Cochabamba is only 380 km from La Paz, but it feels worlds away. Seeing the lush vegetation in the city’s parks was our first indication that we were no longer on the Altiplano. At 2,558 m (8,390 ft), the temperature is much warmer, the air is thicker, and the ground is more fertile than it was on the high plateau.
While walking around Cochabamba we realized how many green spaces there are in this city. It seemed as if every block has a square filled with palm trees, flowering trees and flower gardens. As well, many boulevards are lined with mature trees providing shade. It is quite impressive that the city has committed so much space to parks and gardens.
Plaza 14 de Septiembre (14th of September Square)
Founded by the Spanish in 1571, Cochabamba’s many fabulous old Spanish colonial buildings have prominent places in the city today. The Incas had a settlement in this area before the Spanish, but unfortunately none of their buildings remain. Plaza 14 de Septiembre is a lovely square bordered by bright yellow colonial buildings. At their base are long, covered sidewalks with arched ceilings. The inside of the square is filled with flower gardens and park benches under tall palm trees. It’s a lively plaza; always filled with local families.
Along the side of the plaza are two churches. The large Metropolitan Basilica de San Sebastian takes up most of the space. On the corner, is the smaller, but more elaborate, Iglesia de Compañía de Jesus. At night, even more people come to the square to see it glow under the soft evening lights.
There is a strong police presence in the park. At first we were unsure if it was safe to be there, but then we noticed that one of the buildings on the plaza is home to the Cochabamba Police.
Plaza Colon
Not as spectacular as Plaza 14 de Septiembre, Plaza Colon is located just a few blocks away. It has a few fountains, gardens and flowering trees but is next to busy streets making it less relaxing. On nearby Avenida José Ballivian you can find several popular restaurants.
Cristo de la Concordia (Christ of Peace)
From many places in town you can see this large statue of Christ standing on San Pedro Hill above town. A teleférico takes you up to the top of the hill, 265 m above. Although the city seems quite tropical, the hill is more desert-like. From the gondola we looked down on a hill covered by scrub bushes and cacti.
Cristo de la Concordia is the tallest statue of Christ in South America. At 34.2 m tall it is 44 cm taller than the more famous Cristo Redentor in Rio, Brazil . You used to be able to go inside and climb to the top of the statue, but it is currently closed due to Covid restrictions.
The cost of the teleférico is 6.50 Bolivianos up and another 6.50 down. There are only 6 cars on the line, in bunches of 3. You can walk up or down, but it is strongly discouraged. There are many rumors of robberies occurring on the walk. We did see police patrolling the stairs that lead to the top which made us believe that the rumours may be true.
Santa Theresa Convent Museum
From the outside you wouldn’t look twice at this unassuming building. Walk inside however, and your opinion changes. Two stories of long, white corridors with arched entry ways look out to a garden courtyard. From the arched doorways we could see the clay tiled roof on the chapel’s dome.
The building has recently been restored so we could see how it would have looked years ago. The design was originally supposed to have one large dome, but the plans ended up not being feasible. Instead a smaller one was built.
The convent was established in the 18th century with only 4 nuns. Similar to other convents at the time the nuns came from wealthy families and lived cloistered lives entirely within the confines of the convent. They were entirely self-sufficient. We saw very basic bedrooms, the infirmary, a small chapel, a candle making workshop and a funeral room. Our guide joked that the nuns couldn’t even get out after death. Their lives were far different from the nuns living in luxury in Arequipa at the time.
The best part of the tour was going on the roof. We walked over the uneven clay tiles around the dome. From there we had a great view of the small cupolas and bell tower. We walked around the perimeter of the building on stone tiles that cover the 3 meter wide walls. It was a unique way to appreciate the interesting roof as well as have awesome views of the city.
The fee is 25 Bolivianos and an additional 25 B to use a camera. It includes a one-hour tour in Spanish. Our guide was very good, typing the important details into Google Translate on her phone.
Palacio de Portales
This mansion of a former Bolivian millionaire is now a museum. Due to Covid restrictions we were only able to walk through the immaculate gardens that surround this beautiful palace.
The entry fee is small, but we felt that it’s not really worth a visit, especially if the building is closed. Not far from the palace we found a charming church. Built in 1654, Iglesia de la Recoleta is in very good condition today.
Torotoro National Park
When you visit Cochabamba make sure you include a few days in Torotoro National Park. For more information visit our post from Torotoro.
Where to stay and eat
Cochabamba is touted as the gastronomic capital of Bolivia. To be honest, we had some good meals, but not nearly as good as expected, especially for the price. Many restaurants charge North American prices, which in Bolivia is very expensive. We did find two places that we loved. It’s not traditional Bolivian food, but for dinner we went twice to Da Vinci Pizzeria Bar. And we found excellent coffee at Cafe d’Fakus.
