Bolivia Cultura: Travel Deals

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2012-01-16T10:32:00.000-08:00

BOLIVIA CULTURA

Viajes y Turismo

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ITINERARY

Saturday February 18th Cochabamba to Oruro

· Departure from in front of the football stadium Felix Capriles, avenida Libertador 05:00 am
· Travel to Oruro 05:30
· Breakfast on the Bus
· Arrival in Oruro 09:30
· Acommodate in the seats to view this amazing spectacle
· Box lunch
· Return to Cochabamba 21:00
· Drop off at stadium 01:00 am

INCLUDED
· Private transport Cochabamba-Oruro-Cochabamba
· Breakfast
· Box luch
· Good seat in the Avenida Folklore (6 de agosto)
· Guides
· Souvenirs

NOT INCLUDED
· Tips
· Personal expenses, such as meals and drinks (apart from what is offered)

PRICE PER PERSON
From $us. 75.-

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Bolivia Cultura SRL Viajes y Turismo
Calle España Nº 301, corner of calle Ecuador
Telephone: 452-7272 · 452-9459 · Celular 717-96012
E-mail: reserva@boliviacultura.com

Oferta !!!

2011-04-07T10:16:00.000-07:00

SEMANA SANTA en TOROTORO

22-23-24 abril

ITINERARIO

22-23-24 abril

DÍA 1: Viernes 22 de abril Cochabamba - Torotoro – Caverna de Umajalanta

-Salida de Cochabamba, rumbo a Torotoro a hrs.08:30 a.m. (Viaje de 5 Hrs. aprox.

-Pasaremos por las poblaciones de Cliza, Anzaldo, Tayapaya , Julo Grande, Julo Chico.

-Llegada a Torotoro y acomodación en Hostal

-Almuerzo en Torotoro

-Por la tarde excursión a la caverna de Umajalanta

-Retorno a Torotoro

-Cena

-Noche de hospedaje

DÍA 2: Sábado 23 de abril Ciudad de Itas Huellas de dinosaurios

-Desayuno

-Excursión a la ciudad de Itas en donde podrán recorrer los laberintos pétreos que conducen a

inumerables cavernas

-Box Lunch.

-Recorrido por las huellas de dinosaurios.

-Retorno a Torotoro.

-Cena

-Noche de hospedaje.

DÍA 3: Domingo 24 de abril Cañon de Torotoro - Vergel - Cochabamba

-Desayuno

-Excursión al cañon de Torotoro y al Vergel

-Retorno a Torotoro

-Almuerzo

-Por la tarde retorno a Cochabmba.

-Llegada a Cochabamba a hrs.08:30 p.m. (aproximado)

INCLUYE:

-Transporte Cochabamba – Torotoro - Cochabamba

-2 noches de Hospedaje en Hostal c/baño compartido.

-Alimentación.

-Visita a los lugares mencionados en programa.

-Registro en el Parque.

-Guías Turísticos.

NO INCLUYE:

-Agua, gaseosas, bebidas alcohólicas.

-Snacks.

-Propinas.

-Gastos personales, comidas y extras no mencionados.

TARIFAS POR PERSONA:

$us. 90.-

Observaciones:

Tarifa en base a grupo de 20 pax

Adicionar Bs200.- por persona por habitación c/baño privado

Comisionable al 10% para Agencias de Viajes

Menores de 0 a 2 años liberados (compartiendo cama con los papas).

INFORMES Y RESERVAS:

Bolivia Cultura SRL Viajes y Turismo

Calle España no. 301, esquina calle Ecuador

Telefono: 452-7272 · 452-9459 Cel: 717 96012

Email: reservas@boliviacultura.com

Trip to !!!

