Cochabamba

Cochabamba is a city in central Bolivia, located in a valley bearing the same name in the Andes mountain range. It is the capital of the Cochabamba Department and is the third largest city in Bolivia with a metropolitan population of more than 800,000 people. The name derives from a compound of the Quechua words qhocha, or lake, and pampa, or open plain. Residents of the city and surrounding areas are commonly referred to as Cochabambinos.

History

The city was founded on 2 August 1571 by orders of Viceroy Francisco de Toledo, Count of Oropesa. It was to be an agricultural production centre to provide food for the mining towns of the relatively nearby Altiplano region, particularly the city of Potosí. With the silver mining industry at its height, Cochabamba thrived during its first centuries of existence. The city entered a period of decline during the 18th century as mining began to wane. However, since the late 19th century it has again been generally successful as an agricultural centre for Bolivia. In 2000, Cochabamba was wracked with large-scale protests over the privatisation of the city's water supply. See Cochabamba protests of 2000.

People and culture

Currently, Cochabamba is an economically active city and tends to be one of the more socially liberal locations in the nation. Like other large cities in the Andes, Cochabamba is a city of contrasts. Its downtown core, around areas such as Plaza Colón or Plaza 14 de Septiembre, is generally quite modern. There are bright lights, bustling streets, and countless automobiles and internet cafes. It is in these locations where the majority of the city's business and commercial industries are found. An active nightlife is centred around Calle España (Spain Street) and also along a broad tree-lined boulevard called El Prado. As one moves further out from the city centre, however, the communities become less technologically advanced. Cochabamba's outlying neighbourhoods often find themselves with higher crime rates and lacking electricity, indoor plumbing, and paved streets.

Places to see

South America's biggest open-air market, called La Cancha, is open seven days a week in Cochabamba, though the busy market days are Wednesdays and Saturdays. Also of note is the Cochabamba Bolivia Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, which was dedicated on April 30, 2000. Perched atop San Pedro hill, the 33m (109ft) tall statue of the Cristo de la Concordia (seen at right) is said to be the tallest of its kind in the world. Visitors can climb inside up to the arms for the best view of the city (early mornings are ideal).

Education

The city is the home of the Universidad Mayor de San Simón, one of the largest and most prominent public universities in Bolivia, as well as several smaller colleges.

Airport

Cochabamba is served by Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (IATA code CBB), which handles domestic and international flights. It also houses the headquarters of Lloyd Aereo Boliviano, Bolivia's national airline.

Suburbs

Satellite cities

Cochabamba in fiction

One scene in the 1983 remake of Scarface takes place in Cochabamba although it was filmed in Montecito, California.

External links

Cities in Bolivia

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