Cochabamba

Lore & Background

The valley of Cochabamba has been inhabited for thousands of years due to its fertile soils and mild climate. Under the Inca Empire, the area was conquered by Topa Inca Yupanqui, and his son Huayna Capac turned it into a large production enclave, importing 14,000 mitimas to work the land, primarily growing maize. The first Spanish inhabitant was Garci Ruiz de Orellana in 1542, who purchased land from local chiefs. The city was founded in January 1571 by order of Viceroy Francisco de Toledo as Villa de Oropesa, serving as an agricultural centre for mining towns like Potosí.

Reader's Guide

Cochabamba's significance extends from its pre-Columbian roots as an Inca agricultural hub to its role in Spanish colonial economy, supplying food and wood to Potosí. In the 18th century, it declined as mining waned, but it regained importance as an agricultural centre in the late 19th century. The city gained global attention during the 2000 Water War, when protests against water privatization by Aguas del Tunari (backed by Bechtel) led to the contract's termination and the return of water services to public control. This event influenced international anti-globalization movements and the UN's 2010 recognition of water sanitation as a human right. The Water War also helped spark later protests that led to the removal of two presidents and the rise of President Evo Morales in 2006.

Did You Know?

• The name Cochabamba comes from Quechua qucha 'lake' and pampa 'open plain', referring to the many lakes that once dotted the area.
• In 1812, thousands of women took up arms against the Spanish Army; Bolivia now marks May 27 as Mother's Day to celebrate their bravery.
• The 1793 census recorded 22,305 persons, including 12,980 mestizos, 6,368 Spaniards, 1,182 indigenous natives, 1,600 mulattos, and 175 African slaves.
• During the 2000 Water War, an unofficial referendum showed 96% of 50,000 people wanted Aguas del Tunari's contract terminated.