Overview
Tarata preserves colonial architecture in Bolivia's Cochabamba department. Pottery, weaving and the San Severino festival bring local craft and dance traditions into a visit.
Architecture · Culture · Food
Did you know?
- Thin chorizo sausages are a local specialty.
- A red cloth diamond outside a shop signals traditional corn chicha.
- Local artisans continue pottery and weaving traditions.
Why go?
Tarata is a small colonial city in Bolivia's Cochabamba department that preserves traditional architecture increasingly rare in the region. The town is famous for its annual San Severino festival featuring traditional dances from across Bolivia, and its artisans still produce pottery and weaving at affordable prices. It offers a quiet, authentic glimpse into departmental life without the tourist infrastructure of larger cities.
Understand
Tarata's identity as a colonial village is under threat as historic buildings are demolished to make way for modern concrete multi-story constructions. The remaining colonial architecture, concentrated around the main square and southwest convent, represents a fading way of life. The town is undergoing transformation as younger generations embrace internationalized building styles.
Get in
Tarata lies 29 km from Cochabamba city, roughly an hour's journey by road. Shared taxis and minibuses depart regularly from Avenida Barrientos, between the marketplace known as La Cancha and Avenida 6 de Agosto. The one-way fare costs approximately Bs. 5 (2010 prices); vehicles depart when full rather than on a fixed schedule.
Get around
The entire town of Tarata is walkable, with all notable sites accessible on foot within a few minutes. The most interesting colonial buildings are concentrated around the main square and extend to the convent in the southwest of town.
Where to stay
Tarata is compact enough to explore fully in a day from Cochabamba, making overnight stays unnecessary for most travelers. The article does not list any hotels, hostels, or guesthouses, suggesting accommodation options are extremely limited or non-existent for visitors.
Food and drink
Tarata has a strong tradition of preparing thin sausages called chorizos, available at several local eateries at low prices. The traditional corn-based alcoholic drink chicha can be found at shops displaying a red cloth diamond hung from a pole outside; however, the article notes that changes in preparation methods have made the quality less reliable for discerning palates.
Things to do
Walking is the primary activity—stroll up to the monastery and through town to experience the colonial atmosphere, its centuries of impoverishment, and the ongoing transformation as new buildings replace historic structures. The Cathedral houses the remains of General Mariano Melgarejo, a mystical former Bolivian president, while the adjacent convent contains a museum with religious relics. The San Severino festival during the last weekend of November showcases traditional dances from the region and across Bolivia, with the best viewing spot near the officials' pavilion in front of the cathedral.
Buy
Tarata is known for traditional arts and crafts, particularly pottery and weaving. Prices remain inexpensive by regional standards, and many items serve practical purposes for travelers such as clothing. A few sellers around town offer souvenirs and knick-knacks.
Go next
Similar colonial towns in the same valley worth exploring include Cliza and Punata, both offering opportunities to understand the older way of life in Cochabamba department. These towns are recommended for travelers wanting to extend their experience of traditional valley culture beyond Tarata.
Guide text adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where to start
Eat
Local Chorizo Stalls
Small local eateries throughout Tarata serving the town's traditional thin sausages at low prices.
See
Cathedral of Tarata
Historic cathedral housing the remains of mystical former President General Mariano Melgarejo, with impressive colonial architecture.
See
Convent and Museum
Colonial convent housing religious relics in its museum; part of the most impressive colonial building complex in town.
Do
Colonial Architecture Walking Tour
Self-guided walk through the historic center to observe surviving colonial buildings, remaining large colonial villas, and the ongoing transformation replacing old structures with modern construction.
Do
San Severino Festival
Major traditional dance festival held the last weekend of November, showcasing regional and national Bolivian dance traditions and marking the arrival of rainy season.
Buy
Traditional Pottery
Local pottery crafts available at inexpensive prices from artisans throughout the town.
Buy
Traditional Weaving
Handwoven textiles and clothing items produced by local artisans at affordable prices.
Before you go
Accommodation
Tarata can be fully experienced as a day trip from Cochabamba; no listed accommodation options suggest very limited overnight options.
Festivals
San Severino festival takes place the last weekend of November, featuring traditional dances from across Bolivia and marking the start of the rainy season.
Food
Local chorizo sausages are the specialty, available at low prices in town eateries. Traditional chicha available at shops with red cloth markers.
Shopping
Traditional pottery and weaving remain Tarata's craft traditions, sold directly in town at inexpensive prices.
Transport
Shared taxis and minibuses run from Avenida Barrientos in Cochabamba; Bs. 5 one-way (2010). Depart when full, approximately 1 hour journey.