2011-02-17T12:06:00.000-08:00

CARNIVAL IN ORURO 2011

ITINERARY
Saturday March 05th Cochabamba to Oruro

· Departure from in front of the football stadium Felix Capriles, Avenida Libertador 05:00 am
· Travel to Oruro 05:30
· Breakfast on the Bus
· Arrival in Oruro (approx. 09:30)
· Accommodate in the seats Avenida 6 of agosto to view this amazing spectacle
· Box lunch
· Return to Cochabamba (approx. 21:00, the time will be agreed upon by participants)
· Drop off at stadium 01:00 am (time approx)

INCLUDED:
· Private transport Cochabamba-Oruro-Cochabamba
· Breakfast
· Box lunch
· Good seat in the Avenida Folklore (6 de agosto)
· Guides (bilingual)
· Souvenir

NOT INCLUDED:
· Tips
· Personal expenses, such as meals and drinks(apart from what is offered)

PRICE PER PERSON:

$ 82 USD

INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS:

Bolivia Cultura SRL Viajes y Turismo

Calle España no. 301, corner of Calle Ecuador

Telephone: 452-7272 · 452-9459 Cel: 717 96012

Email: reservas@boliviacultura.com

AÑO NUEVO AYMARA 2010

2010-06-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

El año nuevo Aymara comienza el 21 de junio, con el solsticio de invierno y con el inicio de un nuevo ciclo agrícola (nueva época de siembra). Este es el momento elegido para la celebración del Año Nuevo Andino, los amautas “Sacerdotes andinos” han encontrado el punto clave para que retorne el reordenamiento de la tierra.
Esta fiesta está perfectamente integrada en nuestra cultura, y nada ha podido desenraizarla de nuestros corazones. Los antiguos indígenas agricultores del altiplano andino, se regían por la observación de diversos fenómenos astronómicos para guiarse en los momentos que debían iniciar las diversas faenas agrícolas y ganaderas, como siembras, cosechas y esquilas a los camélidos andinos.
En Tiwanaku cada 21 de Junio se realizan ceremonias indígenas que recuerdan un pasado lleno de esplendor. Este día los primeros rayos de Sol penetran por la puerta del templo de Kalasasaya e iluminan al magnífico Monolito “Ponce". Los andinos de Bolivia, Chile y Perú, celebran este día el inicio del año nuevo andino, en medio de ritos y ofrendas al Inti (Sol) y a La Pachamama (Madre Tierra) quienes invocan también la fertilidad de la tierra con el sacrificio de llamas, cuya sangre es una ofrenda al Sol y la Tierra y a otras deidades andinas para asegurar la prosperidad agrícola y pecuaria. El sentido del rito es asegurar la reproducción de la vida con las bendiciones del Sol para la siembra y la cosecha y este rito rememora antiguas prácticas de las comunidades aymaras.

2010-03-08T10:07:00.000-08:00

WORLD PEOPLE’S CONFERENCE ON CLIMATE CHANGE AND
THE RIGHTS OF MOTHER EARTH

COCHABAMBA, BOLIVIA
20-21-22 ABRIL 2010

BOLIVIA CULTURA offers vast logistical experience in working with individuals, universities, members of the media and activists. We are a full service travel agency and logistical support center located in the heart of downtown Cochabamba. We can provide any support services you need during your time here.

Airline ticketing both domestic and international including transfer to and from the airport

- Hotel and hostal reservations in Cochabamba
- Homestays with bolivian families and other housing options
- Interpreters and translators specialized in environmental and climate
change issues
- Fixing services for press: permits, transportation, arrangement of
interviews and shootings
- Tours in the Cochabamba Valley: Incallajata and Valley Alto
- Tours National to: Chapare, Toro Toro, Lago Titica, Tiwanaku, Yungas,
- Parque Madidi, Samaipata, Salar de Uyuni
- Reservation and purchase of: Train and bus tickets to La Paz, Santa
Cruz, Uyuni, Tupiza , Villazón, Cuzco, Lima, Arica and Iquique
- Car Rental
- Camping equipment rental
- Spanish and Quechua classes

CONTACT US:
Calle España no. 301, corner of Calle Ecuador
Telephone: 452-7272- 452-9459
E-mail: reservas@boliviacultura.com ; info@boliviacultura.com Web: http://www.boliviacultura.com/

2010-01-14T13:11:00.000-08:00

CARNIVAL IN ORURO 2010

Join us for this amazing event CARNIVAL 2010 in Oruro Bolivia. We offer one to three day tours. Visit www.boliviacultura.com/ This is a day not to be missed. Check out the photos.

