Punata Province

 
Punata Municipality

This municipality is one of the largest producers of chicha (corn beer) thanks of its extensive corn fields. Workers grind the genetically diverse Wilcap’aru, Chispillo y el Blanco corn varieties into flour and then process it into “muk’o”, the fundamental base for Punata´s famous chicha. The chica´s ingredients and recipes have remained relatively unchanged for countless generations, making this homebrewed chicha a totally unique beverage.

Punata´s gastronomic tradition doesn´t stop with its chicha, the area is also known for its traditional plate called “Cuzqueño” prepared with fresh roasted guinea pig and some fine yellow Punata chicha or kulli.  Another famous dish is the “Rosquete Punateño” which Punataños ship to friends and family all over the world.

Punata the Town
 
About an hour from Cochabamba, Punata hoasts the finely restored San Juan Bautista Cathedral which became a national monument in 1970. The town´s architecture highlights contrasting colonial, republican and modern styles.

Villa Rivero Municipality

Villa Rivero is known for its export quality weaving crafted on ancient “Phúllu” looms. Here, tourists enjoy the traditional women´s spinning wheels, brilliant colored weavings, and work on ancient looms that require both hand and foot action.

Near to K’ili K’ili hill lies the Capilla Virgen de Sujumi constructed in the 1940s. Locals tell of the miraculous appearance of two young shepard girls who levitated a giant rock and made water trickle from inside it. 

Villa Rivero

Located 9 Km. From Punata, this town testified to the appearance of the image of The Virgin from above a large rock. The Capilla Virgen de Sujumi was constructed up on this auspicious mountainous site. The hill makes a 45 minute climb from which the beautiful vista of Valle Alto spreads out below.

Festivals & Fairs*

- 2ª semana de Enero, Feria del Ciruelo y la frutilla en San Benito - Laimiña Sulty, 1 día
- Ultimo domingo de Febrero, Feria del Durazno en San Benito, 1 día
- 6 de Marzo (Variable), Concurso del Durazno en Punata, 1 día
- 18 de Marzo, Festival de la ciudad de Punata
- Comienzo de Abril, Feria de Guarapo en Punata
- 2ª semana de Mayo, Feria de la Chicha y el Rosquete en Punata, 1 día
- 2 de Julio, Aniversario del pueblo San Benito - Punata
- 16 de Julio, Santa Teresa en Villa Rivero, 3 días
- 30 de Agosto, Festividad del Niño de Shikímira en Villa Gualberto Villarroel, 3 días
- 25 - 27 de Septiembre, Festividad del Señor de los Milagros en Punata, 3 días
- 10 - 12 Septiembre, Festividad Virgen de Surumi en Villa Rivero, 3 días
- 1 - 2 de Octubre, Festividad del Señor de San Miguel en Tacachi, 2 días

* For further information and the exact dates of festivals and fairs in the Departamento of Cochabamba, please contact the Central Tourist Office of Cochabamba, Calle Colombia E-0340 between 25 de Mayo and España, Cochabamba, Phone: +591-4-4221793, Opening hours: Monday to Friday 08:30-12:00
* Information of the Central Tourist Office of Cochabamba

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