Cochabamba is a city in central Bolivia, located in a valley bearing the same name in the Andes mountain range. Cochabamba is known throughout South America as the "city of Eternal Spring" and "The Garden city" due to its warm temperatures year round and abundant well kept parks.

Attractions

• South America's biggest open-air market, called La Cancha, is open seven days a week in Cochabamba, though the busy market days are Wednesdays and Saturdays.

• Perched atop the San Pedro hill, the 33m (109ft) tall statue of the Cristo de la Concordia (seen at right) is the tallest of its kind in the world (although it is commonly believed that the Cristo del Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro is the tallest). Visitors can climb inside up to the arms for a unique view of the city.

• The Palacio Portales is an eclectic style mansion with French Renaissance architectural influences.
• The Tunari National Park flanks the city like a crescent to the north and northwest. Paragliding, trekking and bird watching tours are offered by several tourist agencies.

• Villa Tunari is not to be confused with the Tunari National Park. Villa Tunari is a small town in the Bolivian rainforest where visitors often go to see the animal refuge Inti Wara Yassi that houses several monkey species, pumas and exotic birds.

• El Prado is one of Cochabamba's night life main attractions. You'll find restaurants and cafes, condominium highrises and many of the city's bars and nightclubs surrounding the tree lined street.