Most restaurants are near Plaza Colon and most coffee shops are on or near Plaza 14 de Septiembre. Try to stay in a hotel that is walking distance to one of these plazas as they are also closest to most tourist sites. If you’re looking for a late night spot head to the other side of the river from Plaza Colon. Boulevard Recoleta is a funky street with a lot of pubs and bars.
To read about our other adventures in Bolivia click here.
Coming Next – Walking in Dinosaur Footprints, Torotoro
For pictures from other blogs go to Gallery at monkeystale.ca
To read about more of our adventures go to Destinations.
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Monkey's Tale 
Pretty town, but I am surprised that there seem to be so few people out and about. You certainly are seeing a lot of the country!
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There were more people out at night than during the day, and also Richard patiently waits until selfies takers get out if his shot 😊
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Save for the statue of Christ, I knew nothing of this city before reading this. Your post has encouraged me to look a little deeper as it sounds and looks wonderful!! Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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It is a great modern city in Bolivia and the next one Sucre is even nicer! 😊 Thanks for taking the time to comment, Maggie
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You are very welcome and I look forward to your next one! 🙂
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reminds me of a couple of south american cities I visited. it’s really well and attractively laid out and the colours are bright
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Yes it’s quite different from the cities on the high plateau. It felt more Peruvian than Bolivian. Maggie
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I love the solidity and tradition of the old buildings and plazas. This makes me wish there could be a similar respect and presence of these things in the United States.
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I agree, I love the old plazas that life revolves around. We don’t have that in Canada either.
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Excellent travelogue…beautiful pics!
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Thank you Indira.
Maggie
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I’m continuing to enjoy seeing Bolivia through your eyes. This looks a lovely city with all the trees and open spaces. I’m amazed to hear that it has a statue of Christ taller than Rio’s Cristo Redentor and yet I’d never heard either of the city nor its statue until now!
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We hadn’t heard of it either so we’re very surprised at how different it is from the other parts of Bolivia we’d seen. The next city, Sucre, is even nicer. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Sarah, Maggie
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Ah Sucre I have heard of but I know little about it, so I’ll look forward to that post 😃
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I love your photos of the churches, majestic and ornate architecture.
I wonder, how do you prepare for these high altitude trips.
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For this trip we didn’t prepare at all. We just went for it once Canada dropped it’s reentry covid tests. Usually though we slowly move up to the higher elevations to acclimate. By the time we made it to Cochabamba we were very well acclimatized and didn’t even notice the elevation.
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Oh, fantastic. Thank you for your reply.
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It almost seems as if Cochabamba wants to make up for what La Paz is lacking! That statue of Cristo de la Concordia is huge. I only knew of the one in Rio de Janeiro – that’s interesting that this one in Cochabamba is bigger, but not that well-known. And what a lovely church at the end of your post – built in 1654 – wow, for such an old building, it’s looking beautiful!
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Yes that little church is so cute and receives no attention sitting along a busy street! And yes I think Cochabamba is showing off to La Paz!
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Very impressive with all the gardens and trees 🙂
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Yes we were so surprised to so many trees! Thanks for your comments! Maggie
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Lot of great neighbourhoods to see
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There are 😊
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What a beautiful looking city. Just love the architecture and the lush plants everywhere. I can see why you enjoyed it so much. Shame about there not being anything left from the Inca settlement though. Fascinating that there is a Christ statue there as well. I never knew there were others and was surprised when in Lisbon to see the one across the river there as well. Safe travels 🙂
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Thanks Linda, we didn’t know about the Christ statue either. And we so happy to see trees and flowers after so long on the high plateau! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! Maggie
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The Plazas are beautiful – I love the green everywhere and colourful, clean buildings & streets. It looks like an amazing city.
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Thanks Hannah, it’s a great city and so different from what we had seen so far in Bolivia. Maggie
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I really like your photos showing the Spanish colonial style. Not the grandiose one of the capitals like Lima or Mexico City, but the simpler and purer one of the colonists who settled there and remembered their European origins to try to recreate a beautiful city.
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Very true, the colonial buildings in Cochabamba are more simple, usable buildings. They add such a lovely personality to the city centre. 😊
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I know so little of South America and have never heard of this beautiful city. Thanks so much for sharing, Maggie.
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We hadn’t heard if it either beforehand coming here. It was a great surprise to find such a nice city! Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jo, Magge
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Such an amazing site to see. This brings memories of our time there.
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What a beautiful city! I just realized how little I know about Bolivia and now I want to know more!
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I’m also impressed by all the plants your photos show, in particular the detailed and complex flower beds.
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That’s really interesting about the Christ statue being bigger than the one in Rio. I only just remembered that it’s spring where you are, so great time to see gardens!
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How stunning!
