Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Information
57
Argentinian Consulate
D4
58
ATMs
B5
59
Banco Unión
C6
D2
61
Brillante
B7
62
German Consulate
B5
63
Infotur
C4
D5
65
Lavaya
C4
66
Street Moneychangers
C6
B6
Transport
68
Aerocon
D2
69
BoA
B6
History
Cochabamba was founded in January 1574 by Sebastián Barba de Padilla. It was origin-
ally named Villa de Oropeza in honor of the Count and Countess of Oropeza, parents of
Viceroy Francisco de Toledo, who promoted its settlement.
During the height of Potosí's silver boom, the Cochabamba Valley developed into the
primary source of food for the miners in agriculturally unproductive Potosí. Thanks to its
maize and wheat production, Cochabamba became known as the 'breadbasket of Bolivia'.
As Potosí's importance declined during the early 18th century, so did Cochabamba's and
grain production in the Chuquisaca (Sucre) area, much closer to Potosí, was sufficient to
supply the decreasing demand.
By the mid-19th century, however, the city had reassumed its position as the nation's
granary. Elite landowners in the valley grew wealthy and began investing in highland
mining ventures. Before long, the Altiplano mines were attracting international capital,
and the focus of Bolivian mining shifted from Potosí to southwestern Bolivia.
Cochabamba again thrived and its European- mestizo population gained a reputation for
affluence and prosperity.
In 2000 the eyes of the world turned to Cochabamba as its citizens protested against
rises in water rates. The World Bank had forced the Bolivian government to sell off its
