Cochabamba Shopping

Shopping in Cochabamba

  1. Markets

    Cochabamba is Bolivia's biggest market town. The main market is the enormous La Cancha, which is one of the most crowded, chaotic, claustrophobic, and exhilarating spots in the country. You'll find it near Plaza 14 de Septiembre. Around the town's markets you'll find just about everything imaginable, but keep an eye out for pickpockets.

    The largest and most accessible area is Mercado Cancha Calatayud, which sprawls across a wide area along Av Aroma and south toward the former railway station. Here is your best opportunity to see local dress, which differs strikingly from that of the Altiplano.

    The Mercado Incallacta and Mercado de Ferias spill out around the old railway st…

    reviewed

  2. Mercado de Ganado

    The fascinating Mercado de Ganado livestock market operates Wednesdays and Sundays at the end of Avenida Panaméricana, far to the south of the center; it's worth taking a taxi out there to see it in operation. As always, it pays to get there early-ish.

    reviewed

  3. Artesanía Stalls

    For inexpensive souvenirs, scour the Artesanía Stalls behind the main post office. The alleyway is also full of vendors of Spanish-language literature and other books for reasonable and negotiable prices.

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  4. A

    La Concepción

    For wine, visit the retail shop of La Concepción, one of Bolivia's more famous wineries. Try to taste what you are going to buy; if not, spend up, as some of the cheaper reds are pretty astringent.

    reviewed

  5. B

    Los Amigos del Libro

    Stocks the best range of English, French and German paperbacks, plus Bolivian literature and Lonely Planet guides. Several branches including España near Bolívar.

    reviewed

  6. C

    Arte Andino

    Locally made woollens are available at a few outlets. Try the cooperative Arte Andino.

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  7. Fotrama Factory Outlet

    The Fotrama Factory Outlet sells locally produced woolens from llama and alpaca at bargain prices.

    reviewed

  8. D

    Ic Norte

    Well-stocked US-style supermarket with imported and unique export-quality Bolivian products.

    reviewed

  9. E

    Asarti

    Try the expensive but reliable Asarti, which makes export-quality alpaca .

    reviewed

  10. F

    Fotrama

    The long-standing co-op Fotrama sells locally produced woolens from llama and alpaca.

    reviewed

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  12. G

    Super Haas

    Convenient if expensive mini-market with a deli and snack counter.

    reviewed

  13. H

    Super Natural

    Great eco-mercado, full of local natural and organic products.

    reviewed