Things to do & places to visit in Cochabamba Department, Bolivia

Cochabamba Department #5 destination in Bolivia 2023. The average rating score is 4.18 based on 2.094 traveler reviews, of 41 attractions. Timezone: America/La_Paz, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 18:59.

Top things to do (27)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Escuela de Espanol Carmen Vega (58 reviews)
- A very good place to learn Spanish
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Lessons & Workshops

Learn Spanish quickly and efficiently at the best prices at the Carmen Vega language school, a professional Spanish school on a human scale with values of solidarity and sharing. We also offer: accommodation, volunteer work, Spanish courses online, advice on travel, cultural and touristic activities, wifi, library, free service to pick up the students at the airport… See more..
5.0 Yuraventura Parque Extremo (1 review)
- Fantástico!
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM River Rafting & Tubing • Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

El mejor de todos, tienes juegos extremos, y para barcos para lanzarte con tus amigos un fin de semana. See more..
5.0 Promtur (1 review)
- Must see Villa Tunari with a good guide!!
Nature & Wildlife Tours

Promtur and it’s team gave us the best experience in beautiful Villa Tunari. With short notice, Franco arranged an afternoon at an adventure park followed by a relaxing and refreshing visit to a waterfall with a natural pool. The water was crystal clear, you could see fish swimming around you. The setting was spectacular. Not only they provided transportation from and to the hotel, they also gave us pictures and videos of our experience. That was included in the package price. I highly recommend to contact Promtur when you go visit Villa Tunari. See more..
5.0 Lena Verde (1 review)
Nature & Wildlife Areas
See more..
5.0 Gecko Boulders & Adventure (1 review)
- Divertido!!!
Spent 1-2 hours Sports Camps & Clinics

Bolivia's biggest Boulder Gym ! Gecko Boulders & Adventure is an unique cultural and sportive center. See more..
4.5 Palacio Portales (220 reviews)
- Absolutely stunning place
Thursday: 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

This exquisite mansion, now an arts center, is the most impressive example of the opulence enjoyed by Bolivian elite in the early 20th century. See more..
4.5 Tunari Peak (63 reviews)
- Beautiful hike, breathtaking landscapes
Mountains

Atractivo natural, 5030 m.s.n.m. trekking accesible. La vista desde el pico es imponente ya que al pie se encuentra el eje metropolitano de Quillacollo-Cochabamba-Sacaba See more..
4.5 Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi (CIWY) (57 reviews)
- Life changing experience in the heart of the jungle
Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

For almost 30 years CIWY has been working for the benefit of wildlife rescued from illegal trafficking, giving disadvantaged youth a sense of purpose through involvement with wildlife care, and educating the Bolivian public to respect wildlife. CIWY manages three Wildlife Sanctuaries throughout Bolivia and welcomes volunteers in all of them. They have professional staff who are experts in caring for wild animals. Volunteers from across the globe also support our work. They help out with the day-to-day care of these animals. Machía In Villa Tunari (Chapare), in the department of Cochabamba, lies our oldest and smallest Centre, Machía. Ambue Ari Near Ascensión de Guarayos, between Santa Cruz de la Sierra and Trinidad, is Ambue Ari, our second and largest Centre. Jacj Cuisi Just outside of Rurrenabaque and close to the community of San Buenaventura is our newest Centre, Jacj Cuisi. It is just a stone’s throw from Madidi National Park and located in the department of La Paz. See more..
4.5 Convento Museo Santa Teresa (56 reviews)
- Oh my, nuns lived here!
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums • Churches & Cathedrals

It is very difficult to imagine living as the nuns did in this convent. The history is amazing. When our English speaking tour guide did not show up, we were lucky to have the architect for the renovation give our tour. We were the first ones to see and climb up a stairwell that was hidden between two walls. How exciting. I can't even begin to imagine what it was like to live here. See more..
4.5 Catedral de San Sebastian (50 reviews)
- A must while in town!
Churches & Cathedrals

It's free to enter and it is a beautiful church. There were some protesters when we were there but didn't impact our visit. See more..
4.5 Parque de la Familia (47 reviews)
- Great fun great value
Parks

We went to the park in the afternoon. It is only 8 bs per person- great value! There are multiple pools and fountains for the kids to run around in. There are light shows In the evening which we did not get to see. The times of the shows are posted at the gate. There are bathrooms to change from wet clothes. I did not see anyone in bathing suits but it was a bit chilly so maybe there are in the summer. Be sure to bring a towel and change of clothes. See more..
4.5 Valle Alto (37 reviews)
- Totora and other towns
Valleys

Travel 120 km from Cochabamba, passing through pretty valleys, and you reach this beautiful colonial town (Totora), recently restored after a terrible earthquake. At first, when your taxi-bus puts you in the main street, you´ll think what is all the fuss about. Just go down to the main plaza, and you will start taking photos. Continue up from there over one of the many bridges (seven I think) to the other side of town to have a view from above, and you just start to understand. This is a jewel, and tourism is still non-existent. There is a couple of hotels, one near the municipality on the main road that is cheap and has nice rooms with electric shower (hot water), and a couple of places to eat. I wish I had continue to make a circle between this, Aiquile and Mizque. Visited in July 2012-. See more..
4.5 Corani Lake (37 reviews)
- Eco-Friendly
Bodies of Water