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Every one of these Bolivia posts has made us want to see it, and more of South America, for ourselves. Like other comments, I had no idea there was a larger JC than Rio’s Redeemer. Liking the look of this garden city very much – the absence of any relics of the Inca civilisation is a common theme in the former Spanish colonies, the Spanish did seem to be hell bent on destruction of indigenous histories when they colonised these countries.
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Cochabamba looks so vibrant with all the colourful buildings, flowering trees and gardens. Glad to hear that the city has carved out plenty of space for parks and green spaces.
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It was so nice and surprising to see so many parks in Bolivian city. Not much grows jn so much of it being so high. Maggie
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Beautiful city with lots to offer! I love green spaces and colors. Stunning photos as usual.
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Thank you, it was such a different city compared to what we had seen so far in Bolivia. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Maggie
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Always great to learn about the lives of people in other places of the world. Thanks for this introduction to Cochabamba.
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It’s one of the best parts of traveling isn’t.
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How cool that usually you can climb to the top of the Christ statue! When I visited Rio I remember thinking that it would be better if you could go inside the statue for some really incredible views of the city. Really loved touring this beautiful city with you!
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I know, too bad it was closed for Covid still. It would have been pretty cool. We will be in Tio in a month or so if you have any ‘must see’ spots. Maggie
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My favorite spot in Rio was ‘Sugar Loaf’ mountain. There is tram ride to the top or there is a hiking trail. When I go back I would love to take the hiking trail- it would be epic! 🙂
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Thanks!
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Cochabamba looks so elegant and beautiful with its neat squares, gardens and flowering trees (love those purple flowers). I had no idea that the Christ statue in Rio wasn’t the tallest one in South America. Furthermore, I’ve never heard of the one in Cochabamba. Bolivia is a fascinating country to explore and now firmly on our wish list.
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The purple flowered tree is my new favourite! I’m trying to figure out how to grow one in Calgary! We hadn’t heard of this city or the statue either until we started to research. It’s an amazing and diverse country, one to keep high on the list. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts Leighton, Maggie
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What a lovely town. And your photos are beautiful. BTW the purple flowering tree is a jacaranda.
Alison
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Thank you! It’s my new favourite! I’ll add the name to the picture so I don’t forget. 😊 Maggie
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I love cities that are dedicated to providing their inhabitants with many green spaces, and from your photos Cochabamba looks very appealing exactly because of this reason. I had no idea that Cristo Redentor in Rio is no longer the tallest Christ statue in South America. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if in the future there will be another Christ statue in this part of the world that is even taller than the one in Cochabamba. I guess it’s our nature to outdo each other?
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I’m sure it’s already in the works to make an even taller one in South America. We were really surprised to see so many parks, especially compared to the lack of them in the rest of Bolivia until now. It gives the city a different more relaxing feel. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Bama! Maggie
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I knew Bolivia was beautiful, but Cochabamba seems super beautiful. What a great place to visit. The cathedrals are spectacular and the vibe seems relaxed.
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For a big city it was very relaxed. Having so many parks really helped it feel that way I think. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Ally, Maggie
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Nice photos – I love the architecture and the gorgeous flowers and trees. Those poor nuns: born into wealth – score! – only to be shuttled off to a nunnery to live a life of hard labor and poverty. I always say I’m coming back as a rich person, but I must be sure to include the caveat that I not have poverty and austerity imposed upon me as a reluctant nun.
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I know! And to top of off their family rose in status because their daughter was a nun!!
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Gross.
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Wow what a huge memory bank already gone blank, so many years was there in 1995 and 1996 before blogging and pictures , thanks for the memories, and great beautiful pictures you took. Cheers
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Glad we brought back good memories 😊
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Yes indeed thanks
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Your photography is outstanding. We have Cochabamba on our Bolivia list but with very little information. Your post fills the gap and Cochabamba will be a priority visit. Where did you stay and did you fly in?
Are you headed to Brazil after Bolivia? We have several blog posts to do about our visit there which may be helpful. Keep your post coming. Always educational and enjoyable. Cheers!
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We’re in Brazil now, in Joao Passao. We head to Salvador, Ouro Preto and then Rio. After that we keep heading south. I’ll keep an eye out for your posts. Our posts are quite a bit behind. We stayed in a great little apartment in Cochabamba, It was about 4 blocks from the main plaza. It’s on Booking.com, I can look it up if you like or there are a lot of hotels too. We took buses almost everywhere in Bolivia. We liked Cochabamba, but honestly Sucre is a much nicer city, so if you have to chose, go to Sucre. It’s the next post, out next week. Maggie
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Great, the main plaza area it is, and definitely, we have Sucre on our list. Thanks and safe travels!
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Loved your blog, thanks for the beautiful pictures and descriptions of Cochabamba. I hope to go some day to Bolivia and this lovely place and Sucre as well. Very best regards! G Franklyn Hiscock .
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Thank you, we loved everything we saw in Bolivia. Definitely include it on your travel to-do list. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Maggie
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