Booming Development and Impressive Culture in Muscat

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With its name, Muscat, which means ‘safe anchorage’ in the old language, the city truly keeps up to its tagging as it serves as Oman’s most prolific capital. Muscat is a city that dwells on how the sea helps its inhabitants reach success and how the beauty of the shore became a power for tourism and travel. Muscat has a very rich history, which might be the very reason why it strives to retain it despite modernization.

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With all due respect to its roots, Muscat is now slowly becoming known as a place where relaxation and eloquence meet: from the regal-looking facades of residential houses to the elegant approach on high-rise edifices of recreation, it is no wonder why more and more travelers pick Muscat as their destination. Feel free to express your delight for this developing city, and embrace how its citizens want to improve their quality of life every single day.

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Location

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Geographically, Muscat is found in Oman’s northeastern edge. The city is bordered by the Al Batinah Region at the western tip, while the Ash Sharqiyah Region can be seen on the eastern side. To the north of Muscat, you can easily pinpoint the Western Al Hajar Mountains on the map and the Ad Dakhiliyah Region ends the Muscat territory on the southern side.

Currently, the whole of Muscat covers almost 1,400 square miles of land and is inhabited by 1,300,000 citizens and counting.

Climate

Since Muscat can be seen at the outskirts of the Middle East, the city has a hot and arid climate which equates to long and hot summers and even hotter winters in an annual scale. Despite its classification as a dry country with respect to average temperature, Muscat still experiences 4 inches of rainfall that can be observed in the months of December to April.

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In an annual estimate, Muscat usually has a temperature of 49.2-degree Celsius as its all-time high, while cooler temperatures of 11.5 can be experienced in the first month of the year. Furthermore, May is said to be the brightest month with almost 348 hours of sunshine while February is the wettest with 0.95 inches of precipitation recorded.

Transportation

The Muscat International Airport is located about 25 kilometers away from Muscat’s business district, which happens to be your main entrance to the city if travelling by air. The city is also the main headquarters of the country’s head airlines Oman Air. Expect this airport to be very busy with flights and activities.

You’d be delighted to know that this specific airport caters to domestic and international flights to Europe, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and Eastern African nations.

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Since Muscat is Oman’s capital city, it is quite expected for the roads to be developed well. This easily connects Muscat to other famous Oman towns and areas.

Be acquainted with Baiza buses, one of Muscat’s main modes of public transport, which can bring you to different sites at a low cost. If you wish to rub elbows with more Muscat citizens, then look for the large buses colored in red and green and skim the cities’ intrinsic streets. Taxis and rented cars are also present for you to use when you want to travel more conveniently.

What to See

Corniche

If you want to be pleased with Muscat’s fine architecture, then head to see the Corniche, a street full of wondrous structures and smartly-placed buildings.

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The fountains and well-placed lights will surely delight you when you go here for an evening stroll. Also, experience how the city thrives at night with all the street food and activities happening during night time.

Sultan’s Palace

Dubbed as one of the most visited places of dwelling in Muscat, the Sultan’s Palace can be seen to the right of Mirani Street. Feast your eyes on the impressive edifice adorned with blue and gold pillars fit for a sultan.

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Inside, there’s a national museum that will be open soon, and while the palace is closed to the public, rumors have been circulating that sooner or later, it will be a destination that can be experienced by everyone.

Bait al-Baranda

A cut above the conventional museum, the Bait al-Baranda is something that plays around with futuristic and out-of-the-box approaches on letting the public see how Muscat has developed all these years.

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Here, you’ll be immersed into various interactive exhibits showing not just Muscat’s, but Oman’s commercial, historical and cultural beginnings as a whole.

Marina Bandar al-Rowdha

Not just a place for swimming, the Marina Bandar al-Rowdha is slowly making a scene in water sports for locals and tourists alike. Additionally, you can maximize and enjoy your visit to the beach with the Blue Marlin Restaurant just within reach to satisfy your seafood cravings.

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Go and channel your water-lover ego by dipping into the crystal-clear waters and the relaxing shore will definitely make you forget all the stress you’ve had before travelling to Muscat.

