Cobija

About Cobija

  Cobija is the capital city of Pando's Department, t he city of Cobija was named after Cobija the former capital city of Bolivian Department of Litoral lost in the Pacific War in 1880. Colonel Enrique Cornejo founded the city in 1906, originally under the name of Bahía (Bay). During the war Bolivia fought against Brazil. The first half of the twentieth century, Cobija experienced a boom as a rubber-producing center. When that industry collapsed, so did Cobija's wealth and the town was reduced to little more than a village. According to the latest census the population of Cobija is 15,273 people. Cobija is the capital of the Department of Pando, the youngest Department in the country.

Although Cobija is rich in natural resources, the poverty level of its inhabitants is high. The main economic activities are agriculture (almond), timber and cattle.

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Climate

It has humid and hot weather, with average temperature of 27 C degrees (or around 90 F degrees). It characterizes by being a tropical zone. The raining season begins in October and finishes in April.

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How to get here

By air

Everyday many flights depart from La Paz and Santa Cruz to Cobija. See flight availability and airport information by clicking here.

By land

There is no major road connecting Cobija with the rest of the country only some dirt roads that sometimes around the rainy season (October-April) can get flooded, there are many bus companies depart from La Paz and Riberalta, you can get to Cobija by bus, the trip lasts from 18 to 29 hrs.

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Getting around in Cobija

It's easy to get around in Cobija people are very friendly and eager to help tourist, don't miss the opportunity to ride on a mototaxi (that is just a motorcycle turned in to a taxi) but alike any other city, taxi drivers know all the good places.

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Where to stay

Cobija has a small number of hotels; most of them are located in near the main plaza find information on hotels and reservations by clicking here.

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  What to see while in Cobija

Its privileged location allows Cobija to show the visitor nature at its best, is the ideal place for eco friendly tourism, wildlife and outdoor activities.

Find tours or tourist guides

Where to Eat

Cobija provides the visitor with an acceptable selection of restaurants and places to have a descent meal, there are many restaurants, pizzerias, karaoke's, hotel restaurants, and discotheques offering great service and food so you have a good culinary experience.   Click here to find more information. Even though things have improved a lot lately, be careful to select a proper place to get your next meal because not all the vendors are known for keeping the highest standards for cleanness and hygiene.  

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Do's and Don't in Cobija

The cost of living in Bolivia is very affordable so don't be afraid of going out and splurge there's a lot to see in town or out of it be as adventurous as you can, taking always some precautions. In crowded areas be careful for pickpockets and bags lashers . A common trick is that one person spills something on your clothes, and while you or he wipes it off another person lifts your wallet or slashes your bag.

Be vigilant when checking into a hotel or hostel. Keep a hand on all your bags/belongings at all times. Acting as if they work for the hotel, opportunist thieves will create a diversion and snatch the nearest unattended bag.

If you are approached by police in civilian clothes don't show any valuables or your passport. And certainly don't get in a taxi with them. Undercover police are strictly ordered not to hassle tourists. There have been several cases of muggings and things going missing from bags or luggage after "drug searches". Insist on being taken to the police station before giving them access to your things. If you can, call the 110, which is the Bolivian emergency number.

And the most important there have been several cases of violent muggings in taxis . Don't take unregistered taxis. Lock the doors and don't allow other people to share the journey with you.

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