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Cabaña la Torre
2008-04-30 06:16:00 This is a nice place to go for a day of relax in Cochabamba. It has thermal springs, a river, a small lake and some recreation facilities. I enjoyed it last weekend and recommend it, the only con I found is that it is a bit small, but it has a lot of nice things as you can see in the photographs.The name acutally means La Torre (a last name, or the tower if you prefer the literal translation) Cabin.River running through the middle of the Cabaña la Torre.Small artificial lake where you can have a short boat ride. The place is found where the valley of Cochabamba finishes and the road to Oruro starts going through the tunari mountain range. Small place up in the trees to relax and do some sightseeing. Nearby railroad track of a once busy train track, now unused.
By: Bolivia Today
International Fair of Cochabamba 2008
2008-04-20 07:21:00 From the 26th of April to the 6th of May the XXIV International Fair of Cochabamba will take place. The fair will have approximately 650 companies from 28 countries. An estimated 255 thousand visits will visit the fair this year. The most relevant event will be the Business Table event, but other events like seminaries, product launches, courses and other activities will take place at the same time. The schedule of the event willl be from around noon to around midnight and the event will take place at the Recinto Ferial by the Alalay Lake.For more information you can visit the Fair website at:http://www.feicobol.com/
By: Bolivia Today
Pairumani Ecotouristic Park
2008-04-18 07:05:00 This is a park that I visited a couple of weeks ago, it was quite a pleasent surprize to find out that this this beautiful place that I visited many years ago is now protected and well kept.This park many years ago was a propierty of Simon I. Patiño, a very rich tin baron of the early 20th century.It was part of his country house which still exists nearby, in the place called Pairumani, which is also where the park is found. In the park you can also find the remains of a hydroelectric plant which provided the Patiño country house with electricity. It is no longer working but is part of the decoration of the park, nearby there is a park for children.The park has several trails which take you up to the mountain, it is actually found at the feet of the Tunari range. There is a waterfall nearby, at around 1 kilometer.The Pairumani Ecotouristic Park is only an 45 minutes from downtown Cochabamba, quite nearby in fact. There are several places ready for campers and setting up tents, in ...
By: Bolivia Today
The Schedule of the Religious and Cultural Tour of Cochabamba
2008-04-13 01:33:00 There are more festivities than the ones I post here, and there are also food fairs, drinks fairs and others which make different tours of the valley.In this case I am posting the schedule of the Religious tour of the Cochabambine valleys.FESTIVIDAD DE LA VIRGEN DE LA CANDELARIA (Festivity of the Virgen of la Candelaria)Aiquile and Colomi 1st and 2nd of februaryCARNAVAL DE LA CONCORDIA (Concordia Carnival)CercadoCH´ALLA DEL CARNAVAL (Carnival Ch'alla)CercadoFIESTA DE SAN JOSÉ (San Jose Festivity)Quillacollo, 19th of marchSANTA VERA CRUZ TATALAValle Hermoso, 3rd of MayFESTIVITY DE SAN ISIDRO LABRADOR (Festivity of San Isidro Farmer)Tiraque, 14 y 15 de MayoFESTIVIDAD DE SAN JUAN (Festivity of Saint John)All Bolivia, 23 and 24 of juneFESTIVIDAD DE SAN PEDRO Y SAN PABLO (Festivity of Saint Peter and Saint Paul)Aiquile, Sacaba and San Benito, 29th of juneFESTIVIDAD DEL SEÑOR DE TOCO (Festivity of the Lord of Toco)Toco - 4,5 and 6 of julyFESTIVIDAD DE LA VIRGEN DEL CARMEN (Festivity of ...
By: Bolivia Today
The Tunari Mountain
2008-03-28 05:16:00 The Tunari Mountain oversees the city of Cochabamba and is actually a mountain range which covers 412 km2 while the peak best known as "El Tunari" reaches 5036 mts over sea level.The Tunari is a symbol of Cochabamba and is frequently used as an icon of the region. You can find it on google maps here:http://www.panoramio.com/m-ap/#lt=-17.244151&ln=-65.64-8430&z=4&k=2
By: Bolivia Today
Festivity of San Isidro Farmer
2008-03-26 06:19:00 This festivity takes place in Tiraque during the 14th and 15th of May.Usually the night before this festivity there is a big party with lots of beers and firecrackers, the following day there is a mass in quechua. Then they take the statue of the saint from the church to the countryside to lands which are used to grow crops and a representation of plowing is done using the statue. This activity is called "llank'ada" or plowing.In fact the campesinos (or indian farmers) really believe that the Saint is an equal to them and has to work like they do in the spiritual world in order for crops to go well during that year.As you can see in the photograph below, everybody in the countryside works, even children. Unfortunelly, in Bolivia, child labor is part of rural areas and the suburban society in the cities. This due to poverty and ignorance, government laws barely exists in the countryside where every community decides what is best for them.
