Quillacollo, Bolivia
Region: Cochabamba
Geographic Coordinates: -17.400000, -66.283300
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 25.0°C (50°F to 77°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 137182
Language: Spanish
Quillacollo is a charming city located in the Cochabamba Department of Bolivia, Just 13 kilometers away from the bustling city of Cochabamba. The town has a population of around 100, 000 people and is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, Colorful festivals, And historical landmarks. One of the most famous landmarks in Quillacollo is the Templo de la Virgen de Urkupiña. This beautiful church was built to honor the Virgin Mary and attracts thousands of pilgrims every year during the Urkupiña Festival held in August. The festival celebrates Bolivia’s indigenous culture with traditional music, Dance, And costumes.
Another popular attraction in Quillacollo is La Feria de la Alasita (The Fair of Miniatures), Which takes place every January. Visitors can buy miniature replicas of everyday items like houses, Cars, Money or diplomas which Bolivians believe will bring good luck for whatever it represents. Quillacollo also has a rich history dating back to pre-Columbian times when it was inhabited by indigenous groups such as Quechua people. Visitors can explore archaeological sites such as Inkallajta which was once an important Inca stronghold.
Besides cultural attractions, Quillacollo offers natural beauty with stunning views from nearby hills like Cerro San Pedro or Cerro Cota where visitors can take hikes or bike rides while enjoying breathtaking vistas. no trip to Quillacollo would be complete without sampling some local cuisine. Bolivian food is known for its hearty stews made with potatoes or corn called chuño; empanadas filled with beef or cheese; and delicious soups like sopa de maní (peanut soup). Overall Quillacollo offers visitors an authentic Bolivian experience that blends culture, History nature and cuisine into one unique package!
- Virgen de Urkupiña Shrine is a popular pilgrimage site for Catholics.
- Quillacollo Market is a bustling market that sells local handicrafts and produce.
- La Recoleta Church is a historic church known for its Baroque architecture.
- La Angostura Lake is a scenic lake surrounded by mountains, ideal for fishing and boating.
- Calvary Hill (Cerro de la Cruz) offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside, as well as religious significance.
- El Cristo de la Concordia Statue is an impressive statue of Jesus Christ overlooking the city of Cochabamba, located nearby.
- The Archaeological Site of Incallajta is an ancient Inca ruin located in the nearby town of Totora.
- Tunari National Park is a protected area with hiking trails, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife situated near Quillacollo.
- Pinkuylluna Waterfall- A beautiful waterfall that’s popular among tourists who love nature walks and hiking trails.
- Santa Teresa Convent Museum showcases colonial-era art pieces along with historical artifacts related to the convent’s history.
- Agriculture, particularly the cultivation of maize, potatoes, and beans
- Livestock farming involving cattle and sheep
- Manufacturing of textiles, clothing, and ceramics
- Retail trade
- Transportation services
- Tourism
The city is also well-known for its religious festivals and celebrations that attract visitors from all over Bolivia.
- The foundation of the town in 1577 by Spanish colonizers.
- The construction of the famous Virgen de Urkupiña Sanctuary, which attracts thousands of pilgrims every year.
- The Battle of Quillacollo, which took place during the Bolivian War of Independence in 1816.
- The participation of Quillacollo’s native son, General Bernardino Bilbao Rioja, in the Chaco War against Paraguay in 1932-1935.
- The establishment of several important educational institutions such as Colegio Nacional Ayacucho and Universidad del Valle (UNIVALLE).
- Notable people from Quillacollo include former Bolivian President Jorge Quiroga Ramírez and renowned artist Gastón Ugalde.
- In recent years, Quillacollo has been affected by political corruption scandals involving its local government officials and public works projects funded by international aid organizations like USAID and UNDP.
- Iglesia de San Ildefonso: A charming church from the colonial era located in the heart of Quillacollo.
- Museo de la Llama y la Sal: A museum dedicated to Bolivia’s history and culture surrounding llama and salt industries.
- Monumento a la Integración: A grand monument celebrating the integration of indigenous cultures into Bolivian society.
