Tarata day trip from Cochabamba: Colonial town and jet ski

Taste traditional Chicha and meet locals in Tarata’s lively markets and streets

A day trip from Cochabamba to Tarata, a traditional colonial town 45 minutes away, where you jet ski at Angostura lake, walk through markets and popular gathering places, taste chicha and traditional Bolivian food, and meet locals who explain how the town works. The tour runs six hours with a live guide in English, Spanish or German, and includes bottled water, snacks and lunch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Tarata and Angostura Lake

• Meet at Cochabamba meeting point
• Learn about Cochabamba
• Travel to Tarata town
• Explore colonial buildings and markets
• Taste traditional Bolivian food
• Meet locals and learn culture
• Enjoy jet ski at Angostura lake

The experience

Tarata sits 45 minutes from Cochabamba and the day starts with a meeting point briefing about the city before you head out. The route takes you to Angostura lake, where you get time on a jet ski: the water activity that breaks up the walking and talking. After that comes the town itself: colonial buildings still in use, markets where vendors sell to locals, and the gathering spots where Bolivian daily life actually happens. A guide walks with you through it all and translates what you are seeing.

Food and drink anchor the cultural part. You taste chicha, the traditional fermented corn drink Bolivians have made for centuries, and sit down for a proper lunch built on local recipes. Snacks and bottled water come throughout the day. The guide speaks English, Spanish or German, so the explanations land without a translation app. Children from age six ride along. Infants can come in a stroller or on an adult's lap.

The tour uses public transportation, which keeps the cost low and splits among the group. You pay your share of the fare as you go. If private transport matters to you, that can be arranged separately at checkout. Six hours total means you leave Cochabamba in the morning and return by early afternoon.

What’s included

• Jet ski time at Angostura lake.
• chicha tasting.
• traditional Bolivian lunch.
• snacks and bottled water throughout the day.
• live guide in English, Spanish or German.
• public transportation to and from Tarata.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 40 years) · Senior (41 to 60 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Infant (6 to 12 years): free · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “at the midle of the square.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Sumaj Feeling

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to move between activities (water time and walking, food and sightseeing) rather than stay in one place. The public transport keeps costs down when you travel with others, and the six-hour length fits a half-day schedule from Cochabamba.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Infant (6 to 12 years): free. Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What is chicha and why do people drink it in Tarata?

Chicha is a fermented corn drink that Bolivians have made and consumed for centuries. You taste it as part of the tour to understand traditional food culture in the region.

Do I need my own jet ski experience to ride at Angostura lake?

No prior experience is required. The jet ski time is included in the tour and the guide or operator will give you instructions before you get on the water.

How does the public transport cost work on this tour?

The tour uses public transportation and the cost splits among all participants based on who rides. You pay your share of the fare as you travel, keeping the total affordable.

What happens if I have heart or breathing concerns?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. If you have concerns about your fitness level, contact the operator before booking to discuss what the day involves.