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Images:
(1) http://www.layoverguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Muscat-Sultanate-of-Oman.jpg
(2) http://cdn.justluxe.com/articles/images/news/main1959288.jpg
(3) http://paradiseintheworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/muscat-oman.jpg
(4) http://www.geographicguide.com/pictures/map-oman.jpg
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(6) http://feroniasfrolic.com/files/2015/06/big-bus-tour1.jpg
(7) http://s02.sonyaandtravis.com/images/oman-2011/oman-muscat-a-muttrah-fort-from-the-corniche.jpg
(8) http://kappelman.name/travelingcows/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/40547-50_muscat_qaboos_mosquec12e.jpg
(9) https://rehabsaadblog.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/beit-al-baranda-3.jpg
(10) http://media2.trover.com/T/5649900f7eb4f4307b018bfc/fixedw_large_4x.jpg

Himachal Pradesh is your outdoor playground

This place is adorned by the mountainous heights and the beautiful view of nature that envelopes this beautiful gem in the Himalayas.

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The seemingly rough environment will best captivate the hearts of those who are fond of vigorous activities such as rafting, paragliding and more. The valleys found here are charms that add allure to this destination that is visited by wanderers from all over the world.

Location

A mountainous state in the western Himalayas, surrounding landmarks include Jammu and Kasmir to the north, Uttaranchal to the east and Punjab to the west.

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This destination covers a total area of 55, 673 square km. Himachal Pradesh is known as ‘dev bhoomi’ (land of God) due to the abundance of natural resources this place is blessed with.

Climate

Himachal Pradesh possesses diverse climate conditions due to the different altitudes in various areas within the territory.

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Generally, summers occur in between the months of March until June while winters are experienced from October to February. Both seasons provide a good environment for its visitors as they show two unique facets of the place.

Transportation

Cities in Himanchal Pradesh such as Shimla, Kullu and Kangra offer domestic flights going to and from Delhi.

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Taking a bus is another considerable option as it economical. Resorting to this mode of transportation also saves travelers from the hassle of delays that usually occur on scheduled flights. Should you decide to take bus, the starting point would be Delhi.

Attractions

Andretta

Andretta village offers entertainment through the arts cultivated by its locals. Believed to be founded during the 1920s, this place offers a glimpse of their pottery industry paired with paintings including Sikh, which is a religious form of art.

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Visitors can also get a quick class on pot making as it is also made available by the people residing in the village.

Chamba

Found on the bank of Ravi River, Chamba is best known for the architectures located here.

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Packed with numbers of shrines and temples, visitors can take a trip to the past through the old age buildings that somehow exhibit the beauty and culture of the epoch before the present time.

Kangra

Hailed to possess the most beautiful valleys in all of Himanchal, Kangra is a famous destination with tender slopes embellished by the greenery dominated by pines, all sorts of flowers and inviting fields.

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Immerse yourself into the panoramic view and the silence of the place that brings relaxation to the mind and body.

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Images:
(1) http://blog.mydala.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/himachal.jpg
(2) http://www.himadventures.net/maps/india-maps/himachal-pradesh.jpg
(3) http://www.swantour.com/himachal-pradesh-tours/gifs/himachal-pradesh-tours.jpg
(4) http://hrtc.gov.in/hrtc/pics/1.jpg
(5) http://www.natgeotraveller.in/site/assets/files/18370/img_8714.jpg
(6) http://thewebfactory.in/noble/images/beautiful-chamba.jpg
(7) http://www.holidayiq.com/destreviewimages/Chamba-2830_11.jpg
(8) http://www.hptourtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/kangra-hp.jpg

Fall in love with Bratislava

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Designed with adoring structures and luscious nature in its backdrop, Bratislava is a place to experience the excellent mix of nature and culture.

With its own substantial share of the history that dates back to Europe’s rise during the Middle Ages, Bratislava is a city that boasts some of the world’s most beautiful scenic views and astounding destinations that are definitely worth visiting.

Location

Bratislava is Slovakia’s capital located at the southwestern part of the country. The city occupies the banks of two rivers, Danube and Morava.

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What makes this capital city even more unique is the fact that it borders two other states: Hungary and Austria. The city covers an area of 141.9 square kilometers and holds of more than 500,000 of Slovakia’s population.

