Cercado: Discover Nature and Culture

At Laguna Alalay, nature and a walking and cycling path take center stage; Parque Bicentenario features a variety of sports and play facilities. Casona Santivañez adds a historical dimension to the selection. This lets you connect specific places with your interests before narrowing down your hotel search.

Cercado and the History of Cochabamba

Cercado is the official name for the historic area that fully encompasses the Cochabamba or Kanata Valley. The Villa de Oropeza, now the city of Cochabamba, was founded in this area in 1571. The name Cercado thus connects the destination with the city’s founding history.

Laguna Alalay: Birdlife and Ciclovía

More than 136 bird species from highland and lowland areas have been recorded at Laguna Alalay. For travelers interested in nature, this range provides a specific point of reference: the bird species come from both areas. A walking and cycling path also runs along the lagoon and forms part of a Ciclovía that is about 15 kilometers long in total. The distance refers to the entire Ciclovía, not just the path along the lagoon. If you plan to include the route, check local conditions before setting out.

Sports Facilities and Historic Sites

Parque Bicentenario features a swimming pool, a roller-skating rink, an outdoor fitness gym, small sports courts, and modular playground equipment for children. Compared with the path at Laguna Alalay, this list offers different points of reference for planning: here, the focus is on various sports and play facilities, while the lagoon offers a path and birdlife. If you plan to use a specific facility, check its current availability before your visit.

Casona Santivañez offers a different point of reference in time: it was restored between 1997 and 1999. The restoration date is a specific point of reference for travelers interested in the history of a place as well as nature and recreational activities. The dates refer to different events: the Villa de Oropeza was founded in 1571, while 1997 to 1999 refers to the restoration of Casona Santivañez. This makes it possible to distinguish the city’s founding from the restoration chronologically.

In the broader destination of Cochabamba

The broader destination of Cochabamba also offers other cultural and landscape highlights. In Totora, colonial houses and seven colonial bridges are among the featured attractions, as is La Pajcha waterfall. The Casa de la Cultura there was also converted into a museum. The examples are quite distinct: the houses and bridges offer a historical focus, while La Pajcha is a waterfall. If you are considering visiting the museum, check access arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Cala Cala, Tiraque, Quillacollo Province.

Back to the main travel overview: Cochabamba.