By: Bolivia Today
The Festivity of Santa Vera Cruz
2008-03-17 04:58:00 The andine cosmovision has an agricultural calendar different from the gregorian one. So, in the first days of May it starts its agricultural calendar, which closes in November with the All Saints Festivity.This start of the agricultural cycle has its greatest expression in the Santa Vera Cruz Tatala Festivity, which takes place in the town of the same name some seven kilometers from the city of Cochabamba.At the foot of the TatalaIn Santa Vera Cruz starting on the first of May until the third, campesinos (farmers)from all over the highlands and valleys participate in this reproductive ritual. Usually young couples go to this festivity to ask Christ in the cross for children. However, it is notorious that not only do they ask for human offspring but they also ask for their animals to reproduce; cows, sheep, lamas, etc.On the night from the 1st to the 2nd of May there is a procession with candles, crying or angry they usually bow before the image of the Tatala (Christ on a cross) and...
By: Bolivia Today
Cochabamba, living with the local climate
2008-03-13 04:41:00 It is said about Cochabamba that it has one of the mildest climates in South America, with average temperatures around 15 to 25 celsius all year round. A climate which is a bit humid in summer and a bit dry in winter, a year round blue sky with some rains during summer (except this year because of the Niña we have had week of clouds) and no more than a week of clouds in a row, sun always shows up.Land is good so vegetation is very green in summer and mostly brown in winter. Temperature does vary during the day, sometimes changing as much as 15 celsius from the morning to midday, but nothing a sweater or a hat can't fix.Many bolivians or non-bolivians which retire choose Cochabamba to live because of it's mild climate and of it's extremely cheap cost of living. Others have an apartment locally so when winter arrives to the north parts of the world they come down to the southern hemisphere and enjoy the sun and nice warm climate.
By: Bolivia Today
Tapacari, land of the "Thari"
2008-03-12 06:28:00 Land of the "Thari" (or men nest), the province of Tapacari is southeast of the city of Cochabamba. It limits with the provinces of Ayopaya and Quillacollo. It has 1500 sq km which is about 2.7% of the land in the department of Cochabamba, found at 2900 meters over sea level. You can find mountain ranges, and four rivers run through it: Semana Umam, Huateqa (which flooded the old town found on its beach), Choroma and Chillca. All these join to create the Tapacari rivers which later goes into the Rocha river.Among there feasts and traditions, they have the "Fiesta Grande" or big party of the Virgen of Dolores in the las Sunday of September. They specially enjoy the tinku dances and have competitions of wuarak´as, chicote, wajta y a puñete (these are fights which use, following the list in quechua: slingshot, stick, spanking and fists).
By: Bolivia Today
Quillacollo, home of the Virgen of Urkupiña
2008-02-29 17:28:00 This province has an extension of 1750 square kilometers which make up the the province closer to the department capital. This valley province limits to the north with the Andes range and to the south with the lower valleys which limit with the provinces of Capinota and Arque. It has several rivers and streams which come down from the Tunari range and which come down from the Tunari mountain, these unite with the Tamborada rivers which crosses this province through the Rocha rivers and the overflows of the Angosture dike which starts in the higher vallyes and around the valleys of Punata, cliza and Tarata.This town is home of the Virgen of Urkupiña and once a year, in the month of August, it receives hundreds of thousands of visitors which come for the festivity from all over the world. The city is famous for this festivity and it is the most important national religiuos festivity in Bolivia. This single event has defined the urban map of the city, where all the city is oriented t...
By: Bolivia Today
Mizque
2008-02-28 05:45:00 The Mizque province was created in June 24th, 1876, dividing it into one city, three sections and three sucsections, of which we can highlight the following; Molinedo, Taboada, Tin Tin, Cauta and Vicho Vicho. There are an aproximate 60000 inhabitants living in this province of which most live in the rural areas. This province has a rather dry climate, with scarce and irregular rains. The average temperature runs between 16 and 18 degrees celsius. During winter the temperature drops, reaching frequently cero degrees. Mizque is found in a climate zone with scarcity of water. However there are reasonable water reserves which are not being used, according to studies done by the Universidad Mayor de San Simón.The main productive activity is in agriculture and sheeps. To less degree are minery and handicrafts. Agriculture is nevertheless weak and with very little technology, quite primitive. There is a growing, yet small, industry of cheese and some beverages. The living conditions are v...
By: Bolivia Today
Cliza
2008-02-24 06:03:00 Whoever visits Cliza has to taste the delicious roast pigeons or the chicha from Aunt Elsa. The German Jordan province, of which Cliza is the capital, was created during the government of Eliodoro Villazon, through government law on the 21st of September of 1912. The approximate surface of the province is of 305 sq. km., with around 50000 thousand inhabitants. The population has seen many people leave for other countries specially to Argentina and Spain. The local government is currently implementing policies to change productivity, health and education , trying to stop the worker drain. During the last two years so many people have left for Spain that many children are left with grandparents, uncles or any relative. These are receiving the money which comes from their parents in Spain, so you now find nice three story houses being built throughout the high valley. Unfortunelly, these broken families are the breeding zone of many sad stories as we can read frequently on the local n...
