Cochabamba, Bolivia: travel guide
Spring-like valley weather and Bolivia's best-loved food scene
The "City of Eternal Spring" and Bolivia's gastronomic capital, watched over by the giant Cristo de la Concordia statue. Mild climate, lively markets and food.
About Cochabamba
Cochabamba sits in a broad, fertile valley and has long been known for its mild climate and for its food. It is often described as Bolivia's gastronomic capital, and meals here are a main event, with hearty regional dishes and a wide choice of markets.
The Cristo de la Concordia, a statue overlooking the city from a hill, is the best-known landmark and offers views over the valley. La Cancha is a huge open-air market, and the Palacio de Portales and Plaza 14 de Septiembre add architecture and an easy place to sit.
Cochabamba suits food lovers and those who enjoy a relaxed city stop between the Altiplano and the lowlands. The mild climate makes it a year-round destination.
- Country
- Bolivia
- Currency
- BOB
- Time zone
- America/La_Paz
- Nearest airport
- CBB
Last updated
Top places to visit in Cochabamba
Cristo de la Concordia
monument · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
One of the largest statues of Christ in the world, reached by cable car, with sweeping views over Cochabamba.
La Cancha Market
bazaar · 3.3 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
One of South America's largest open-air markets, a sprawling maze selling everything from produce to textiles.
Palacio de Portales
mansion · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The opulent French-style mansion of tin baron Simón Patiño, with manicured gardens and guided tours.
Plaza 14 de Septiembre
square · 4.2 rating · about 0.4 h · check the fee at the gate
Cochabamba's arcaded colonial main square with the cathedral and lively street life.
Things to do
- Cristo de la Concordia & City Tour Cultural · 4 h · from BOB 150 per person
- Cochabamba Food & Chicha Tour Food Tour · 3.5 h · from BOB 180 per person
Day trips and tours
- Cochabamba City & Cristo Tour 4 h · from BOB 150
Where to stay in Cochabamba
- Centro about BOB 350 per night
Around Plaza 14 de Septiembre — central, lively and close to La Cancha and the cathedral.
- Recoleta about BOB 480 per night
A pleasant, slightly upscale area near the Recoleta with good restaurants and easy access to the centre.
Hotels
- Running Chaski Hostel 2-star · BOB 85 to BOB 280 per night
- Gran Hotel Cochabamba 4-star · BOB 480 to BOB 650 per night
Where to eat
- La Cantonata Italian · about BOB 100 per person
- Paprika International, Bolivian · about BOB 95 per person
- La Cancha Food Stalls Bolivian, Street Food · about BOB 30 per person
Getting to Cochabamba
Airport: Cochabamba (CBB)
Getting around
- Minibus
- Ride Hail
- Taxi
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Pickpocketing at La Cancha market
La Cancha and bus terminal
Crowded market aisles are worked by pickpockets and bag-slashers.
How to avoid it: Carry minimal cash, wear bags in front, and stay alert in the densest sections.
More in Bolivia
Frequently asked questions about Cochabamba
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Cochabamba?
- The highest-rated places in our Cochabamba guide are Palacio de Portales, Cristo de la Concordia, Plaza 14 de Septiembre, La Cancha Market.
- Where should I stay in Cochabamba?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Cochabamba: Centro, Recoleta.
- How do I get around Cochabamba?
- Ways to get around Cochabamba covered in our guide: Minibus, Ride-hailing app, Taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Cochabamba?
- Scams reported to us for Cochabamba include Pickpocketing at La Cancha market. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Cochabamba?
- The nearest airport to Cochabamba has the code CBB.