Cochabamba, Bolivia: Cristo Ray and Local Market.

Climbing the stairs for the Cristo Ray statue in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

Cochabamba is a unique city located in central Bolivia in the department of Cochoabamba in the valley of the Andes Mountains. There are a lot of things to explore as a tourist in Cochabamba. Among that is touring the historical center, the mountains, the markets and enjoying the beautiful view of the city from the mountains and Cristo Ray.

Noy reached to the top at the foot of the Cristo Ray statue in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

Carmit with the military group at the foot of the Cristo Ray statue in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

We enjoyed the amazing weather as Cochabamba is known as the city of eternal spring. Cochabamba sits in the valley and therefore we climbed to the mountains to reach the Cristo Ray statue. Climbing the stairs was not easy but definitely worth it. There were vendors who sold us water along the way. The views at the top were amazing. We were able to see military groups in training. On the way, we met other tourists and enjoyed chatting with them about our Bolivian adventures.

Upon going down, we took the local colourful bus to the market. The public transportation functions very well and serves the Bolivian locals and the indigenous all around the city. 

A view of a closed street in the market with traditional Bolivian artisanal goods in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

Indigenous Bolivian woman selling watermelon in the market of Cochabamba, Bolivia.

Carmit enjoying the purchases in the market of Cochabamba, Bolivia.

In Cochabamba, the market is an amazing place to stroll and spend the day. The people are very polite and welcoming. The food is a mix of traditional dishes, cooking, fruits and vegetables. It’s safe to stroll in the market to enjoy the fresh fruit drinks that are offered for 0.50 cents.

Indigenous Bolivian woman selling fresh carrot juice for 0.50 cents to Carmit in the market in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

Indigenous Bolivian woman selling coca leaves in big sacks to the indigenous client in the market of Cochabamba, Bolivia.

It is very popular to see sacks of fresh coca leaves and other Bolivian herbal medicine. The Bolivians use the raw coca leaves all day. It is part of their culture to chew the coca leaves to get the energy for their activities. The Bolivian people and the indigenous co-exist together and have great respect for their culture and country.

Indigenous Bolivian woman with traditional clothing buying rice and pasta in the market of Cochabamba, Bolivia.

Indigenous woman of Bolivia selling fruits in her wagon in the market of Cochabamba, Bolivia.

It is amazing to see the indigenous communities wearing their traditional clothing and keeping their culture alive in the city of Cochabamba.

Mix of local Bolivians and indigenous in their traditional clothing buying pasta in the market of Cochabamba, Bolivia.

I definitely recommend visiting Cochabamba to be more familiar with Bolivian culture and ethnic groups.