Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Shopping
Locally made woollens are available at a few outlets. Try the expensive but reliable
makes export-quality alpaca clothing, and the cooperative
Arte Andino
Offline map
Google map
(
www.artesandinos.com
; Pasaje
Catedral
s/n)
. Cheaper alpaca- and llama-
wool
chompas
(sweaters) are found in the markets. For inexpensive souvenirs, scour the
artesanía
stalls behind the main post office.
stock Lonely Planet books.
Information
Cochabamba addresses are measured relative to the crossroads of two main avenues, Her-
oínas (running east-west) and Ayacucho (north-south). Streets crossing Heroínas to the
north are preceded by 'N'
(norte)
and to the south by 'S'
(sud)
. Those that cross Ayacucho
are preceded by 'E'
(este)
to the east or 'O'
(oeste)
to the west. The number immediately
after the letter tells you how many blocks away from these division streets the address
falls.
Dangers & Annoyances
According to locals the streets south of Av Aroma are best avoided and are positively dan-
gerous at night. The bus station is around here, so don't be surprised if, when arriving in
the early hours of the morning, you are not allowed off the bus until sunrise. Pickpocket-
ing and petty theft are common in the markets; don't carry any more than you are likely to
need. The parkland areas Colina San Sebastián and Coronilla Hill near the bus station are
both extremely dangerous throughout the day - avoid them!
Emergency
Tourist police
(
450-3880, 120; Plaza 14 de Septiembre)
Immigration
8:30am-4pm
Mon-Fri)
For visa and length-of-stay extensions.