Climate

The city has a moderate continental climate. Characterized by hot summers and cold winters blended with generally windy weather, Bratislava is one of the driest parts in the entire country.

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Those who want to make the most out of their trip to this city should ideally plan to visit between the months of May until September. The warmest month is July while the coolest is January.

Transportation

The city can be reached via air by booking a flight to Slovakia’s largest airport, Bratislava Milan Rastislav Stefanik Airport. This airport mostly hosts flights to and from other major cities in Europe and most schedules are booked through Ryanair.

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Unlike most airports, a shuttle bus going to the city center is not available. Therefore, tourists use public transportation in the form of buses which take about 15-20 minutes of travel time. Trains are also another option especially if coming from Vienna, Budapest, Prague, Berlin and Warsaw.

Attractions

Bratislava Castle

Hardly unnoticed, this beautiful edifice is one of primary tourist attractions in Bratislava. The stone palace situated in the hills facing the Danube River was founded between the 11th to the 12th centuries.

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The palace has undergone multiple renovations and transformed as time went on. First designed with Romanesque inspired construction, the castle was also transformed by inspirations from Gothic, then Renaissance architecture.

Zlate Piesky

This lake is the place to be during summers. Just around 15 minutes away from the city center, this destination is a quick fix for both locals and travelers who want to be sun kissed the Bratislava way.

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Campsites are available, along with other outdoor activities like volleyball, mini golf and tennis.

Devinska Kobyla

Wander around the beauty of nature found in the city and see the majestic meadows and wealthy forests found in this famous spot in the city.

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Hike around and see all sorts of flora and fauna while getting more intimate with the silence and calm residing in the natural reserve that also played an important role in Bratislava’s history.

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Images:
(1) http://cdn3.vtourist.com/19/6121574-Central_square_and_the_Castle_in_background_Bratislava.jpg?version=2
(2) http://www.turistaphotos.com/central_europe/jpg/map_bratislava.jpg
(3) http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get2/I0000N4HoiG5v0Xk/fit=1000×750/obchodna-ulica-shopping-street-Bratislava-5.jpg
(4) http://www.leaderlight.eu/img/references/2012letiskoba/letiskoba12_1.jpg
(5) http://images.boomsbeat.com/data/images/full/34683/2-jpg.jpg
(6) http://i.ytimg.com/vi/HojI_OlbwHU/maxresdefault.jpg
(7) http://www.visitslovakia.com/data/usr_044_ilustracne_foto/devinska_kobyla_5.jpg

Treat yourself to some Coffee in Matagalpa

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One of the many reasons why Matagalpa is such a valuable Nicaraguan gem is because of its thriving coffee production. If you’re one of the millions who have been jolted by the powers of this beverage, then visiting Matagalpa is like getting into Coffee Mecca.

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This humble city is set out to satisfy your craving for anything that involves relaxation and tranquility, while supplying you with just the right amount of urbanized living which is too enjoyable to miss out on. Set forth on a journey to where festivals would endear you to the locals, or when that Sunday afternoon mountain trek is the highlight of your week.

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Matagalpa is such a wondrous town to explore and with all the sights and sounds, this will surely complete your much-awaited South American escapade.

Location

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Known as Nicaragua’s fifth largest city, Matagalpa is right in the middle of the country. Covering a total land area of 640.65 square kilometers, this Nicaraguan rural town is home to a total of 542,000 residents and counting. Matagalpa is also dubbed as the ‘Pearl of the North’, as this is one of the few cities left with activity aside from another famous Nicaraguan town, Managua.

Climate

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If you love the smell of leaves and the unmistakable happiness that the sun brings, then you’ll be delighted to know that Matagalpa experiences spring all year long. Rightfully dubbed as the ‘Land of the Eternal Spring’, Matagalpa has an average temperature ranging from 26 to 28-degrees Celsius with humidity from 75% to 85%.

Annually, Matagalpa receives a total of 45 to 75 inches of rainfall, making the well-balanced weather conditions perfect for growing crops such as coffee. Also, Matagalpa is elevated at 2,297 feet above sea level, making the city’s climate fair and bright all year long.

