant daytime temperatures; layers are essential.
Generally mild with increasing warmth toward the end of the season; ideal for outdoor hikes and markets.
Cochabamba at Night
Hiking in Cochabamba
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A day trip or overnight visit with canyons, caves, and waterfalls, about a few hours from Cochabamba.
Accessible hikes with city views and forested trails near the foothills of the Tunari range.
Airports
How to reach Cochabamba by plane.
Cochabamba’s main airport, located close to the city with regular domestic flights and limited international connections.
Relatively nearby capital airport offering domestic and occasional international flights; about a few hours by road from Cochabamba.
A major Bolivian hub about several hours by road or domestic flight from Cochabamba; used for longer connections and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Largest demographic group in the city, mixing Indigenous and European ancestry.
Active communities with traditional crafts, textiles, and customs in the region.
A younger, dynamic population supported by universities and industries.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with matches in local stadiums and community leagues.
Common in schools and clubs; recreational leagues available in city centers.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cochabamba.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most Bolivian dishes are meat-forward, but you’ll find vegetarian soups like chairo and veggie options at larger restaurants; ask for vegetables or beans in lugar of meat and avoid stock made with meat.