ITINERARY

Saturday Feb 13th Cochabamba to Oruro

Departure from in front of the football stadium Felix Capriles, Avenida Libertador 05:00 am
Travel to Oruro 05:30
Breakfast on the Bus
Arrival in Oruro (approx. 09:30)
Accommodate in the seats Avenida Folklore to view this amazing spectacle
Box lunch
Return to Cochabamba (approx. 21:00, the time will be agreed upon by participants)
Drop off at stadium 01:00 am (time approx)

INCLUDED:
Private transport Cochabamba-Oruro-Cochabamba
Breakfast
Box lunch
Good seat in the Avenida Folklore (6 de agosto)
An afternoon snack
Guides (bilingual)
Souvenir

NOT INCLUDED:
Tips
Personal expenses, such as meals and drinks(apart from what is offered)

PRICE PER PERSON: $ 65 USD

INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS:

Bolivia Cultura SRL Viajes y Turismo
Calle España no. 301, corner of Calle Ecuador
Telephone: 452-7272 · 452-9459 Cel: 717 96012
Email: reservas@boliviacultura.com

FESTIVIDAD DE SAN SEVERINO EN TARATA

2009-11-25T13:02:00.000-08:00

El santo de la lluvia
Ubicada a 29 kilómetros de viaje de la capital del valle, Tarata no sólo es la cuna de los ex presidentes Mariano Melgarejo, Luis Quintín Mendoza y René Barrientos Ortuño, o del héroe de la lucha por la independencia, Esteban Arce; Tarata también acoge al santo de las lluvias que atrae con su fiesta religiosa a miles de fieles.
El último domingo de cada noviembre, el santo San Severino hace llover en Tarata. Los devotos están seguros de que una fiesta en su honor hará que el aguacero provoque que al menos uno de los tres ríos que circundan el municipio riegue con agua el Valle Alto de Cochabamba.
Todos los años llegan centenares de fieles para transportar a su tierra un poco de agua bendita del templo franciscano de San José. “Se llevan el líquido en botellas de plástico para luego rociarlas en sus terrenos con el fin de que la lluvia nunca les falte”,
Al ingresar al templo, San Severino parece observar a sus fieles desde su santuario rodeado de decenas de flores y dedicatorias en metal de parte de las familias que agradecen los favores recibidos.
La fiesta religiosa de San Severino (el santo de las lluvias), se inicia este sábado 28 de noviembre, con la entrada folklórica, en la cual se prevé que participen 46 fraternidades de esta región y del interior del país. La parte central de la fiesta, tendrá lugar el domingo con la procesión de la imagen del santo. Este mismo día se realizará la exposición de artesanías y la feria de la gastronomía en las afueras del convento de San José.

AIQUILE 2009

2009-10-30T07:48:00.002-07:00

Tierra de Pasión, Música y Tradición
XXVI Feria y Festival del Charango

Ubicada en el cono Sur de Cochabamba y distante a 220 km, la población de Aiquile, será la sede del Vigésimo Sexto Festival Internacional del Charango que se celebrará a partir del viernes 30 de octubre al domingo 1 de noviembre, con el mejor encuentro competitivo a nivel internacional de excelentes intérpretes y maestros del Charango: niños, jóvenes, adultos, Qhalampeadores y Ñuzta del Charango. El festival también incluirá la realización de una feria exposición de constructores de charangos que se inicia el día viernes en el mercado central.