Transportation

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The city of Matagalpa is situated in the middle of Nicaragua and the best way to get in is through the Managua International Airport. If traveling by air, this airport is your only way in and out of Matagalpa, which will take two hours of travel time. Getting around the city is be easy as there are a lot of services you can avail such as taxicabs, local buses or just by merely walking.

What to See

Museo de Café

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Since Matagalpa is widely known for their coffee, Museo de Café was built to show locals and tourists how the coffee industry helps in boosting the town’s economy. Here, an intricate and comprehensive display showcases how Matagalpa coffee is processed from planting to harvesting.

Large and head-turning glossy displays are available, both readable in Spanish and English, discussing the roots of Matagalpa’s very innovative and successful coffee industry.

Iglesia San Jose

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For those who adore religious establishments for their history and beauty, Iglesia San Jose should be included in your priority list of places to visit. Baroque styles, lovely ceilings and the illustrious golden altar are some of the many things that would please your eyes once you enter this landmark. 

Renovated in 1917, Iglesia San Jose was originally built in 1751 and was even used as a jail house for rebels in the early 1800s.

El Castillo Del Cacao

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Aside from coffee, one of the main reasons behind Matagalpa’s booming economy is their production of raw chocolate or cacao. On your way to Matagalpa, stop by the El Castillo Del Cacao to satisfy your sweet tooth and taste some samples of these expertly made chocolate, and see how they are produced from scratch.

http://laurenceourac.com/treat-yourself-to-some-coffee-in-matagalpa/

The Pizzazz Channeled by Pretoria

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Known as a former apartheid city which was doomed by oppression and discrimination, Pretoria in South Africa is definitely far from where it was. Today, it is something that the country is proud of: with its observable development in its economy, the advent of numerous hotels and fine-dining restaurants, the suburban villages now abloom with verdant plants and the palpable feeling of cultures mixing with each other resulting in a flamboyant crowd.

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Truthfully, Pretoria has developed well over the years and slowly, the city is making its mark as a relevant destination for travelers setting foot in the country. Here, you’ll experience the cosmopolitan side of living simply and be mesmerized by how the people of Pretoria strived to make their hometown a budding tourist spot. When you’re craving for something that’s fresh and unconventional, try Pretoria to get the greatness that the city offers.

Location

Pretoria is located approximately 34 miles northeast of the South African capital city Johannesburg. The town is elevated at 4,393 feet above sea level and is said to be on the transitional belt with Highveld on its southern edge and Bushveld on its northern tip.

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Pretoria is surrounded by the towering hills of the well known Magaliesberg range and is currently inhabited by almost 750,000 residents. The city has a total land area of 265.46 square miles and is within the province of Gauteng.

Climate

According to the Koppen Climate Classification, Pretoria is under the humid subtropical climate which equates to long summers with high probabilities of rain and cold but dry winters. The highest temperature recorded in Pretoria is at 42-degrees Celsius in January and this can stretch until December depending on the weather.

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Temperatures are said to decrease in June, July and August with 5-degrees Celsius as the all-time low. In an annual scale, precipitation can be tracked at 28.86 inches and the total sunshine hours are at 3,220.

Transportation

Unfortunately, there are no airports located within the limits of Pretoria and the only way that travelers can land in South Africa is through Tambo International and Lanseria Airport, which are 28 miles and 22 miles out of the city respectively. Once inside Pretoria, the most common bus line that you’ll see is named the Putco Bus Systems, which can easily get you connected to the rest of the town.

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The bus rides are scheduled by Pretoria’s government and the so-called Tshwane Bus Booklet is handy when you want to know more about the times and trips available within the week. For public transportation, Metrorail operates the rail services in the city and this starts from Pretoria’s city center branching out to other nearby cities such as Germiston, Johannesburg, Ga-Rankuwa, Mamelodi and Soshanguve.

What to See

Melrose House

Built as far back as 1886, the Melrose House now houses a billiard room to satisfy the sporty side of every visitor.

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The beautiful architecture will also impress you as stained glass and the in-house conservatory are sure to blow you away.