- Casa de la Cultura Franz Tamayo: An art center that showcases local artists and cultural traditions through exhibitions, performances, and workshops.
- Mercado Central de Quillacollo: A lively market where visitors can shop for traditional handicrafts, fresh produce, and other local goods.
- Parque Nacional Tunari: A national park located just outside of Quillacollo that offers hiking trails with stunning views and opportunities to spot wildlife such as condors and vicuñas.
- Santuario del Señor de Burgos: A religious sanctuary that draws thousands of pilgrims each year for its annual festival in August.
- Plaza 14 de Septiembre: The main square in Quillacollo where visitors can relax on benches or enjoy street food while taking in the sights and sounds of daily life in Bolivia.
- Club Deportivo Municipal Quillacollo is a football club founded in 1977 and based in Quillacollo. The team has participated in several local tournaments and has won many titles.
- Club Atlético Wilstermann Cooperativas is another football club from Quillacollo that was founded in 1980. The team has played at the national level and has won several championships.
- Club Deportivo Universitario San Simón is a football club established in 2009 by students of the Universidad Mayor de San Simón (UMSS) located in Cochabamba city, which is adjacent to Quillacollo.
- Club Deportivo La Paz FC – Sucursal Quillacollo was created as a branch of La Paz Football Club to participate in local tournaments organized by the Bolivian Football Federation (FBF).
These are some of the sports teams that have played or are currently playing from Quillacollo, Bolivia.
- Virgen de Urkupiña Festival is the biggest and most significant festival in Quillacollo. It occurs annually in August to pay tribute to the Virgin of Urkupiña. The event features vibrant dances, processions, music, food, and drinks.
- Carnaval de Quillacollo is a celebration of pre-Lenten festivities that takes place in February or March. The carnival involves parades, music, dancing, and costumes.
- Feria de la Alasita happens every January 24th to celebrate the Ekeko (god of abundance). This fair showcases miniature replicas of goods that people hope to acquire during the year.
- Fiesta del Señor de la Sentencia is celebrated on Holy Thursday (the day before Good Friday). The festival includes a procession through town carrying an image of Christ on his way to be sentenced.
- Festival del Charango y la Guitarra has been held annually since 1987 in November or December. This festival highlights traditional Bolivian music played on charangos and guitars.
- Festival Nacional del Choclo y el Queso celebrates Bolivia’s rich agricultural heritage with food tastings and cultural performances every August as part of a national corn and cheese festival.
- Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a week-long religious celebration leading up to Easter Sunday that includes processions, masses, and other religious events throughout town.
- Fiesta de San Antonio Abad is celebrated annually on January 17th with a procession through town carrying images of Saint Anthony Abbot followed by traditional dances such as La Morenada.
- Celebration for San Juan Bautista takes place on June 24th throughout Bolivia for Saint John the Baptist which include bonfires symbolizing purification by fire.
- Fiesta Patronal en Honor al Divino Niño Jesus- On December 25th there are celebrations in honor of the Divine Child which include masses, processions, and fireworks.
- Chicharrón: a dish made with fried pork, served with mote (a type of corn), potatoes, and salad. Some popular places to try chicharrón are El Gran Churrasco and La Cabaña.
- Silpancho: a dish made with flattened beef or pork, served with rice, potatoes, salad, and sometimes a fried egg on top. Some popular places to try silpancho are El Palacio del Silpancho and La Casa del Silpancho.
- Pique Macho: a hearty dish made with beef or sausage, served over fries and topped with onions, tomatoes, peppers, and sometimes boiled eggs. Some popular places to try pique macho are Las Delicias de la Abuela and El Gaucho.
- Empanadas: small pastries filled with meat or cheese that can be found at many street vendors throughout Quillacollo.
- Mercado Central de Quillacollo: not a specific restaurant but rather a market where you can find many local food stalls serving traditional Bolivian dishes such as salteñas (similar to empanadas but sweeter), anticuchos (grilled meat skewers), soups like sopa de maní (peanut soup) or sopa de quinua (quinoa soup).
