Cotoca

Cotoca is known for its sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin of Cotoca, patron saint of eastern Bolivia. The city celebrates religious festivities that attract thousands of pilgrims every year.

Main attractions and activities

• Sanctuary of the Virgin of Cotoca
  Religious icon of eastern Bolivia, featuring colonial architecture and attracting thousands of pilgrims, especially in December.

  • Main festivals: December 8 and 15.

  • Crafts and traditional food fair on weekends.

  • The town can be explored in about 1 hour.

• Main Plaza and San Francisco Church / Parish

  An active cultural center surrounded by gardens, fountains, monuments, and vendors selling food and crafts.

• Cotoca Municipal Market

  Offers fruits, vegetables, ceramic crafts, and stalls with typical pastries like cuñapé, arepas, sonso, jalea, and soups.

• Cotoca Ecological Park

  Large green areas, trails, picnic spots, viewpoints, and birdwatching opportunities; ideal for relaxing and learning about the natural surroundings.

• Municipal Botanical Garden (Km 8.5, Route to Cotoca)

  217 hectares of sub-humid forest, trails, and local biodiversity; open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

• Espejillos (Waterfalls and pools)

  A few kilometers from Cotoca, perfect for swimming, camping, and enjoying nature at small natural waterfalls.

Recommended restaurants and gastronomy

• Street food stands in plaza or market

• Delights such as cotoqueña arepa, cuñapé, masaco, sonso, jalea, empanadas, peanut soup, somó, and mocochinchi.

• Recommended local restaurants

  • Cotoca Market: traditional meals at affordable prices (from Bs 15).

  • Small cafés/restaurants around the sanctuary offering simple dishes and baked goods.

• Historic bridges: Activities around the figurative pilgrimage walk to the sanctuary (with food stops).

Featured activities

• Religious and cultural tourism visiting the sanctuary and plaza.

• Tasting traditional pastries and baked goods.

• Relaxing walks in the ecological park or botanical garden.

• Excursions to waterfalls and pools at Espejillos.

• Shopping for ceramic crafts.

• Photography of colonial architecture, nature, and local life.

How to get there?

• Located 20 km east of Santa Cruz, accessible by a paved road in good condition.

• By public transport:

  • Micro / trufi buses depart from Mercado Los Pozos (estimated fare Bs 5–6).

  • Taxi or Uber: Approx. Bs 40–50 per trip.

• By private vehicle: Easily accessible with clear signage via the Carretera a Cotoca route.

Additional information

Climate and best season: Warm climate with an average annual temperature of 24°C.

The main festivities take place in December, making it an ideal time to visit.