En Aiquile, la música acompañada con Charango, llamado el pequeño gran gigante, esta presente en las fiestas, matrimonios, cumpleaños, con ritmos muy alegres y todos bailables. Mientras que en el mes Noviembre, en la Fiesta de todo Santos, sucede algo especial que caracteriza a esta región de Bolivia, pues los instrumentos se hacen presente en todos los cementerios de Aiquile y sus alrededores en la fiesta de Todo Santos, se interpreta ritmos lentos y melancólicos, se canta a los difuntos los temas que le gustaban y así los parientes están muy cerca del difunto, de esta manera el dolor de los parientes se hace más llevadero. En esta fecha reúne a la mayoría de los residentes Aiquileños, por tanto no es de extrañar porque se escogió esta fecha para realizar La feria y el festival Internacional del Charango.

AIQUILE 2009

2009-10-30T07:48:00.001-07:00

FESTIVIDAD DEL ARCANGEL SAN MIGUEL EN TIQUIPAYA

2009-10-17T08:18:00.000-07:00

Esta provincia se encuentra a 8 km. de la ciudad de Cochabamba. La festividad de San Miguel inicia desde el primer domingo de octubre con los convites y recorridos de los bailarines por las calles de Tiquipaya.
El sábado anterior al domingo de fiesta se realiza la víspera con fuegos artificiales, verbenas populares y la misa oficiada en honor de santo.
El día domingo de fiesta se inicia con la Misa del Alba y luego la Misa Mayor. A las diez de la mañana es la procesión por las principales calles del pueblo.
Luego se da la entrada folklórica, en la que participan diferentes fraternidades de músicos y danzantes de la zona y otras aledañas.

SPELEOLOGIST MARIO JALDIN DISCOVERS ANOTHER CAVE IN TOROTORO

2009-09-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

Recently the 3rd International Congress of Speleology in Torotoro, Potosi concluded with the annoncment of the discovery of a new cave and a call for the acknowledgement and support of Bolivian professionals in the field.
In mid-July local Speleogist Mario Jaldin accompanied by Italian experts confrmed the discovery of a new cave in the area. The cave is located in a cayon wall almost 70 meters above the ground.
The entrance of the cave is reached from a high promontory making the new cave an attraction for people who practices extreme climbing, indicated Jaldin.
It is necessary to map the cave which was formed during the cretaceous period. As well as classify it as a living cave due to the formation over the centuries of stalagmite and stalactites.

ANIVERSARIO DE COCHABAMBA “GRANERO DE BOLIVIA “

2009-09-09T13:29:00.000-07:00

En septiembre mes aniversario de Cochabamba, los invitamos a conocer sus alrededores con innumerables atractivos: joyas arquitectónicas, bellezas naturales y espléndidos vestigios del pasado que confluyen en la capital de los valles de Bolivia, dándole un aspecto particular que la vuelve entrañable.

Aiquile, caracterizada por la fabricación de los mejores charangos del país.
Arani, famosa por el Pan de Arani y los textiles nativos de alta calidad, cuenta con varias lagunas de pesca.
Ayopaya, de lindas lagunas y aguas termales ideales para observas patos salvajes, perdices, cóndores y vizcachas ubicados en Morochata.
Chapare, de clima tropical donde se encuentran los parques ricos de exuberante vegetación de flora y fauna como el parque Carrasco, Machia y Isiboro-Secure.

Capinota, la más importante especialmente la uva, de donde parte la tradición vitivinícola de Capinota.
Cliza, pueblo de ceramistas y gastronomía avícola
Quillacollo, destacada por la gran festividad religiosa de la Virgen de Urkupiña.
Tarata, Punata y Totora, cuna de grandes héroes cochabambinos, pueblos que aun conservan el estilo colonial en su arquitectura.
Mizque, ciudad de los quinientos quitasoles rica en cultura de los pueblos indígenas de Raqaypampa.
Tapacarí, Bolivar, Arque y Tiraque, son la belleza del paisaje andino, potencial oral de nuestra cultura, caracterizado por las tarkeadas en sus festividades, conservan los rasgos precolombinos.

