Cochabamba is a city in central Bolivia, the seat of the Cochabamba Department in the South American highlands. It is known as the City of Eternal Spring, a nickname that points to its mild, pleasant climate through the year. In Spanish it is called Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera, and it is also known by the name Kanata.
What a visit offers
Cochabamba suits travellers who want an easygoing city stay in the Bolivian interior rather than a single landmark to tick off. The gentle weather makes walking around the city and its streets a comfortable pastime at most times of year, and the city works well as a base for exploring the surrounding department.
Plan your time
- Spend a day on foot in the city centre, noting the pace of local life.
- Allow time for the surrounding Cochabamba Department, which lies beyond the urban area.
- Pack for mild days; the climate is the city's best-known feature.
Cochabamba's reputation rests on its climate and its relaxed character. Visitors who value a calm, temperate city in central Bolivia will find it an easy place to settle into for a few days.
