Carrasco Province

 

The Carrasco province attracts visitors for its historical sites like its capital Totora that was declared a national Cultural Patrimony site.

Totora Municipality

To the east of the provincial capital Totora along the old road between Cochabamba and Santa Cruz lies the attractive Huerta Molinos area. Here lie ancient millstones that once turned by the power of the water cascading down from the ravines above.
The most important destinations in the municipality are the “La Casa de la Cultura” a beautiful and luxurious mansion that today holds an interesting museum. The “Seven Colonial Bridges” are emblematic of the city and date from the colonial period. “La Pajcha” is a picturesque waterfall that descends about 30 meters with an ancient mill nearby. The “Julpe” are fascinating pre-historic cave paintings located 22 Km. from the center of Totora.

Totora

At a distance of 140 Km. from Cochabamba on a paved road lies Totora, the capital of the Carrasco province. Its cobble stoned streets and panorama of red tiled roofs recall Bolivia’s colonial and republican past. Totora is a veritable museum with a variety of well preserved architecture, and the well known National Piano Festival that transpires annually drawing famous performers from near and far. Several years ago Totora suffered an earthquake that led to a revival in colonial restoration and reconstruction, reminding the town’s inhabitants of the importance of historical restoration to the development of tourism in the area. The patron saint festival of the province is called “Niño San Salvador” and occurs on January 1st. Multitudes of people attend this important regional festival and enjoy varies games, pyrotechnics, campfires, and musical bands.

Incallajta

To the north of the city of Totora hugging the Cordillera de Cochabamba the landscape changes rapidly to reveal the stunning ruins of Incallajta. The ruins are located about two hours and fifteen minutes drive or 142 Km. from the city of Cochabamba. The great fortress of Incallajta is a testament to the splendor of the Incan Empire, its massive stone constructions covering roughly 12 hectares following the natural inclines of its protected mountainous location. Some researchers now believe that the complex predates the Incas by around 700 years and served other functions in addition to defense, but this magnificent site is very under-studied by archeologists. This national monument has stunning features like “La Kallanka” a single building whose still standing stone walls measure 22 meters wide and 78 meters long, making it one of the largest pre-Colombian roofed buildings in the hemisphere. The nearby waterfall called Pajcha was likely a site of ritual ceremonies.

Puerto Villarroel Municipality

In the Puerto Villarroel municipality lie incredible rock, sand and clay formations formed into fascinating shapes by hydrological activity of many centuries. These formations serve important functions to nearby animals which come to lick them for salt and minerals. One of the best examples of these salt-lick is called San Lorenzo and known as the little “Valley of the Moon”.

Puerto Villarroel

248 Km. from the city of Cochabamba thrives the nexus of interdepartmental trade between El Beni and Cochabamba. Puerto Villaroel marks the convergence of the departments of Cochabamba, Beni, and Pando by the rivers Ichilo, Mamoré y Madre de Dios. The town looks like a typical Amazonian port town with small wooden houses and people relaxing outside.

Festivals & Fairs*

- 1ro de Enero, Festividad del Patrono de la Provincia Carrasco "Niño Salvador" en Totora
- 14 - 16  de Septiembre, Festividad Virgen de Altagracia en Totora, 3 días
- 21 - 22 de Septiembre, Festividad del Señor de Cosuelo en Pocona, 2 días
- 28 - 30 Septiembre, Festividad de San Miguel de Pojo en Pojo, 3 días
- Octubre, Feria Expotrópico en Chimoré, 1 día

* For further information and the exact dates of festivals and fairs in the Departamento of Cochabamba, please contact the Central Tourist Office of Cochabamba, Calle Colombia E-0340 between 25 de Mayo and España, Cochabamba, Phone: +591-4-4221793, Opening hours: Monday to Friday 08:30-12:00
* Information of the Central Tourist Office of Cochabamba

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