DIABLADA

2009-09-02T06:39:00.000-07:00

La danza de la diablada es símbolo del Carnaval de Oruro que muestra una cosmovisión profundamente entroncada con el culto andino mismo que se originó en la colonia como una representación de la lucha entre el bien y el mal. Los Diablos y Lucifer bailan dirigidos por el Arcángel, las figuras del Cóndor y el Oso hacen gala de su destreza en la danza, mientras las Ch'ina Supay bailan en filas dinámicas, estas características han hecho que este sea muy popular más allá de nuestras fronteras.

Se cuenta que probablemente en el siglo XVIII, cuando los mineros de Oruro declararon Madre protectora a la Virgen de la Candelaria, bailaban de diablos precisamente para no provocar el enojo del TIO de la mina, “ser sobrenatural”, y dueño de los metales que puede proporcionar grandes riquezas o causar la muerte en los socavones, en cuyo homenaje surgió la danza de la Diablada.
Los bailarines visten trajes de colores vivos, exuberantes con formas suntuosas que hacen de ella un mestizaje lleno de riqueza.

Arani festividad de La Virgen la Bella

2009-08-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

A 62 kilómetros de la capital cochabambina se encuentra la población de Arani, un pueblo enorgullecido por el sabor y tamaño de sus panes aquí se festeja del 24 al 25 de agosto la fiesta de su Santa Patrona, la Virgen La Bella. Esta fiesta congrega a peregrinos que llegan de las diferentes provincias y parroquias. La Virgen la Bella, de rostro moreno y facciones de belleza autóctona, recibe con los brazos abiertos a miles de agricultores que pedirán una mayor producción agropecuaria.

Los peregrinos subirán una empinada cuesta hasta el calvario, en la que están localizadas catorce estaciones.

En cada estación, los devotos se detienen un momento para lanzar una pequeña piedra a la cruz del camino, como señal de pedir perdón por las faltas cometidas.

Otros devotos se acercan al “banco de la Virgen” para golpear la roca y sacar pequeños fragmentos que representan el “préstamo” recibido de la virgencita, a condición de que el próximo año se devuelva lo prestado con su respectivo interés.

Ya en la cumbre del calvario, la mayor parte de los devotos compran “casas”, challan y disfrutan el ritmo de la diana y las cuecas que interpreta algún grupo de músicos o una pequeña banda.

El día de la fiesta -25 de agosto- se celebra una misa solemne, luego la procesión por la plaza principal, acompañado por los danzarines y la banda de músicos, para finalizar con una fiesta familiar de encuentro y alegría. Los devotos degustan el helado casero y los bizcochos especiales.

El 25 de agosto es la “kacharpaya”, es decir la despedida de la Fiesta de la Virgen.

SPECIAL OFFER TO CELEBRATE THE ANIVERSARY OF COCHABAMBA

2009-08-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

Join BOLIVIA CULTURA and explore the wonders of Torotoro National Park. Humajalanta Cave; one of the most beautiful canyons you will ever see and the local museum Pachamama Wasi.

Trip leaves September 12th, for more information call 452-7272 or contact reservas@boliviacultura.com

THE SECOND CRETACEOUS PARK IN BOLIVIA

2009-04-23T06:34:00.000-07:00

Approximately 2,500 kilos of clay are being moulded to give life to one of the most feared species of predatory dinosaurs that existed on earth. The Carnotauros lived from the Inferior Jurásico to the Superior Cretácico Period approximately 65 million years ago.

This time the giant model of the Carnotauros (eight meters long and four and a half meters tall) will be for National Park Toro Toro, which thanks to the existence of a variety of prehistoric dinosaur tracks and other marine fossils, is becoming the second Cretaceous Park in Bolivia and a tourist destiny of paleontological importance.

Some of the different types of dinosaurs proposed for the cretaceous park are: Apatosaurus, Gallimimus, Avimimus, marine turtles and giganotosaurus, the biggest of them all which will measure about 35 meters in length.

Once constructed these models of prehistoric species will be located in seven different areas of the park where remains of dinosaur tracks and fossils have been identified. These areas include: the entrance to the cavern of Umajalanta, Races Pampas, the Wayllas hill, the stone bridge, the turtle cemetery and the vista point for Torotoro canyon.

