Cochabamba Department, Administrative department in central Bolivia.
Cochabamba Department is a region in central Bolivia that stretches from highland valleys down through tropical lowlands. It covers terrain that shifts from mountain slopes to rainforest floors, divided into 16 provinces.
During colonial times, the region became a food supplier for mining settlements in Potosí. Later, railway lines connected its valleys to other parts of the country, encouraging trade and movement.
The department maintains strong connections to Quechua traditions, with local markets selling traditional textiles and communities practicing ancient agricultural methods.
Long-distance buses connect the larger towns with the capital Cochabamba and other regions of the country. Roads pass through valleys and over mountain passes, and some sections can become difficult during heavy rain.
Chapare Province holds one third of Bolivia's total species diversity in a relatively small area. Visitors can move from mountain forest to tropical rainforest within a few hours.
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