Cochabamba sits in a valley in the central Andes, sheltered by the Tunari mountains to the south-west and the foothills of the Valle Alto to the north. Its mild, spring-like climate has earned it the name "City of Eternal Spring," and it is the largest urban centre between La Paz and Santa Cruz. Residents are known as cochalas or cochabambinos.
For a visitor, the city is organised around a compact centre anchored by Plaza 14 de Septiembre, also called the Plaza Principal. From there, the main commercial and dining streets spread outward, with the Prado and Calle España forming a popular strip for eating and going out, and quieter residential and hotel areas to the north. This guide covers which areas to base yourself in, not individual places to book.
Best areas to stay in Cochabamba
1. Around Plaza Colón and the centre
This is the most practical base for a first visit. Plaza Colón sits within the central grid, close to the Plaza Principal and within easy reach of the restaurants and bars on Calle España. Several budget and mid-range places cluster here, and many of the upper-end hotels are concentrated within a block or two of Plaza Colón.
It suits first-time visitors and anyone who wants to walk to the main sights and evening spots. Expect a mix of budget hostales and mid-range hotels. One practical point: the area between the bus terminal and the centre is not very safe late at night, so if you stay further out toward the terminal, take a taxi back after dark.
2. Calle España and the Prado
Calle España is a lively strip lined with restaurants and bars, and El Prado is nearby. Staying here puts you within walking distance of much of the city's eating and nightlife, and the area has a good supply of budget and mid-range accommodation.
It suits travellers who want to be close to evening activity and don't mind a bit of street noise. You will find hostels and hotels of varying standards along and just off the street. A practical point: some places on Calle España are described as cleaner and better maintained than the typical options in town, though they can be pricier than elsewhere.
3. Recoleta
Recoleta is a quieter, more upscale area with a number of classy hotels. It sits away from the busiest central streets, making it a calmer place to return to at the end of the day.
It suits travellers who prefer a quieter base and are happy to take a taxi or walk a little further to reach the centre and the nightlife. Expect mid-range and upper-end hotels. A practical point: almost all hotels in the city offer rooms for less than the equivalent of US$100 per night, so even the smarter areas remain relatively affordable.
4. Cala Cala
Cala Cala is a northern neighbourhood that includes the historic House of Mayorazgo, the residence of the first Spanish landholder in the valley. It has its own plazuela and a more residential feel than the centre.
It suits visitors who want a quieter stay away from the central bustle while still being within the city. You will find hotels here, including modern and boutique-style options. A practical point: it is north of the centre, so plan on using taxis or local transport to reach the main sights.
5. Around the bus terminal
The stretch between the bus terminal and the centre has dozens of hotels and hostales. It is convenient if you are arriving or leaving by bus and want to stay close to the terminal.
It suits budget travellers and those with early or late bus connections. Expect mostly budget accommodation. A practical point: this area is not very safe late at night, and these options should only be considered if nothing closer to the centre is available. Always take a taxi back after dark.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: Hostales and residenciales, often with a choice of shared or private bathroom, some with small breakfasts included. Many are concentrated in the centre and along Calle España, with further options near the bus terminal.
- Mid-range: Hotels and apart-hotels with private bathrooms, breakfast, and sometimes kitchens or parking. These are found around Plaza Colón, along Calle España, and in Recoleta.
- Splurge: The city's upper-end hotels, several with restaurants, conference space, and a range of room options. These cluster within a block or two of Plaza Colón and in Recoleta. Even at this level, rooms generally cost less than the equivalent of US$100 per night.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself around Plaza Colón and the central grid. It puts you within walking distance of the Plaza Principal, the restaurants and bars on Calle España, and the largest concentration of hotels at every price level. It is also the easiest area to return to by taxi at night, which matters given the warnings about the route toward the bus terminal.
Frequently asked questions
Is the area near the bus terminal a good place to stay?
It has plenty of hotels and hostales and is convenient for bus connections, but it is not very safe late at night. These options are best treated as a fallback, and you should take a taxi back after dark.
Where are the upper-end hotels concentrated?
Many are within a block or two of Plaza Colón, and there are also classy hotels in Recoleta. Almost all offer rooms for less than the equivalent of US$100 per night.
Which area is best for nightlife and restaurants?
Calle España and the nearby Prado have a concentration of restaurants and bars, making this the most convenient area if evening activity is a priority.
Do I need to worry about noise in the central areas?
Some central locations near the nightlife can be noisy, though at least one place close to El Prado reports that noise is not a problem while sleeping. If quiet matters to you, Recoleta and Cala Cala are calmer alternatives.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.