An insider’s guide to Cochabamba, Bolivia
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If you dare to take the road less traveled, this South American country might surprise you
With its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and tasty cuisine, Bolivia attracts each year more international tourists. Still not really a tourist hotspot but rather an emerging destination, known more by neighboring and fellow Latin Americans countries, it gained international exposure thanks to the government's public relations efforts.In 2015, the local authorities began advertising more aggressively Bolivia's attractions with the scope of alluring high-end tourists.
Leer en español: Bolivia: conoce el encanto de Cochabamba
As we all heard about Bolivia’s UNESCO World Heritage sights and the ruins of Tiwanaku or the city of Potosi, we will focus on Cochabamba. This is a town situated in the center of Bolivia, and that is known among locals as the City of Eternal Spring.
The fourth largest city in Bolivia is a bustling metropolis where tourists can enjoy various attractions, great restaurants, and fantastic bars, at an unbeatable low price. Thanks to the mild climate and geographical position, the average annual temperature is around 17.0 °C, having an enviable advantage over Sucre or La Paz.
Accommodations
Based on guest reviews and ratings on websites like Booking.com and Tripadvisor you can check:
Gran Hotel Cochabamba: The hotel is hosted in a heritage building, located in an excellent area of the city and it is just a short walk away from touristic hotspots like the Iglesia de la Recoleta and Museo de Historia Natural Alcide d'Orbigny. All 120 rooms have minimalist contemporary décor and are equipped with modern amenities.
Camino Plaza: This property was designed to accommodate the needs of business travelers. It offers a higher level of services and has excellent facilities which include a modern fitness area and swimming pool. The rooms are well- equipped, offering guests all the comfort they require.
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Restaurants
Paprika: Paprika offers dining options mostly for pasta lovers and vegetarians, but there are even some gluten-free options available. The ingredients are fresh and the plate’s selection is far from disappointing. Guests will enjoy the impeccable service and the low key but stylish design of the restaurant. It’s a great place for dinner with friends or work colleagues.
La Cantonata: A cozy Italian restaurant where the menu has various Italian dishes, going from the more mainstream plates like pizza or pasta and ending with the sophisticated options like sautéed shrimp in butter, garlic, lemon, and white wine. The unique Italian atmosphere is recreated even thanks to the décor and music selection.
Sightseeing
Cristo de la Concordia
It is indisputably Cochabamba’s most famous landmark. According to the website Bolivia Online, this is the “tallest Christ statue in the World at 33.40 meters”. Those who manage to climb the hill will discover not only the statue but also the best panoramic views of Cochabamba and the valley. For the less sportive tourists, there’s a cable car (teleférico) service connecting the city with the statue.
Convento Santa Teresa
It is the oldest and most famous religious building in town. A historic gem, that dates back to 1760. This building has a very intriguing history. In the past, wealthy families would place their daughters in this convent to ensure that young women would follow the path to becoming a nun. Too often, these girls would be closed in the convent together with their servants.
Palacio Portales
Is the former home of the Bolivian millionaire, Simón Iturri Patiño. The building has an eclectic style where European tourists will enjoy the beautiful gardens inspired by the ones at the Versailles Palace in France.
LatinAmerican Post | Adina Achim
Copy edited by Laura Viviana Guevara Muñoz