By: Bolivia Today
Capinota, land of changes
2008-02-23 05:37:00 Capinota is found in the Lower Valley of the Department of Cochabamba. It limits to the north with the Cercado provnce, on the northeast with Quillacollo, to the southeast with Arque, to te south with the departmet of Potosi and to the east with the Esteban Arze province (Tarata). It has an area of 1.495 square km. Until 1908 it was part of the Arque province, year in which it was divided throught a State Decree on the 1st of Octobre. Throught its territory go two important rivers: Rocha and Arque, which unite near the town of Capinota, forming the Caine river and thus connecting this regions with the rest of the interandine valleys, and to the highlands of Oruro and Potosi. It was here that certain contacts happened that influenced the development of the cultures of North Potosi. They also served as a natural and short access route between the mesotermic valleys of Cochabamba and the Altiplano. The Capinota province contains a series of arquelogical grounds, where the prehistoric p...
By: Bolivia Today
Chicken Chanka
2008-02-22 04:13:00 This dish is tipically served in Cochabamba whenever a good soup is wanted. Ingredients1 chicken2 or 3 pounds of potatoes2 or 3 pounds of peas1 or 2 pounds of beans4 tails of green onionsPreparation You cook the chicken with plenty of water, salt, pepper and some parsley. On separate pots you cook the peas, beans; and in the moment you remove from these from fire you include the green onions cut in thin slices.
By: Bolivia Today
Aiquile, best memories of its splendor
2008-02-22 03:58:00 The journalist José Medrano Carrillo remember Aiquile in the golden years of the 40's, when alcohol and a big agricultural production came mainly from the famous properties of Quiroga, Omereque y Novillero.?In the decade from 1940 to 1950.The Aiquile society lived a period of relative well being on the basis of agriculture, where the production happened withing a semifeudal system which kept the peasants under a servanthood. Together with alcohol production there was sugar cane, cattle, handicrafts, woodwork, textiles and others. Those were good times, where commerce became a very lucrative activity. In those years Aiquile as the capital of the province was a city in constant growth and urban expansion. Two rivers, Santa Ana y San Juan, met nearby at Uchuchajra. There were buildings and homes which reflected a well being not common for those days, nevertheless there was always water and sewage system limitations. Most people had big pigpens, being these a sign of a certain wealth, ...
By: Bolivia Today
Bolivar, a province with the name of the liberator
2008-02-21 04:42:00 Many Cochabambine ignore that there exists a province with the name of the Liberator. The formerly know as Quirquiawi, conquered by the quechuas ninety five years ago is named after the Liberator Simón Bolívar. In the fairs and markets of this province they still use exchange. The traditions tells us that the winner of Boyacá, Carabobo y Junín passed with his troops several times through these lands. And this motivated the inhabitants o fthe Quirquiawi etnic group to make a homenage naming their land ?Bolívar?, after the Liberator. Bolívar is found where the provinces of Potosí, Oruro and Cochabamba meet, at some 3.500 to 4.200 meters over sea level, with a population of 12 thousand. The 31st of January of 1985, by a State Law, it became the fifteenth provincia of the departament, with an extension of 446 square kilometers, 8 cantones and 61 communities.For many years the population of Bolívar has lived from farming activities. Ninety percent of its potatoe production is turned in...
By: Bolivia Today
Arque, past glory
2008-02-19 04:37:00 Memories of an almost ghost town. Back in the good old days, train travellers anxiously waited for the stop at the Arque Station to have a taste of the delicious "empanadas" and bread. Nowadays things have changed with the dismanteled railway. The province of Arque was created during the government of Mariscal Antonio José de Sucre, throught a state decree on the 23d of January of 1826. The approximate area covered by the Arque Province is of 1.077 km2., with a density of 16.94 inhabitants per square kilometer. The 1992 census established a total of 296 inhabitants for the capital of the province, but the reality is that Arque has had for the last years a serious exodus, due to poverty and unemployment. The town is found on the borders of the turbulent Arque river , which runs from west to east and is one of the sources of the Caine river and thus of the Grande or Guapay river. In 1881, a flood of cathastrophic dimensions completely eliminated great part of the town, barely leaving ...
