Cochabamba is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Cochabamba?
You should plan to spend around $79 ($b548) per day on your vacation in Cochabamba. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $38 ($b266) on meals
- $16 ($b113) on local transportation
- $49 ($b342) on hotels
A one week trip to Cochabamba for two people costs, on average, $1,107 ($b7,672). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$553
$b3,836
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,107
$b7,672
-
One Month
Per person
$2,371
$b16,440
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,107
$b7,672
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,213
$b15,344
-
One Month
For a couple
$4,743
$b32,880
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Cochabamba cost?
A one week trip to Cochabamba usually costs around $553 ($b3,836) for one person and $1,107 ($b7,672) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Cochabamba on average costs around $1,107 ($b7,672) for one person and $2,213 ($b15,344) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Cochabamba will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Cochabamba on average costs around $2,371 ($b16,440) for one person and $4,743 ($b32,880) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Cochabamba expensive to visit?
Cochabamba is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Although Cochabamba can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $34 ($b236) per day, mid-range travelers spend $79 ($b548) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $163 ($b1,129) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Cochabamba.
Within South America, Cochabamba is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Rosario or Paracas.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Cochabamba Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Cochabamba?
The average Cochabamba trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Cochabamba travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Cochabamba cost?
Cochabamba on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$11
($b74)
|
$25
($b171)
|
$49
($b342)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$6
($b44)
|
$16
($b113)
|
$42
($b291)
|
|
Food2
|
$16
($b114)
|
$38
($b266)
|
$78
($b538)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$11
($b76)
|
$25
($b174)
|
$48
($b331)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$3-10
($b22-67)
|
$7-22
($b50-151)
|
$14-41
($b94-283)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Cochabamba cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
Who are Budget Travelers?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $34 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Luckily, Cochabamba has plenty of hostels, including Running Chaski Hostel, El Pueblito Hostel, and Casa San Martín Suites. Here, you can enjoy budget dorm accommodation along with a friendly, social vibe, but amenities are quite limited.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Cochabamba will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $79 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
For those wanting a high-end experience complete with every luxury and high-quality service, expect to spend about $163 each day. To enjoy nicer accommodations, award-winning dining, extravagant adventures, and convenient transport like taxis or private chauffeurs in the destination, prepare for a pricier experience.
Accommodation Budget in Cochabamba
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Cochabamba can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Cochabamba in the off-season is $46, but in the peak travel season it will average around $86. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Cochabamba to range from $29 to $149. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Cochabamba for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $49 ($b342). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $25 ($b171) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Cochabamba? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Cochabamba include:
- Hotel Aranjuez Cochabamba starting at $100
- Hotel El Prado Cochabamba starting at $41
- Armenia Hotel Cochabamba starting at $38
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid ), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Cochabamba
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $16 ($b113) per person, per day, on local transportation in Cochabamba. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Cochabamba is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$16
$b113
Cochabamba's airport is Jorge Wilstermann International Airport. It is well connected with other large cities in Bolivia and flights are usually affordable.
The bus terminal is about 6 blocks south of the center. From there you can catch buses to La Paz, Santa Cruz, Sucre, Potosi, Tupiza, and Samaipata, among other destinations.
Once you're in town there are buses (micros), mini-vans (trufis), and shared cabs (taxi-trufis) that you can take along fixed routes. You must request that the driver stop by saying "me bajo", "voy a bajar", or "esquina".
Taxis are relatively easy to find. Taxi drivers are usually honest, but it is always best to agree on a price before you get in the vehicle.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- MiniVan or Bus Transfer from Cochabamba Airport CBB to Cochabamba for $28 details
How much does it cost to go to Cochabamba? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Cochabamba will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Cochabamba
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Cochabamba can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Cochabamba is $38 ($b266) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$38
$b266
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Cochabamba is around $38 ($b266) per person, with previous travelers spending from $17 to $78. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Cochabamba are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $12
- Lunch: $6 to $15
- Dinner: $12 to $27
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
Cochabamba claims to have the best food in Bolivia and many visitors agree. The city is in close proximity to much of the country's agriculture so food is fresh and plentiful. You'll find no shortage of restaurant options around town and there are a diversity of price options for travelers. Food is often delicious, so your best bet is to wander around town until you see a place that appeals to you. There are also plenty of bars around town to pick up a drink. Most of the interesting ones can be found on 25 de Mayo and Espana close to Plaza Colon. The Cochabamba region is also thought to have the country's best chicha. Chicha is a fermented corn based drink, although it is sometimes made with peaches.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
If you want to experience the culture in Cochabamba, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Adelante Mujer Bolivian Cooking Workshops for $29 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Cochabamba
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Cochabamba typically cost an average of $25 ($b174) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$25
$b174
There are a handful of great sights around Cochabamba. Head to Cristo de la Concordia, the city's famed statue of Jesus, which overlooks the area. Simon I Patino Cultural Center has many mansions, gardens, and museums worth visiting. Also popular with visitors are the Museum of Natural History, the Medical Museum, and the Museum of Archaeology.
The city is also well known for its paragliding opportunities. You can easily take a class and try it first hand. A full length beginner's class will take about ten days, but it is the cheapest option you will find anywhere in the world. You can expect two hours of classroom work, and four hours of practice daily and the course includes twelve solo flights.
There are a variety of volunteering opportunities in Cochabamba as well. Sustainable Bolivia coordinates volunteers and local grassroots organizations in the city. They also offer Spanish, Quechua, and Aymara classes. Instituto para el Desarrollo Humano is a social justice organization that also works with volunteers in the area.
Spanish lessons are popular in the city as well. There is a large expat community and social activities are well organized. This is a pleasant city to spend an extended amount of time, and there is plenty to do to keep you entertained. There is also a well established weekly language and culture exchange every Tuesday. The event is free of charge and is a great way to meet other expats in the area.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Cochabamba. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- City of Eternal Spring: Self-Guided Tour of Downtown Cochabamba for $6 details
- Tour to Valle Alto (Tarata) for $39 details
- Parque Nacional Torotoro Tour 2 Días y 1 Noche for $231 details
Nightlife Budget in Cochabamba
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $15 ($b101) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Cochabamba per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$15
$b101
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Travel cost data last updated: Mar 30, 2025
Traveling in Cochabamba
Cochabamba, Bolivia
With a population of about 630,000, Cochabamba is the fourth largest city in Bolivia. It's located about 240 kilometers from the capital city of La Paz and is surrounded by mountains, but sits within a valley.
The city is known for its gardens and has many sights to offer the visitor. Cochabamba offers a calming retreat that is a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of many South American cities. It's a great location to learn Spanish and there are plenty of activities and cultural events that you can enjoy in and around town.
Cochabamba's climate is semi-arid. There is an extended dry season between May and October and the wet season is from November to March. The days are warm and the nights are cool.
Neighborhoods & Around
Cochabamba has many different neighborhoods with interesting character. The area continues to grow with Bolivian nationals, expats, and foreigners alike. Some of the most historic and affluent neighborhoods in the city include Cala Cala, El Mirador, and Lomas de Aranjuez. These areas have impressive architecture and residences.
You'll find no shortage of budget accommodation around town. Quality is variable so read reviews before you make a reservation, but generally the hostels are comfortable and welcoming. The city caters specifically to expats, so long term and luxury accommodation are also readily available throughout the city.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.