Cochabamba

From Hitchwiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Cochabamba is a city and municipality in central Bolivia, in a valley in the Andes mountain range. It is the capital of the Cochabamba Department and is the fourth largest city in Bolivia.

Hitchhiking out

West towards La Paz, Southwest towards Oruro, Chile

To get out of Cochabamba and the nearby town of Quillacollo first take any trufi (minibus) - 204, 205, 206, 208, 209, 250, 260, 261, 270 amongst others - from Cochabamba to Plaza Bolívar en Quillacollo (2,50BS/0,31€). From here find trufi 261 going towards Suticollo (2,50BS/0,31€) (You can find it on the far corner of the square in the needed direction - this is its first stop, because there also goes the city trufi 261, which does not suit you). Usually there is a sign "Tranca Suticollo" on the right trufi. Tell the driver that would like to get off at the toll booth (tranca) (17°28′17.38″S 66°20′20″W) on the main road (F4). You can start hitching right after the toll booth and also talk to plenty of trucks.

South East towards Sucre

From this place approximately (-17.406345, -66.153442), get a minibus going to Uspha Uspha for 1.5 Bs (now 2Bs in 2023). The name is not written on the buses but you can ask and they will tell you. You can then walk until the toll station or just stay next to the road and get a lift (usually just walking along the road while sticking out your thumb should work). Leave early, the truck drivers do. Study your names on the map before as you may accept a car ride going to the south road (to Tarata or Cliza) and may lose some time there until Punata (although it's manageable and not unpleasant).

South East towards Toro Toro

Proceeding the same way, you can hitch a ride until Tarata and from there try to go to Toro Toro to visit the national park, cave, canyon... The road is much less used and it can be hard to find someone but if you're lucky and patient you will. Or you can take a minibus from Cochabamba for 35 Bs. and try to hitchhike on the way back. The national park is expensive (100 Bs., you would have to go by yourself at the office in the village to pay) and they won't let you enter in any place during the day without guides (which are also expensive).

Nomadwiki & Trashwiki

Check Nomadwiki for info on accommodation, showers etc. or Trashwiki for dumpsters...and share your wisdom :)