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Guide
Cochabamba, Bolivia π§π΄
#236
,
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Cochabamba is the fourth-largest city in Bolivia, known for its pleasant climate and vibrant culture. |
π₯ Population | Approximately 1.5 million people. |
π» Internet Speed | Average speeds of around 25 Mbps; higher in coworking spaces. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 USD β 6.96 BOB. ATMs and banks are widely available. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | 220V, 50Hz, Type C sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Movistar and Tigo offer good coverage and data plans. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Many international banks operate; Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted. |
π Accommodation | Options range from hotels, hostels, to local rentals available via Airbnb. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Growing acceptance of card payments, but cash is still king in many places. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local vacation rentals are popular for short stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Casona and Casa de Huespedes Hostal offer budget-friendly prices. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Central Plaza 14 de Septiembre and around the SimΓ³n BolΓvar Park. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The neighborhoods of Cala Cala and Huayllani provide more residential vibes and coworking options. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Coworking La Paz, which is well-equipped and has a vibrant community. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© del Mundo offers good coffee and stable Wi-Fi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Look out for expat meetups on platforms like Facebook groups. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Cochabamba Expat Meetup is a popular community event for networking. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabify and Uber are available for safe transportation. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Rental options are limited; however, bicycles are available for rent in some parks. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Cochabamba is inland, but Lake Titicaca's beaches are 4 hours away. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Amaszonas is a regional carrier with services to major cities. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | LATAM and Boliviana de AviaciΓ³n provide international flights. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | Access to major highways such as Ruta 4 leading to La Paz and Santa Cruz. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | The main bus terminal is Terminal de Buses in Cochabamba. |
π Public Transport Passes | No formal transit passes; ticketing is typically pay-per-ride. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses are the main mode of transport to nearby cities like La Paz. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital Viedma is one of the best-equipped hospitals in Cochabamba. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Centro De Yoga Shanti offers yoga classes for different levels. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic-Fit and BodyTech are popular fitness centers. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | LavanderΓa La Estrella offers affordable wash and fold services. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Rappi and Glovo are popular for food delivery. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Pique Macho', a popular local meat dish. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurant Vegano offers exclusively vegan dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | PastelerΓa La Casa del Chocolate offers a delightful variety of pastries. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado La Cancha is the largest market for local goods and fresh produce. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is the most popular online marketplace in Bolivia. |
π Grocery Delivery | Local deliveries available from Supermercado Automarket. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | The Avenida Ayacucho area has a vibrant nightlife scene. |
π» Local Brewery | CervecerΓa 3M is a popular local brewery to explore. |
π· Wine Bars | Wine Bar Tencha offers an excellent selection of local wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Plaza 14 de Septiembre offer delicious local snacks. |
π Popular International Cuisine | CafΓ© Roma serves Italian dishes, while CafΓ© Paris is known for French cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Christ the Redeemer statue atop San Pedro Hill offers a panoramic view. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Historia Natural is a must-visit for cultural enthusiasts. |
π° Historical Sites | The Palacio de Justicia and Catedral Metropolitana are significant historical places. |
π Religious Sites | Iglesia de San SebastiΓ‘n is a beautiful church to visit. |
π Annual Events | La Feria de la Alasita in January is a vibrant local festival. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | El Prado is known for its cultural activities and exhibitions. |
π Theater Venues | Teatro AchΓ‘ hosts various performances and cultural events. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Mercado La Cancha is famous for vivid colors and local crafts. |
πΌ Music Scene | Cochabamba has live music venues like Casa de la MΓΊsica. |
π¨ Street Art | The city's street art can be explored around El Prado. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cochabamba Culinary School offers cooking classes focusing on local cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Museo de Arte ContemporΓ‘neo is an excellent gallery for modern art. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The historical center has well-preserved colonial buildings. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Cochabamba celebrates its rich Aymara and Quechua heritage through festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Las Puentas is a nearby natural park for hiking and picnicking. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Carrasco National Park is within driving distance for nature lovers. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | The pathways around the Laguna Alalay are popular for walking and cycling. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | San Pedro Hill offers breathtaking views of the city. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Paylumani is a less-frequented spot perfect for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Several parks allow campfires; inquire locally for designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post services available for shipping. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Cochabamba has various local shops for tech repairs. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have tables available for public use. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Instituto Cultural offers language courses in Spanish. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal offers a quiet place for studying. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Centro Cultural offers various classes and community events. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | Cochabamba has internet cafes where gaming is popular. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Palace offers a range of gaming options. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $60,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = $48,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $108,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,400 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = $84,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,700 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $136,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = $104,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 25%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 12.5%. |
π¦ Tax System | Tax on worldwide income for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25%. |
π§Ύ VAT | 13%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Bolivian tax authorities monitor overseas income. |
π Property Tax | Property tax is based on the property's cadastral value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 3% on property sales. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax benefits; consider local regulations. |