THE SECRETS OF TIWANAKU

2009-04-15T13:13:00.000-07:00

Pachakuti: The Return of Balance
DVD directed by Miguel Montaño

This DVD explores concepts such as complementariness, community values, spiritual animism, reciprocal economies, health, education and communitarian justice all important aspect of the Tiwanakun culture.

In order to better understand these concepts the viewer is presented with a comparison between Western and Andean cultures. The DVD illustrates the enormous differences between the two cultures and reveals a cruel truth: “that western philosophy has been gradually extinguishing to the Andean culture”.
During a ceremony on the 21 of January of 2006, in the Ceremonial Center of Tiwanaku, the Council of Amautas of Bolivia and Andean first nations requested that their ancestors enlighten Evo Morales Ayma, who had been recently elected President of Bolivia, enabling him to restore the values of indigenous cultures and govern for all Bolivians.

This DVD is available in our office for 25 b’s.

Holy Week

2009-03-31T12:47:00.000-07:00

Holy week is a time for reflection and meditation for those who celebrate this religious festival.

Many of the small villages in Cochabamba, especially in the “Valle Bajo” start the celebration with Holy Thursday. In Charamoco, Itapaya, Parotani and other villages people begin going to the churches at mid-day to help in preparing the altar of Santo Sepulcro. On Holy Friday the devout fast until mid-day and then eat 12 different traditional dishes such as: potatoe soup, Jak’alawa, Sajta de papalizas, Ch’uma de lacayote, Sopa de Pan, Arroz con Leche, Ají de Vainitas y Dulce de frutas. These are based on the traditions of our ancestors.

At midnight on Saturday is the Glory Mass for which people bring a stick or some firewood to light a fire in the door of the church. Finally on Sunday the last day of holy week the family gets together to prepare another traditional plate and drink some chicha.

Special Offers- Bella Vista “Parque Amboro”(10 th to 12 th April)
Cost: USD125.-
- Misiones + Pantanal Boliviano (08th to 12th April)
Cost: USD350.-
- Concepcion Misional (10th to 12 th April)
Cost: USD125
- Torotoro (09 th to 11th April), incluye cannoning en el Vergel (Cañon de Torotoro)
Cost: USD94.-

CARNAVAL 2009

2009-02-16T06:14:00.000-08:00

Carnival in Bolivia is a without a doubt the most popular of the Bolivian festivals. Each region of the country celebrates carnival in their own manner. These festivals are the best demonstration of our folklore and traditions. The biggest carnival festival is in Oruro and has been declared by UNESCO as Cultural Patrimony of Humanity”.

The traditional legend is that in 1789 the Virgin of the Socavón (loosely translated as mine shaft) miraculously appeared in the largest sliver mine in Oruro. Since this time the festival has honoured the virgin and even today the most important parts of the festival of take place in front of the at the shrine of the Socavón.

The preparations for carnival take place all during the year with uncountable ceremonies and rituals. The largest of these celebrations takes place in Oruro when thousands of dancers take to the streets accompanied by large brass bands and dance for kilometres. The main dance is the diablada but one will also see morenada, caporals, suri-sicurus , la llamerada, la kullawada and Tinku as well as dozens of others.

Come with us to experience this unforgettable event Saturday 21 of Februrary.

Cost: $ 70
Contact: info@boliviacultura.com or call 452-7272

2008-10-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

ALL SAINT'S DAY

DAY OF THE DEAD NOV 1ST AND 2ND

On November 1st the dead come back to visit the living.

All Saint’s Day is the festival of the dead. Traditional beliefs say that when a person dies and the soul leaves the body it goes to one of 3 places. The first is for the privileged Hunaj Pacha. The second is where the old go and is called Kay Pacha . The third is Uqhu Pacha, where the souls live.