By: Bolivia Today
Arani, a town known for the best bread in Cochabamba
2008-02-18 03:58:00 Land of wind and stone mills.Created by Decree on the 24th of November of 1914 under the government of Ismael Montes, Arani is a town which has an image which is associated with winds, the beautiful women of Pocoata and the bread produced with the flour which is grinded by stone mills from the time of the colony. The geographic and climatic variety of this province, stimulated the well known Cochabambine researcher Guillermo Urquidi to elaborate a long monography, which until now is the most complete study of Arani.Describing the sights which surround the town, Urquidi says: "On the north,far away in the blue horizon, we can see the tall summits of the Oriental Chain of the Andes all covered by snow. Climbing the chain 5 leagues to the east of Arani, you arrive to the plateau of Vacas, of 4 or 5 leagues of circumference, where you can find the famous lagoons of Parco_Cocha, Azero-Cocha, Colpa-Cocha, Totora-Cocha and Yanatam, all connected one with the other, and which are part of se...
By: Bolivia Today
FEICOBOL, the Cochabamba International Fair
2008-02-17 00:06:00 The Cochabamba Fair was born in the year 1974, with the objective of expanding the markets and exchange of commercial and industrial experiences; managed and developed by the local Mayor Hall, with the support of private businessmen. It is in janauary of 1992 that according to the beginning of decentralization of local government activities and because of management issues, ut with the intention of achieving a higher efficancy, that management is granted to the Federation of Private Business Entities of Cochabamba (FEPC), which organizes the Foundation for the International Fair of Cochabamba Bolivia (FEICOBOL). This company is non profitable, and seeks to broaden the markets and permanent exchange in the commercial and industrial areas in the department, country and world. Nowadays on an annual basis, a multisector fair is done: "International Cochabamba Fair" and also three monographic fairs: "Fair for Ecological Products, Certificates, Naturals, Environment and Health", "Fair fo...
By: Bolivia Today
A couple of maps of downtown Cochabamba
2008-02-15 03:30:00 These two maps provide information on facilities and touristic places in downtown Cochabamba.This is a general map of all the downtown area: (for details click on it)A smaller map of only the blocks around the main square "14 de Septiembre":
By: Bolivia Today
Universidad Mayor de San SImon
2008-02-13 05:36:00 The University Mayor de San Simón (UMSS) was founded through the law of the 5th of November of 1832 by Marshal Andrés de Santa Cruz. Its first faculty was the Law Facultyand the second the Medecine Faculty. The Spanish universities were the model that was used for the creation of the higher public education institution in Bolivia. They also corresponded to the semifeudal structure which extended in the country until the year 1952, year of the National Revolution which finished the huge landed estates and brought the mines under government control. Previously, as a result of the reforming influence of Cordoba, twords 1928 the university students guided by José Antonio Arze started a movement which gave place to Universitary Authonomy and later, to the Student Teacher Shared Governmentl. In reality, the referendum of 1931 during the government of Gral. Carlos Blanco Galindo possibilitated the rearrangeing of the university to modern structures, ending a period of a monastery structur...
By: Bolivia Today
90 groups danced today in the Cochabamba Carnival Parade "Corso de Corsos"
2008-02-10 06:35:00 Ninety groups coming from all over Bolivia, valleys, east, chaco and highlands together with soldiers which changed their uniforms for carnival customes. These latter were hundreds and had fancy parade cars with different subjects.Folcloric dancers were also in large numbers, there was 60 groups which came from 5 different departments, with new dances and beutiful customes. They started around noon and there was groups of up to 200 dancers.Oruro participated with the "Morenada" dance of the Transpeco group and with "Tobas" Central, another dance. La Paz presented its traditional "Llamerada". From Potosi came the "Tinkus", from Sucre came several dances with Los Destacadaso and likewise for Santa Cruz came Ballet Union Gabriel Rene Moreno with several typcial dances.This year all the groups had a longer distance to cover as you an see in the image, an additional half a kilometer was added, adding the total distance of the Corso de Corsos to four kilometers.
By: Bolivia Today
Agustin Lara p.2
2008-02-06 08:56:00 1914 Still at school he participates in a small literary group which had the name of "Student Literature Group".1917 In 11th grade he wins a poetry prize with his poem "Visionary". He decides, "I will live in this world, establish in it and live from it".(Sasaña, 255).1918 Finishes school, ?I finished school. But now the compulsory military service is like an ax hanging over my head.? (Sasañan, 259). 1918 Military service, ?We were more than a thousand, I saw it in the draft lists. The draft law had brought nineteen year old youngsters from all over the department.? (Wichay Uray), later moved to the military base in Viacha, La Paz, ?I suffered for all my life?.
By: Bolivia Today
Water balloon wars in Cochabamba and all Bolivia
2008-02-05 06:37:00 There is an old tradition of throwing water balloons and getting people wet during Carnival in Bolivia. In fact, in Cochabamba, people start throwing water balloons as early as two months before carnival, or usually since January.The roots of this tradition are estabished in playing and sharing a nice moment together with family and friends during the carnival feasts.However this tradition has changed through time and unfortunelly in many places it has become a very primitive and aggresive activity. Why? Many people have the habit of using water balloons on purpose only filled with little water so that they don't break easily or put them in a freezer for the same reason. Only that the side effect is quite sad, they are harder and actually hurt people when they receive the water balloon hit from a distance.Women are the favorite target of this activity, and many really hate it and fear going out to the streets during this period of time before and during carnival. The municipality h...
