Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
nos
justify the one-upmanship by claiming that Christ actually lived '
33 años y un po-
quito'
(33 years and a bit).
There's a footpath from the base of the mountain (1250 steps), near the eastern end of
Avenida de los Heroinas, but several robberies have been reported here and signs along
the route warn you of the dangers, not-so-subtly suggesting that you should take the
tele-
férico
(Cable Car; return B$8; closed Mon)
. On Sunday you can climb right to the top
of the statue (B$2) for a Christ's-eye view of the city.
The closest public-transport access is on
micro E
from San Martín and Sucre. Taxis
charge B$40 for the round trip to the top, including a half-hour wait while you look
around.
Cathedral
(Plaza 14 de Septiembre; 8am-noon & 2-7pm Mon-Fri, 8am-noon Sat & Sun)
On the
arcaded Plaza 14 de Septiembre, Cochabamba's
Cathedral
is the valley's oldest religious
structure, begun in 1571. Later additions and renovations have removed some character,
but a fine eastern portal has been preserved. Inside it is light and airy, with various medio-
cre ceiling paintings. There are statues of several saints, a gilded altarpiece and a grotto
for the ever-popular Inmaculada (Virgin of the Immaculate Conception).
CHURCH
La Cancha
(Av Aroma)
The main market is the enormous La Cancha, which is one of the most
crowded, chaotic, claustrophobic and exhilarating spots in the country. Around the mar-
kets you'll find just about everything imaginable, including pickpockets.
The largest and most accessible area is
Mercado Cancha Calatayud
, which sprawls
across a wide area along Av Aroma and south toward the former railway station. Here is
your best opportunity to see
local dress
, which differs strikingly from that of the Altipla-
no.
The
Mercado de Ferias
spills out around the old railway station.
Artesanías
(stores
selling locally handcrafted items) are concentrated along the alleys near the junction of
Tarata and Arce, at the southern end of the market area. The fruit and vegetable section is
on the shore of Laguna Alalay in the southeast of town.
Iglesia & Convento de San Francisco
CHURCH
