Aiquile

Cochabamba Department · Culture and history

Aiquile is a small, warm and dry valley town in the south of Cochabamba department. It is known across the country as the national capital of the charango, the small ten-string Andean guitar: its luthiers have made them for generations, and there's a museum devoted to it. In early November, the International Charango Fair and Festival brings together musicians and makers from all over Bolivia. A pleasant, very local stop on the road between Cochabamba and Sucre.

2,240 maltitude

1 dayto spend there

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Things to do

National Charango Museum
Luthiers' workshops (you can order a charango)
The Charango Fair and Festival, early November
Cathedral and main square

What to eat

Picante mixtoA plate of several meats (chicken, tongue, beef) in chilli sauce, with chuño and rice. For chilli lovers.
ChicharrónPork cooked slowly in its own fat until golden, served with mote (big corn kernels) and chuño. A Sunday dish.
ChichaFermented corn beer, slightly sour, served in gourds (tutumas). Look for chicherías marked with a white flag.

Tip. Few tourists and simple lodging. For the festival, book early and check the dates with the town hall.

Also here

Festivals Aiquile charango festivalIn early November, musicians and luthiers from all over Bolivia meet in the charango capital for competitions and concerts.
Crafts and markets Aiquile charangosThe small ten-string Andean guitar, made by Aiquile's luthiers. You can order one made to measure.

How to get to Aiquile

Mizque Road (bus, car) · 1 h 30
Minibus or bus.
Cochabamba Road (bus, car) · 4 to 5 h
Buses and minibuses from Cochabamba, a few departures a day.
Sucre Road (bus, car) · 5 to 6 h
Cochabamba – Sucre buses pass through Aiquile: ask to get on or off.