By: Bolivia Today
Agustin Lara p.1
2008-02-04 06:14:00 Poet and writer. Was a soldier in the Chaco war. Was authoer of some of the most famous bolivian books including: Repete, Paqarin, Surumi, Inti Warrior, Quechua Poetry, Quechua culture. 1898 - Born in Muela, in the Punata province, Department of Cochabamba. ?My parents owned a ranch outside of the town, a place called Mazacara by us and Masaq´ara by the indians of the zone? (Paqarin, 20). 1906 Goes into a public school in the town, where the teacher was a taylor who required his students to read in Spanish when they only spoke quechua. ?I started school with a lot of good will, and that is why the teacher made me his assistant."(Paqarin,163) 1908 Leaves the town's school without being able to read, and will instead go to school in the nearby town of Arani until 1909. ?It was for me like leaving the a dark night to meet with the sunrise.? (Paqarin,163). 1909 Studied in a public School in Cochabamba. ?Everything was new and strange for me, all the environment, even the air and the sk...
By: Bolivia Today
The Cochabamba Carnival Parade last century
2008-01-31 06:34:00 It is a tradition that in Bolivia during carnival there are several parades. In Cochabamba this started last century and I included some photographs of where the parades took place. Now the usual path of the parade starts in the east part of the city, continues to the downtown are, then through the "Prado" by the Ramon Rivero Av. and finally ends in the "Recoleta" Bridge.Here are some photographs almost 100 years old which show how some of these places looked back then.Cochabamba Carnival at the beginning of the 20th century.The "Alameda" or roads with trees on their sides.The Colon Square, where the parades usually started.The Prado where the parades took place.
By: Bolivia Today
Puchero for Tuesday of Carnival
2008-01-29 06:18:00 INGREDIENTS 1 pound of chest (cow meat) 1 piece of bacon 1 lamb ribs 2 pound of potatoes 1 medium sized cabbage4 onion heads 1 bit of whole cumin 1 garlic clove 5 sheats of yellos hot pepper (ají) 8 to 10 peaches 1 pound of sweet potatoe 6 bananas ? dessert 1 cup of rice 1 cup of oil ½ pound of complete or soaked chuñoPREPARATION All the meat and the bacon is cooked in plenty of water, with salt, pepper, and cumin for a good while, since the chest takes some time to cook. In another pot, cook the cabbage leaves, with a bit of whole cumin, salt and garlic. When it's almost completely cooked you drip the cabbage leaves and you place them in the meat pot so that they keep cooking, and you also add the potatoes, whole and well washed, and the chuño cut in two or in halves. When this is already cooked, before you take it out of the fire you add the peeled peaches, they must only boil a second (if you like you can also place pears). The sweet potatoe and the bananas can be cooked apart, ...
By: Bolivia Today
The Thursdays of "Compadres y Comadres" (godfathers and godmothers)
2008-01-28 05:08:00 Two week before carnival starts in Cochabamba and other cities in the country there is the tradition of celebrating the "Jueves de compadres y comadres", or Thursdays of godfathers and godmothers.This precarnival tradition has its roots in the importance that family relations have in the bolivian way of life. Godfathers and godmothers are very common way to introduce close friends into the "extended" family concept which is used in Bolivia. Two weeks before carnival, in this case it was this past Thursday, the "Jueves de Compadres" takes place. Usually what happens is that not only people which have a godmother relation with someone make a party, but most public places and offices and many people in general celebrate. It is woman which celebrate men, in this case, so drinks, foods, music and other elements build this traditional festivity. A week before carnival, in other words this coming Thursday the "Jueves de Comadres" will take. Usually the ladie's celebration is bigger than...
By: Bolivia Today
Back to sports, Aurora - football team of Cochabamba
2008-01-28 03:53:00 In the morning of the 27th of May of 1935, a group of enthusiastic sportesmen gathered in the INSTITUTO AMERICANO (American Institute) of our city, took the iniciative and founded a Sports Club which they gave the name of AURORA (dawn), name which reflects the dawn of each day as sign of hope. So they take as colors for this club the colors Light Blue and White, inspired by the color of the Cochabambine sky.Since then the Aurora Club, even though it has gone through several economical problems, has had glorious moments in the soccer scenario of Cochabamba, with strength and feeling it has gone through the different leagues and has waved its flag in local, national and international. It has always had the characteristic of being a "the people's team", this characteristic has determined that the poorest social levels of Cochabamba have always felt part of the team. We can remember that the Aurora Club has turned into a soccer academy at a national and international level, and we have...