Awwwesome views and scenery, Bit biased considering its near my Birth town but I would suggest you make the drive spend the day take it all in..culture, food, scenes… Visit eco-fish nearby which is a trout and other fish farm. It has beautiful natural falls and a river that runs through it.. First time visiting in all my years living and visiting in Cochabamba I had always heard but glad I made the time to visit. See more..
4.5 Incallajta (31 reviews)
- Ruins, Inca culture, local exotic trees and herbs, rural customs (chicha, e.g.), and strawberry farms.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We took a day-trip to Incallajta led by Remy at El Mundo Verde Travel just last week. It is a wonderful and exotic place to visit the past, and the drive from Cochabamba, while long, was equally interesting. Remy is full of facts about all aspects of both the historical Inca, but also the rural area between the site and Cochabamba. He showed us so many unique and ancient artifacts, but also told us about the current residents and culture. I can't emphasize how exciting this tour was for us! I don't know when I'll get back to Bolivia, but there are so many more places to visit, and I will certainly go back to Remy and El Mundo when I do. Remy not only provided a constant dialog about Bolivia and Bolivian culture, but also played Bolivian music for us. The perfect tour guide! See more..
4.5 Parque Machia (30 reviews)
- Nice park
State Parks

I can totally recomend this park. It is cheap (6 bolivianos), you have a really good view from the mirador over the village, river and rain forrest. The monkeys are super cute. It will take you max. 2 h. And you could walk there from villa tunari if you want (~15 min). See more..
4.5 Parque de las Aves Agroflori (19 reviews)
- A place you cannot miss in cochabamba
Thursday: Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas

To conserve the Bolivian ecosystem through education and preservation See more..
4.5 Iglesia y Convento Santa Clara (11 reviews)
- No es la iglesia de santa Clara, es el convento de Santa Teresa
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Churches & Cathedrals

Se debe cambiar el título de este lugar. No se trata de la iglesia de Santa Clara, es el convento de Santa Teresa. See more..
4.5 Iglesia Santo Domingo (11 reviews)
- Family history
Churches & Cathedrals

Beautiful and historical church. We visited primarily for information about family history. They have exetensive records dating back to the 1500s. See more..
4.5 Sinagoga de Cochabamba (4 reviews)
- Only Orthodox Synagogue in Bolivia
Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Built by Isaac Antaki in the early 1940's, it was the focal point of the Jewish community until the early 2000, when the number of Jews living in Cochabamba dwindled into the low teens. See more..
4.5 Museo Villa Albina (2 reviews)
- Fantástica Villa
Thursday: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums

Fue construida por el magnate del estaño y en su momento uno de los hombres más ricos del mundo, Simón I. Patiño, como un regalo amoroso a su esposa Albina. De ahí que lleve el nombre de Villa Albina. Se puede visitar las dos plantas que afortunadamente tienen en estupendo estado de conservación todos los muebles e incluso vestimenta de la época (años 20 del siglo XX). Vale la pena visitar la Villa y por supuesto sus jardines. See more..
4.0 El Cristo de la Concordia (750 reviews)
- Exceeded our expectations
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Monuments & Statues

This towering statue of Christ stands at 33m (108 ft), one meter for every year of His life. See more..
4.0 Plaza 14 de Septiembre (183 reviews)
- Beautiful city center!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We visited this square twice. It really if beautiful and captures old world charm. They are constantly working on the flowers and grass, keeping them "perfect". The 2nd time we went, a protest was forming at the mayor's office. It grew very quickly, and although peaceful, we left to avoid any potential danger. See more..
4.0 La Cancha (155 reviews)
- Shopping at la cancha
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Flea & Street Markets

This market is huge! I was told that pickpockets were around, but fortunately, nothing happens. Avoid weekends cause is crowded. Good prices, you can also bargain prices. I'd love to come back! See more..
4.0 Laguna Angostura (101 reviews)
- Nice short day trip
Thursday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bodies of Water

I come from Minnesota so seeing a lake is not a big deal. It was fun to see the dam and the lake. You can go out on paddle boats or take a tour of the lake in a motorized boat. They also had a jet ski you could rent. The water is brown from the mud in the hills. See more..
4.0 Museo Arqueologico de la Universidad (39 reviews)
- If you have an hour or two to spare in Cochabamba, or if you just love dusty old museums, then don't miss this one
Natural History Museums

Bolivia’s history comes alive in this collection of maps, household items, tools and especially mummies and fossils. See more..
4.0 Carrasco National Park (33 reviews)
- Oilbirds
National Parks

Discover exotic rainforest plants and wildlife in this 1.5 million acre reserve. See more..
4.0 Aguas Danzantes (32 reviews)
- Fun Park
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is a lovely place to go in evenings and watch the fountains or stroll around. The park has a very festive atmosphere, with lots of families. I would recommend if your looking for something to do in the evenings. The park does charge a entrance fee. See more..
4.0 Parque Nacional Tunari (11 reviews)
- Free national park with gorgeous views.
Spent More than 3 hours National Parks

Make sure to check this out during your time in Cochabamba. the best way to go is in a four wheel drive vehicle and go all the way to the top make sure to go to the wara wara lake. You will not be disappointed See more..
4.0 Ecoturistico Pairumani Park (6 reviews)
- Great Camping or Day Trip!
Parks

I have enjoyed camping here and also just visiting for the day. The river that flows around the park is beautiful. Walking up the hill brings you to an open field area that is nice for a picnic and views. From here you can continue on a trail to a waterfall. Fallow the water canal up the hill to find these areas. The place has barbecues and a play ground by the entrance. The bathroom is kinda gross and I do wish the place had less trash. That being said, this is a great place to escape the city and reconnect with nature. At night it’s so peaceful and you can even see lightning bugs! See more..
4.0 Iglesia San Juan de Dios (4 reviews)
- Visita de semana santa
Churches & Cathedrals

Es una iglesia custodiada por los hermanos religiosos de la orden de San Juan de Dios.

Fue construida en 1618 como parte del antiguo hospital de San Salvador.

Su fabrica primitiva fue construida en 1750 con paredes de adobe y techo de tijeras durando esta construcción aproximadamente un siglo, hasta 1840 en que fue reparada con fondos de suscripción popular. See more..