The first day of the holiday, Nov. 1, families prepare the masta’akus, which is Quechua for the ritual table. On this table they put the dead person’s favourite food and drinks as well as urpus (a type of pastry made during this time), fruit, flowers and candies. Throughout the day relatives and friends stop by for a tutuma (gourd drinking vessel) of chichi and they are invited to sit around the ritual table and pray for the dead. As the night progresses groups of children visit to pray and invoke the name of the dead. In return they receive fruit, bread and other small pastries

The following day, Nov. 2, in the afternoon, the family accompanies the soul back to the cemetery. They bring everything that was on the masta’aku and place it on the loved one’s tomb. Then they despedir las almas (say good by to the souls) with music and dancing.

Todos Santos begins the month of November which is famous for another tradition known as wallunk’as. These are giant swings that are set up in an empty field or lot and decorated with flowers and colourful ribbons. Young women sit in the swings and try to catch baskets of goodies with their feet as they swing through the air. While they swing the young men sing couplets and try to win the woman’s heart

PUNATA IS CALLED THE PEARL OF THE VALLEY

2008-09-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

24 SEPTIEMBRE FESTIVAL: SEÑOR DE MILAGROS

It is festival time in the Valle Grande.

Punata is located 45 kilometers from the city of Cochabamba and is surrounded by seemingly never ending cultivated fields and orchards. The nearby town of San Benito is famous for its delicious peaches.

On the 24th of September Punata celebrates the festival “el Señor de los milagros (miracles)”. All the towns’ houses are decorated as an offering of delight. The day begins with a religious procession and then a folkloric dance festival through the streets of the town. The day’s events end with an outdoor concert in the main plaza with local groups playing.

On the 25th there is a procession with the Señor de los Milagros which kicks off the most important festival of the year in the Cochabamaba valley. The next day there is a band competition with the participation of local authorities, dance groups and special guests. That same day a special dance show in the streets ends this three day festival.

MIZQUE - THE CITY OF THE FIVE HUNDRED PARASOLS

2008-09-16T04:58:00.000-07:00

13-15 SEPTIEMBRE
FESTIVAL: “SEÑOR DE BURGOS”

The province of Misque is situated 171 km. from the city of Cochabamba. On Sept. 13 to 15th they celebrate “Señor de Burgos”, the province’s most important festival also known as “Jatun Fiesta”, which means the great celebration. The nearby indigenous communities of Raqay Pampa as well as the residents of Mizque participate in the celebration.

On the 13 of September the festivities begins with an evening celebration where one can see fireworks, listen to hymns and see the residents of Raqay Pampas with their traditional clothes and musical instruments.

Over the next 3 or 4 days there are bullfights, a traditional activity that is conserved from past centuries. In the town’s main square surrounded by wood trenches, you can see local farmers dressed in sequins and cone shaped hats and brightly colored belts. Some are on horseback and others are on foot and playing drums.

The celebration ends with the “cacharpaya”, where the locals dance in front of the temple with white flags and wipalas, requesting blessings and the miracle of better days.

COCHABAMBA: “LOYAL AND VALIANT CITY “

2008-09-16T04:52:00.000-07:00

Brilla el sol de Septiembre radiante,
Reflejando la gloria inmortal
Del gran pueblo que firme y constante
Fue el primero en la lucha marcial…

September 14th is a historic date due to the insurgent tarateño Esteban Arce, who is known as the organizer of the Cochabambina revolution. Arce, organized an army of patriots to march from the province of Cliza towards the city of Cochabamba on the 14 of September, 1810, sparking the fight for independence.

The name Cochabamba , is derived from quechua “kjcocha pampas ” and means muddy plain. The city conserves its colonial semblance and traditions inherited from their indigenous ancestors. The urban center is surrounded by fertile and productive fields which cultivate a wide variety of foods. There are approximately 1.524.724 inhabitants.

Cochabamba is also considered the Gastronomical capital of Bolivia , due to the great variety of delicious meals that a visitor to the area can sample. One can savour the famous Chicharrón (fried pork) accompanied by “chicha” known as the nectar of the Valley.