By: Bolivia Today
Festivity of the "Virgen of Candelaria"
2008-01-21 05:50:00 This festivity is part of the religiuos tour which takes place in Cochabamba every year. This one takes place in Aiquile and Colomi on the 1st and 2nd of february.Before this night, fires and fireworks light the night. The following day there is a parade with the "Virgen of Candelaria", there are folkloric dances and fairs where local goods are sold.Each of the following days of the Festivity has a special "captain" in charge, who has to take care of all the activities during the day and night, this festivity lasts for one week.
By: Bolivia Today
Travelling from Cochabamba to Santa Cruz (Bolivia)
2007-12-20 08:22:00 I am travelling from Cochabamba to Santa Cruz and hope to keep up the blogging. If you want to know what the status of the roads is in Bolivia, specially if you travel during the rainy season you can go to this website:http://www.abc.gov.bo/I-t is the National Road Administrator website, there you will find a map like the one below:This map provides with a daily status of the roads in Bolivia.
By: Bolivia Today
Green Areas, Parks and Gardens in Cochabamba
2007-12-19 04:30:00 Cochabamba is the ecological center of the country, and because of this much importance has been given to the preservation of species of different characteristics and seasons. The implementation of green public areas includes 89 urban and suburban parks with a forestation of 4 million plants of diverse shrub and tree species.The public gardens and parks have as a goal the conservation of the environment, children's recreation and keeping the balance with the specific characteristics of the land in our region. ¨MARTIN CARDENAS´´ BOTANICAL GARDEN Found in the intersection of Ramón Rivero Av. and Gral. Galindo Av. It depends of the Mayor's Office, counts with a variety of 200 exotic species of "cactus" and a collection of Bromelias from different continents.TRAFFIC EDUCATIONAL PARK Found on the Ramón Rivero Av. it has a creative design which makes reference to the regulations, norms and signs for vehicle and pedestrian traffic. It is here that children find an interactive dynamic whi...
By: Bolivia Today
Wilstermann
2007-12-16 05:47:00 It wouldn't be fair to speak about the culture and way of being of Bolivia and Cochabamba without mentioning football, which Americans call soccer but which I will refer to as football since that is how it is called in Europe and the name all Latin Americans love. I will introduce ocassionaly a team or two and I will start with the football teams which represent Cochabamba, and on this ocassion I will introduce Wilstermann.Let's start with some history about the Wilstermann footbal club.THE BEGINNINGThe story says that Wilstermann started with the name of "San José de la Banda" and with the colors light blue and white. The change came later.At the end of the 24th of November of 1949, a group of workers for the Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano got together to start a club which could identify with the company and become the pride of the workers. After two hours of debate, in the maintenance section, they started the "San José de la Banda" Club to honor the region and the name of the airport o...
By: Bolivia Today
La Angostura
2007-12-13 05:30:00 At 17 Km. south of the city, on the old highway to Santa Cruz, we find one of the biggest dams in Cochabamba: the artificial lake of ?La Angostura?. It was built 50 years ago with donations from the mexican government. Its waters ?which come from the mountain ranges- are distributed as irrigation all year round for the agriculture of the Central and Lower Valleys of the department.The Angostura offers several places for family recreation, in its banks we find private countryhouses and restaurants which provide means for fishing, recreational navegation and other sports; the speciality of the menu are "carpa" and "pejerrey" two local species of fish. Two kilometers before we reach the Angostura, on the side of the road, we find ?Las Carmelitas?, a restaurant which has a speciality known as ?pukacapas?: special pie-style food of criolle origin, round and full of fresh cheese, hot pepper, onions, olives, and cooked in a mud furnace.
By: Bolivia Today
Pairumani
2007-12-12 05:06:00 Found at 20 kilometers from the city of Cochabamba, it is a beautiful place in the central valley with warm and comfortable climate. In this region we find Villa Albina, landed estate which was property of the "tin baron" Simón I. Patiño. Nowadays it is a research farm and Phitotechnical Institute of the Pro Bolivia University Foundation. This beatiful landed estate was built between 1925 and 1932; it is ver delicately decorated and its furniture was all imported from Europe. Beautiful centennial trees guard its entrance. In the north part of the estate we find a nearby Pine Forests and a brook of crystaline water, in this sector we can find the old powerhouse which gave electric energy to the Estate. All this picture, because of its natural beauty, is plainly justified as a touristic attraction. This place is a Bolivian National Monument. The house and mausoleum have guided visits from Monday to Saturday.
