Cochabamba, Bolivia

Cine Center (left) and Edificio Los Tiempos (right), in Cochabamba
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cochabamba_Edificio_Los_Tiempos_y_Cine_Center.jpg
Author: C Maranon


Cochabamba is the fourth largest city in Bolivia. It is located in Cercado Province, at an elevation of 2,574 m (8,445 ft) above sea level. The city covers 348 sq km (134.4 sq mi) and has a population of 610,000 (2011 estimate), within a metropolitan area of around a million people.

The name Cochabamba is derived from the Quechua language roughly meaning "lake on the open plains". It is often called the City of Eternal Spring due to its climate that resembles a continuous spring throughout the year.

The history of Cochabamba goes back to 1542 when Garci Ruiz de Orellana purchased land from the local chieftains. The area was traditionally inhabited by a number of native tribes including the Inca, Tupuraya, Mojocoya, Omerque and Tiwanaku. Cochabamba was originally called Villa de Oropesa when it was officially founded on 2 August, 1571.

Cochabamba is a center for agriculture. Among the crops grown in the surrounding region include grains, potatoes, coffee, sugar cane, cocoa, tobacco and fruits. The city also has a manufacturing base and assembly plant producing a wide variety of products from chemicals to cars.

As with many Bolivian cities, Cochabamba has seen a widening of wealth disparity between the rich and the poor, resulting in social volatility. This erupted into protests and clashes pitting city dwellers against rural protestors. The clash in 2007 claimed four lives.

Cochabamba Cathedral and Plaza 14 de Septiembre
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cochabamba-Plaza.jpg
Author: Paul Richter

Visiting Cochabamba

The Jórge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB) is the gateway to Cochabamba. There are regular domestic flights connecting the city with La Paz. Be sure to get a window seat on the left side of the plane to enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Illimani. On arrival, you can take a taxi to downtown Cochabamba for Bs 25.

Places of Interest in Cochabamba

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