city in Cochabamba Department, Bolivia
Tarata is a small city in the department of Cochabamba. It is prominent among the region's colonial towns for its surviving traditional architecture, and it is home to the annual festival of San Severino which marks the coming of the rains in late November.
Tarata's history as a colonial village is slowly disappearing, as increasingly colonial buildings are destroyed to make way for concrete multi-story buildings.
Tarata is 29 km or a little over an hour from the city of Cochabamba. Shared taxis and minibuses offer direct service regularly from Avenida Barrientos, between the marketplace at la Cancha and Avenida 6 de Agosto. The one-way fare is about Bs. 5 (2010); buses leave when full.
The entire town of Tarata is walkable.
The Cathedral of Tarata houses the remains of a mystical former Bolivian President, General Mariano Melgarejo. The convent houses a museum with several relics, and together the religious structures are among the most impressive colonial buildings in the town.
Walk around town, especially up to the monastery, to experience the colonial feel, how it has been impoverished over the centuries, and how it is transforming into a more internationalized city (as new construction replaces characteristic old buildings). The most interesting colonial buildings are around the main square and the convent to the southwest. There are also several remaining large colonial villas that exhibit older architectural styles around town.
The festival of San Severino happens during the last weekend in November, and is an excellent opportunity to see the vast range of traditional dances from the region and around the country. The best place to sit is near the political officials' pavilion in front of the cathedral, because all of the dancing groups put on a special show for the mayor and town officials.
Tarata is known for its traditional arts and crafts, especially for pottery and weaving. It is still inexpensive to buy the crafts in the town, many of which are useful for travelers such as clothing. Souvenirs and knick-knacks are also available from a few sellers around the town.
Tarata has a tradition of preparing very thin sausages or chorizos, which are available at several local eateries at low prices.
Chicha is the traditional corn-based alcoholic drink, but changes to the method of preparing have mafe the chicha less than trustworthy. For adventurous travelers wishing to try, chicha is available at any shop hanging a red cloth diamond off a pole outside the entrance.
It is possible to see Tarata on a day trip from Cochabamba, so it isn't necessary to look for a place to stay. Arrive early, visit the town, and leave when you feel you've seen enough.
Cliza and Punata are similar towns in the same valley, and may be worth exploring to understand more of the older way of life in Cochabamba department.