Quillacollo & Urkupiña Sanctuary
Quillacollo
A pilgrimage town west of the city. The Virgin of Urkupiña festival in August is one of Bolivia's three major folk festivals.
Quillacollo lies about 13 kilometers west of Cochabamba. During the Virgin of Urkupiña festival (around August 14–16), dance troupes from across the country parade in elaborate costumes, and believers climb Calvario Hill to chip off stones, praying for prosperity. The celebrations are spectacular, and the festival is one of Bolivia's three major folk festivals. At other times, visitors can see the shrine and the prayer sites on the hill. Minibuses take about 30 minutes from the city center. During the festival, accommodation is scarce and crowds are large, so take care with your belongings.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Villa Albina (Pairumani)
- Inka Raqay
- Archaeological Museum of UMSS
- Plaza 14 de Septiembre & Cathedral
- El Prado (Avenida Ballivián)
- Convento de Santa Teresa
- La Cancha Market
- Palacio Portales