Overall Score
The borders of the Eastern Córdilleras are the Kochábaamá, which occupies a fertile plain in the vicinity of the jungle mountains. Its name has Indian roots and is translated in the Kochua language, once the most powerful among the others in the ancient Spanish period, as the Golden Plain. Cochabamba has the status of a hometown within an interdepartment. Its surroundings still contain traces of the inhabitants, as evidenced by the ruins of ancient structures.
The first Hebrews were here in the mid-16th century, when the area of the present region became part of the Spanish tribe. In fact the city was founded in 1571, but its official date of birth was January 1, 1574. First called Orropeza, it was for a long time the center of the agricultural region, supplying the silver mines of the Posy. It got its present name in 1786, after it became the center of the province three years before that event.
The unique topography of the area meant that part of the city was in the hills, the other part was on the plain. Cochabamba has long been famous for its parks and orchards. Because of its lushness, it is known as the Garden City " the garden city. It is not separated by natural reservoirs. To the south-east of its central part, lying on a level terrain, is Lake Laguna Allalai. To the north and west runs the Rio River.
In the eastern part of the city, at San Pedro, the statue of Jesus Christ, which has been the symbol of Cochabamba since 1994, rises to the top. You can get to the top of the mountain by a hiking trail. On certain days, it is possible to ascend to a station with a viewing window that provides a good view of the streets, parks, alleys, and surrounding landscapes.
The city center is notable for the area where the church towers. In the vicinity are buildings that were built during the Colonial period. The rest of the city is represented by modern construction. The Museum of Archaeology, with its rare artifacts, offers an interesting discovery.
Overall Score
- Air quality: 39 US AQI Good. Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.
- Tap water: No, not drinkable
- Religious government: Non-religious
- Population: 520,000 people
- GDP: $3,105 / year
- Foreigners can own real estate: Yes
- Power outlets: 230V50Hz
- Internet: 4 Mbps
- Best wireless: Tigo
- Tipping: Tipping is discretionary in Bolivia. Restaurants rarely include a service fee in the bill. With that, a 5-10% gratuity is warranted for good service. Tipping is not expected in bars, but you may opt to leave small change. Taxi drivers do not usually receive tips. An exception is if you hire them for several hours or a day, in which case a 10% tip is suggested. Hotel porters are typically given 4 Bs to 8 Bs. Housecleaning staff are tipped 7 Bs a day.
- Apartment listings:
- Apartments: Airbnb
- Hotels: Booking.com
- More hotels: Hotels.com
- Best taxi: Uber
- Best coworking space: Cowork Cafe
- Best short-haul air carrier: Amaszonas
- Best intl air carrier: Boliviana de Avicion
- Monthly costs for expat: $600
- Monthly costs for family: $1200
- Monthly costs for local: $350
- Meal: $2
- Small Cola: $0.4
- Beer 1 Pint: $1.1
- Coffee: $0.7
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