The city was founded the 15 of August of 1,571 by the Capitán Jerónimo de Osorio and was originally named “ Real Villa of Oropeza ”, by orders of the Virrey Francisco de Toledo as idea was to create a center of agricultural production to provide food to the mining cities of the region.

GETTING TO KNOW COCHABAMBA (PART 1)

2008-08-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

Chica quiero, chicha busco,

Por chica mis paseos.

Señora, deme un vasito

Para cumplir mis deseos.

-Chicha Cochabambina

Cochabamba is known for great weather, amazing food, friendly people and most of all for their chichi. This traditional fermented corn drink is part of any gathering be it a baptism, a ch’alla (traditional blessing) or a university party. Even the fabrication of chichi is a 48 hour communal celebration, and the focal point of the preparations for any major fiesta in what is known as the “la llajta”.

Cochabamba is situated in a fertile bowl between the mountains at an elevation of 2,558 mts in what is known as the central highlands of Bolivia. The name means khocha (swampy) and pampa (plain) in Quechua and the valley has been inhabited for 1,000 of years serving as a major agricultural area for a number of cultures (such as the Cotas, Cavis and Sipe-Sipes). Cochabamba houses an excellent archaeology museum run by the Universidad San Simon where you can learn about the pre-colonial cultures that populated the area.

The Spaniards, attracted to the lush fertile valley, first settles here in 1542 and on August 2, 1571 the area was officially “founded”. The Cochabamba valley was an agricultural production center that provided food for the mining towns of the relatively nearby Altiplano region, particularly the city of Potosí which became one of the largest and richest cities in the world during the 17th century - funding the vast wealth that ultimately made Spain a world power at the time. Originally named Villa de Oropesa the valley was renamed Villa of Cochabamba in 1786.

City of Cochabamba serves as a jumping off spot for visiting a number of Bolivia’s major attractions: Chapare, a tropical paradise; Toro Toro National Park ; Incallajta , the ruins of an immense Incan fort; and Tunari National Park, the highest peak in the central highlands. These attractions combined with the city’s central location make Cochabamba an ideal place to spend some time exploring local culture.

On September 14, Cochabamba will celebrate their Independence Day. Stay turned for more information on the celebrations.

Chicha Festival in Tiquipaya - Cochabamba, Bolivia

2008-04-30T13:47:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, May 4th there will be a Chicha Festival in Tiquipaya - city of the valley of flowers - where you can taste a wide variety of chichas (corn beer) and feast on a bountiful spread of delicious Bolivian cuisine. The town of Tiquipaya is located just 13 kilometers northwest of the city of Cochabamba and is easy to get to by public transport from the city on buslines Z-12, taxi trufi 120 & 106. Read more about chicha and bolivian cuisine on our website.

TUNARI PEAK HIKE

2008-04-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

One day hike up to the summit of the highest mountain in Cochabamba. Tunari National Park is a protected area full of lakes, flowers, and rare species found in the valley region and the Andean highlands of Bolivia.

From $25 per person

click here to make your reservation

To read more about Tunari National Park, check out our website

PATRON FESTIVAL OF THE GREAT POWER (GRAN PODER)

2008-04-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

May 17, 2008

The Festival of Great Power is one of the best opportunities to see colorful Bolivian folkloric dances outside of the Carnival season.

From $USD 39 per person.

Combine this with a visit to the nearby sacred Lake Titicaca and the ancient ruins of Tiwanaku

click here to make your reservation

To read more about Festival of the Great Power, check out our website

SPECIAL OFFER TO TOROTORO NATIONAL PARK

2008-04-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

Go spelunking in the majestic Humajalanta Cavern and check out ancient cave paintings, hike to the spectacular El Vergel waterfalls, and explore the hundreds of dinosaur tracks & other fossils throughout the park.

5 passengers minimum only $USD 29 per person a day including:

private transportation round trip from Cochabamba to the Park (4 hours each way)

accommodation with shared bathroom

all Bolivian style meals

click here to make your reservation

To read more about Torotoro National Park, check out our website