By: Bolivia Today
Incarraq´ay
2007-12-11 06:20:00 This site is a Bolivian National Monument which still keeps the testimony of the Inca settlements. It is found 26 Km. west of the city of Cochabamba, in the top of a hill which limits Sipe Sipe, in the Link´u gap and on the way which connects Sipe Sipe with Li´pichi. Incarraq´ay is an arqueological site which has a great historical interest, it is one of the strategic strongholds of the Inca Empire: a military fortress (Pucara) for the control of the corn producing valleys; it is built in stone, at a difficult height for access and with a broad visual domain. The built space has an approximate dimension of 50 meters wide in the north sector, and 150 meters wide in a north-south orientation. It counts with a set of environments with small furnaces and galleries.From Sipe Sipe to the ruins we can get through two ways, a pathway of 6 kilometers and through a road for vehicles which is 12 kilometers long.. Incarraq?ay has a beautiful sight of the Cochabamba Valley at the feet of the Tun...
By: Bolivia Today
Repechon Caves
2007-12-04 05:55:00 These caves are found in the Tiraque province, some 30 Kms from Villa Tunari. Their climate is warm and extremely humid with and average temperature of 12 to 17° C. They're small and not deep(50 to 150 meters and a height of 30 to 40 metros) which make up a "Sanctuary of wild life? recognized as a protected ecological area.In this caves we can find a certain species of bird (steatornis caripensis) which receives the name of "guácharo" or "lucero". These birds have the singularity of being nocturnal, and because of this their eyes have a flourescent shine, reason for which they're also known as ?blind birds?. They eat seeds rich in oils and build their nests in the cave walls, guiding themselves at night using sound echos. It is estimated that in both caverns exists a total population of approximately 2000 birds. It is a specie in danger of extintion.
By: Bolivia Today
Tiraque
2007-12-01 06:55:00 Tiraque is next to the Chapare province and has one of the healthiest climates in Bolivia. The Yungas of Vandiola are one of the most well known areas of this province, famous before for agriculture they are now source of several natural resource discoveries.This province currently produces cofee, coca, cacao, yuca, sugar cane, rice and corn. The town of Tiraque is found 65 km from the old road cochabamba-santa cruz.Tiraque celebrates its religious festivity on the 10th of October, when the town is visited by the "Virgen de las Angustias" or virgen of sorrow. It celebrates its civic date on the 15th of October. This province is an important agricultural center where 102 farmer (campesion) communities bring potatoes, wheat, beans, onions, chuño and other products here.The fountain of loveThis fountain has a legend of providing magical healing powers to those couples which are in love and is found on the Vandiola street of Tiraque.Inca StoneThe Inca Stone or "Chejta Rumi? is found on ...
By: Bolivia Today
The Arqueological Museum of Cochabamba
2007-11-24 08:56:00 The Arqueological Museum of Cochabamba has one of the most complete collections in the country. It is part of the University of San Simon (local state university) and was established in 1953, it is found on the Nataniel Aguirre street. There are pieces showcased from the year 15000 BC up to the colonial period. There are approximately 1300 pieces from the precolonial period.The museum has three areas:Paleontology: has fossils and other objects.Arqueology: has more than 1500 objects incluidng; ceramics, textile, mummies, rock statues (pachamamas), bones and others.Ethnography: materials from everyday life of diverse ethnic grups from all over the country.
By: Bolivia Today
Adela Zamudio
2007-11-21 07:35:00 Adela Zamudio Rivero, famous bolivian poetress, educator and politician, was born in the city of Cochabamba on October 11th 1854. Her father was Adolfo Zamudio, an engineer, her mother was Modesta Rivero, born in La Paz.It is know that Mrs. Modesta studied literature, since several poems were found dedicated to her sons. Adela had three brothers Mauro, Arturo, Máximo and one sister Amalia; three of which died at an early age. Adela Zamudio was baptized the 23d of October of that same year with the name Juana Plácida Adela Rafaela Zamudio Rivera. Adela Zamudio fought for woman's rights and was the founder of several educational institutions in Cochabamba. She is one of the most influential cochabambines of the 19th century. Her works and legacy have greatly determined the shape of nowadays Cochabamba and Bolivia.October 11 was declared by national authorities as ?Day of the Bolivian Woman? in honor of Adela Zamudio.
By: Bolivia Today
Aymara naked desnuda en una plaza de Cochabamba
2007-11-20 16:33:00 NOVELITA CONDORI Ella se llama Novelita Condori, es una aymarita que a mi me gusta, hicimos estas fotos en el Parque Acuático a las 16:00 ante la mirada asombrada de niños y mucho más asombrada de los padres de familia. Buscando con paciencia y sal...
By: Bolivia en blogs
Tarata
2007-11-18 06:57:00 The San Severino festivity takes place in the Esteban Arce province which has 12 sections.SECTIONS (Capitals - largest) 1 Tarata (First) 2 Villa Anzaldo (Second) 3 Arbieto (Third) OTHER SECTIONS4 Arpita 5 Arpita II6 Huasa Rancho 7 Huerta Mayu 8 Pajcha Pata 9 Izata 10 Quiriria 11 La Viña 12 Molle PampaTARATACapital of the Esteban Arce province, it is a town which has a strong colonial environment. In it were born famous musicians, politicians and militaries which contributed to bolivian history. This province of Esteban Arce is frequently called Tarata, for the importance this town once had. It was during the government of president Agustin Morales that this province was created on the 4th of January of 1872, covering aproximately 1245 sq. km.
