Cochabamba: The Heart of Bolivia

• HelloHola
  [Oh-la]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [Ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [See]
• NoNo
  [Noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor
  [Por fah-vor]
• Thank youGracias
  [Grah-see-as]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe
  [Dees-kool-peh]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [Koh-moh es-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [Byen. Ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [Ah-blahs een-gles]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [Noh en-tee-en-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [Meh goo-stah-ree-ah ver el meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [Noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [Sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [Meh goo-stah-ree-ah pah-gar, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [Ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [Veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la Policía!
  [Yah-mah ah lah Poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [Yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [Es-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [Es-toy en-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [Meh goo-stah-ree-ah kohm-prar]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [So-loh es-toy mee-ran-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [Kwan-to kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es demasiado caro
  [Eh-so es deh-mah-see-ah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puedes rebajar el precio?
  [Pweh-dehs reh-bah-har el preh-see-oh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [Keh oh-rah es]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [Es lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [Meh-dee-ah (dies)]
• MorningMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [Tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [Noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [Ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [Oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [Mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [Oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [Dohs]
• 3Tres
  [Tres]
• 4Cuatro
  [Kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [Seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [Sehs]
• 7Siete
  [Syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [Oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [Nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [Dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [Dohn-deh es-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [Kwahl es lah dee-rek-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [Pweh-dehs mohs-trar-meh (en el mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [Kwan-doh es el proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [Oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Cochabamba was officially founded on August 15, 1571, by Sebastián Barba de Padilla under the orders of the Spanish Viceroy of Peru, Francisco Álvarez de Toledo. The city was named Villa de Oropeza in honor of the Viceroy's birthplace, but the indigenous name 'Cochabamba,' meaning 'plain of lakes,' eventually became more commonly used.

On September 14, 1810, Cochabamba played a pivotal role in Bolivia's fight for independence from Spanish colonial rule. Led by Esteban Arze, the revolutionaries captured the city and declared independence. This event was part of a larger wave of revolutionary movements sweeping across South America at the time.

Taking place on November 14, 1810, the Battle of Aroma was one of the significant conflicts during Bolivia's war of independence. Cochabamba's local militia, inspired by the earlier revolutionary fervor, fought valiantly against Spanish forces. Though ultimately a defeat, the battle demonstrated the region's commitment to the cause of independence.

From 1932 to 1935, Bolivia was embroiled in the Chaco War against Paraguay, a conflict over control of the Gran Chaco region. Cochabamba served as a critical supply and logistics hub for Bolivian troops. The war had a profound impact on the city's economy and social fabric, as many local men were conscripted to fight.

In April 2000, Cochabamba became internationally known for the Water War, a series of protests against the privatization of the city’s water supply. The privatization led to a dramatic increase in water prices, sparking widespread civil unrest. Ultimately, the government reversed the privatization, and the event became a symbol of popular resistance against neoliberal policies.

Standing at 40.44 meters tall, the Cristo de la Concordia statue is one of Cochabamba's most notable landmarks. Completed in 1994, the statue symbolizes peace and unity and offers panoramic views of the city. It is slightly taller than the famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, making it a point of local pride.

Cochabamba is deeply influenced by Quechua culture, which is evident in its language, traditions, and festivals. The city celebrates various Quechua festivals, such as Inti Raymi and Tinku, which highlight the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous people. These events are characterized by traditional music, dance, and vibrant costumes.

Known as the 'City of Eternal Spring,' Cochabamba is also famous for its diverse and delicious cuisine. The city’s food scene is a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences, with dishes like 'pique macho,' 'sillpancho,' and 'chicharrón' being local favorites. The city’s numerous markets and food stalls offer a culinary journey through Bolivian flavors.

Cochabamba is centrally located in Bolivia and can be reached by air, bus, or car. The Jorge Wilstermann International Airport (CBB) is the main airport serving the city, with direct flights from major cities in Bolivia and some international destinations. Several bus companies operate routes to Cochabamba from cities like La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Sucre. The bus journey offers scenic views of the Andes and can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours depending on the starting point and road conditions. If driving, the city is accessible via the major highways Ruta 4 and Ruta 7.

Cochabamba has a variety of transportation options for getting around the city. Taxis are plentiful and relatively inexpensive, but it is advisable to agree on a fare before starting your journey as meters are not always used. Public minibuses, known as 'trufis,' are another affordable and common mode of transport; they follow fixed routes and can be flagged down anywhere along the route. Additionally, app-based ride-sharing services like Uber are available. For short distances, walking is also a viable option, especially in the central areas.

The official currency in Bolivia is the Boliviano (BOB). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Cochabamba, particularly in tourist areas and shopping centers. It's advisable to withdraw sufficient cash, especially if you plan to visit rural areas where ATMs may be scarce.

Cochabamba is generally a safe city for tourists, but like any urban area, it has its share of crime. Petty theft, such as pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas like markets and public transport. It is recommended to avoid areas like the Cancha market after dark, as they have higher crime rates. Always stay vigilant, keep your belongings secure, and avoid displaying valuable items. Use registered taxis or ride-sharing services, especially at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 110 for police assistance and 118 for medical emergencies. The city has several hospitals and clinics, including the Viedma Hospital, which is the main public hospital. Pharmacies are widespread and can provide over-the-counter medications. It's recommended to have travel insurance that includes medical coverage. For consular assistance, contact your nearest embassy or consulate.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, it's customary to dress modestly and speak quietly. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes' is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Cochabamba like a local, visit the Cancha market, one of the largest open-air markets in South America, where you can buy everything from fresh produce to traditional Bolivian goods. Engage with locals, who are generally friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Cristo de la Concordia, the largest statue of Christ in the world, which offers panoramic views of the city. For a unique experience, take a stroll through the city’s many parks, such as Parque Mariscal Santa Cruz, and try the local cuisine at a 'chichería,' a traditional eatery.