Cercado: Laguna Alalay, Activities and Culture

Laguna Alalay, Parque Bicentenario and Casona Santivañez show different sides of Cercado: nature watching and waterside trails, opportunities for activities, and a historic site. This mix is a good starting point if you don’t want to focus your stay on just one type of experience. First consider whether you want to focus on walks and cycling, a range of sports and play options, or cultural history—then you can tailor your search for a holiday rental in Cercado accordingly.

Trails and Birdlife at Laguna Alalay

A walking and cycling path runs alongside Laguna Alalay and is part of a Ciclovía that is about 15 km long overall. The roughly 15 kilometers refer to the full length of the Ciclovía; this should not be taken to mean that the lakeside path is equally long. Check local trail conditions before setting out. More than 136 bird species from highland and lowland regions have also been recorded at the lagoon. This brings activity on the path and nature watching together. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, you can make this combination one of the defining themes of your trip.

Activities and Cultural History

Parque Bicentenario offers a different range of activities. The park includes a swimming pool, a roller-skating rink, an outdoor fitness area, small sports fields and modular playground equipment. For planning a family trip, the combination of sports areas and playground equipment can offer a concrete point of reference. Check which facilities are currently available before visiting.

Casona Santivañez adds a distinct cultural dimension: it was restored between 1997 and 1999. The restoration period provides this site with a historical point of reference and complements the activity-focused attractions at the lagoon and Parque Bicentenario. If you want to combine nature and activities with cultural history, these places offer a varied selection of travel themes.

Cochabamba as the Wider Context

In the wider destination of Cochabamba, Totora offers a different perspective on culture and landscape. Notable attractions there include colonial houses and seven colonial bridges; La Pajcha waterfall is another. The Casa de la Cultura in Totora has been converted into a museum. This adds specific examples of colonial buildings, a museum and a waterfall in the regional context to Cercado’s nature and activity sites.

The name also has a historical regional connection: in the wider destination of Cochabamba, Cercado is the official name for the historic area that fully encompasses the Cochabamba or Kanata Valley. The Villa de Oropeza was founded there in 1571; today it is the city of Cochabamba.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Trip

These themes can help you plan where to stay. If you want Laguna Alalay, Parque Bicentenario and Casona Santivañez to shape your stay, look for a holiday rental in Cercado. If you also want to include Totora, with its colonial houses, seven bridges and La Pajcha, consider Cochabamba as the wider travel destination.

Discover more destinations: Cala Cala, Quillacollo Province and Tiraque.

Go to the wider travel overview: Cochabamba.