By: Bolivia Today
Festivity of ?San Severino?
2007-11-15 05:28:00 On November 28th in the town of Tarata, Esteban Arze province, the festivity of San Severino takes places. This is an important celebration since San Severino is given the power to bless his devotees with rain, which is much needed and valued in Cochabamba. San Severino is the saint of the town of Tarata and is found in a special place in the church of San Jose in that town. The main activity in this celebration is the mass, followed by a walk and a party.
By: Bolivia en blogs
Festivity of "San Severino"
2007-11-15 05:28:00 On November 28th in the town of Tarata, Esteban Arze province, the festivity of San Severino takes places. This is an important celebration since San Severino is given the power to bless his devotees with rain, which is much needed and valued in Cochabamba. San Severino is the saint of the town of Tarata and is found in a special place in the church of San Jose in that town. The main activity in this celebration is the mass, followed by a walk and a party.
By: Bolivia Today
Cochabamba: Violencia en la marcha de las ?cacerolas?
2007-11-14 18:31:00 Hoy Miércoles 14 de Noviembre se llevó a cabo una marcha de "cacerolas" convocada por la Federación de Juntas Vecinales de Cochabamba (En el cercado existen dos Fejuves paralelas y con leer más
By: Bolivia en blogs
Small shake in Cochabamba and earthquake in Antofagasta
2007-11-14 17:32:00 The building where I work just moved from side to side for some 5 seconds, I checked out from where this could have come and it seems they had an earthquake in Antofagasta, Chile.http://earthquake.usgs.go-v/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/u-s2007jsat.php
By: Bolivia en blogs
Small shake in Cochabamba and earthquake in Antofagasta
2007-11-14 17:32:00 The building where I work just moved from side to side for some 5 seconds, I checked out from where this could have come and it seems they had an earthquake in Antofagasta, Chile.http://earthquake.usgs.go-v/eqcenter/recenteqsww/Quakes/u-s2007jsat.php
By: Bolivia Today
"Heroinas de la Coronilla" Monument
2007-11-13 05:39:00 The San Sebastian Hill, found on the south part of the city, is where the monument to the Heroines of the Coronilla (Heroinas de la Coronilla) is found. This monument remembers the independance fight that took place in Cochabamba in 1812.In May that year, after fighting against the patriotic armies commanded by Esteban Arze, Gral. Goyeneche of the royalists moved forward to Cochabamba which had scarce resources to fight against the royal army. Brave women organized and attacked the Spanish army, headed by Manuela Gandarillas, which even though she was blind commanded the women army. They bravely resisted in the hill of San Sebastian in the place called "La Coronilla" which means *the small peak". After resisting bravely they were overcome by Goyeneche and he took Cochabamba on May 27th 1812.
By: Bolivia Today
Entrada Universitaria (University Parade)
2007-11-12 05:28:00 During this weekend we had in Cochabamba the "Entrada Universitaria", which is a typical parade organized by the local state University (Universidad Mayor de San Simon) to celebrate its foundation. This year we had 53 student groups (fraternidades estudiantiles) with aproximately 12000 dancers which went through the streets of Cochabamba from 10:30 Saturday morning to past midnight of Sunday. Different traditional dances like; pujllay, saya afroboliviana, tarqueadas, sicuris, llameradas, caporales, morenadas, chacareras, chapaqueadas, tinkus, potolos, sicus and taquiraris were all shown on the streets of Cochabamba during several hours.Several guest groups from all the other state universities of Bolivia were also present.
By: Bolivia Today
Profile of Cochabamba, Bolivia
2007-11-10 09:09:00 Maybe a little late, but here you have the general profile of the department of Cochabamba in Bolivia.Official Name: Cochabamba Location: 17°25'South - 66°10' West Height: 2.558 m.o.s.l. Foundation: 1st of January of 1574 Surface: 55.631 km2 Total Population: 1.750.000 (est. 2007) inhabitants Capital City: Cochabamba Per Capita GNP: 954 us dollars The main products are: Agriculture: As example the growth of potatoes, corn, wheat, banana, pinapple, etc. Mining: Which includes tin, lead, antimonium, gold. Energy Natural Resources: Gas and oil. Livestock : Milk, meat, leatherThe department of Cochabamba has a strategic geographical situation which places it in the center of Bolivia. It is the articulation center of the country since it permits national connection through roads and highways . It has a wide diversity of agricultural products.Industry found in this department has permited the export of non-traditional products like flowers, handicrafts, poultry, woodworks, ceramics an...
By: Bolivia Today
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