Voortrekker Monument

Erected in 1949, the Voorktrekker Monument is one of the best landmarks known in the whole of Pretoria which represents the group of people from whom it was named.

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Similar to Paris’ Eiffel Tower, Pretoria’s Voortrekker Monument is a stone wall carved with numerous wagons in a circular form.

Heroes’ Acre Cemetery

One of the most revered cemeteries in the whole of South Africa, the Heroes’ Acre Cemetery is located just a few meters south of Church Square.

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This tranquil patch of land is a resting place for some of Pretoria’s most treasured personalities like Hendrick Verwoerd, Andries Pretorius and Paul Kruger.

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Experiences Don’t Come Cheap in Cochabamba

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One of the strengths that Cochabamba has that will make you stay a little bit longer than planned is the low cost of living enjoyed by its locals and tourists. Located in the festive city of Bolivia, Cochabamba is, as expected, always bustling with life and vigor as seen in its streets and crowd.

While the city cannot be classified as totally affluent, the humble lives that comprise the town are more than enough for them to feel blessed all the time.

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Now, you’ll be able to treat yourself to fine-dining restaurants, get a few shots in their affordable night clubs, spend money buying local goods for souvenirs and take your budget to a whole new level that will make you feel pampered during your vacation.

Be immersed into Cochabamba’s wide avenues dotted with young professionals you can easily hold a conversation and absorb the surroundings with piles of activities. Definitely worth your time, the city of Cochabamba will never disappoint.

Location

Specifically, Cochabamba is located in Bolivia’s center and is the country’s fourth largest city. It is perched on the Cochabamba Valley of the Andes Mountain Range and has a total land area of 70-square kilometers with an estimated total population of 630,000 citizens.

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Due to its location, many notable towns and suburban areas surround Cochabamba like La Recoletta, Cala Cala, El Mirador, Sarco, America Oeste, Mayorazgo and Valle Hermoso.

Climate

Due to its proximity to Ecuator, Cochabamba is classified to experience a semi-arid climate according to Koppen. Despite the sweltering heat and heightened temperatures, the cooling winds of the mountains balance it out for local Cochalos, making it perfect for a comfortable stay and setting.

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The arid months are said to start in May and stretch as far as October with a high temperature record of 35-degrees Celsius. Rainfall, though quite rare, can be felt starting November and runs until March with a total annual precipitation of 362.7 inches, which is quite low compared to other towns in nearby countries.

Temperatures are said to have a probability of dropping to -6.7-degrees Celsius with a small amount of sunshine hours.

Transportation

One of the most notable modes of transportation that can be found in Cochabamba is their sophisticated bus and minibus lines, which amount to a whopping mark of 70.

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There are also flag taxis rental cars if you want a more private way of scanning the beauty of the city. Cochalas commonly call their taxi services TRUFI (taxi con ruta fija) which can be distinguished by the roof of the vehicle itself, showing the departure and destination point of their mapped-out trip.

The whole metropolitan area of Cochabamba is connected by bus lines with Lines Q, W, B, and K, 36, 1 and 13 as the busiest stops.

What to See

Iglesia & Convento de San Francisco

If you want to be amazed by the architectural feats of Cochabamba’s churches, then the Iglesia & Convento de San Francisco is one of the most famous options that you should pick. Erected in 1581, the church has undergone major and minor renovations ensure that its beauty will be preserved at its finest.

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Take in all of the churches’ details in awe, specifically the mestizo design saturating the whole structure and the gold-framed altar.

Palacio Portales

Owned by the opulent social butterfly Simon Patino, the Palacio Portales has never been occupied despite all the effort put into building it.

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Patino ensured that his palace will be worth remembering, so he picked the finest and imported materials to be stocked inside such as French wood, Carrara marble, Italian tapestries and fine silks that will blow your mind.

Cristo de la Concordia

Dubbed as one of Cochabamba’s most notable landmarks, the Cristo de la Concordia is reminiscent of Rio De Janeiro’s Cristo Redentor.

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Said to be taller than Brazil’s pride, this point of interest is also known for its footpath at the base of the mountain where it is perched and tourists need to trek 1,250 steps to get to the statue’s foot. It is also known to be an observation deck for you to see Cochabamba in.

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