Happy TravellerWelcome to Mizque, a charming town located in the Cochabamba Department of Bolivia. Known as Miski in Quechua, which means sweet, Mizque is the capital of the Mizque Province and is situated in the valley of the Mizque River, one of the main tributaries of the Río Grande. With a rich history and stunning natural beauty, Mizque is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Bolivia.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Mizque is its historical significance. Once located in the region of Upper Peru, Mizque was a corregimiente dependent on Santa Cruz de la Sierra until 1783, when it became an independent town of the Intendencia de Cochabamba, in the Viceroyalty of the Río de la Plata. During the Spanish American wars of independence, Mizque sent deputies to the Congress of Tucumán, which declared Argentina’s independence in 1816, and to the congress that declared the independence of Bolivia in 1825.
But Mizque is not just a town with a rich history. It is also a town with stunning natural beauty. The valley of the Mizque River is surrounded by mountains and hills, making it a perfect destination for hiking and trekking. The river itself is also a great spot for fishing and swimming. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the local wildlife, such as llamas and vicuñas.
Getting to Mizque is easy. The town is located on a well-maintained highway which leads through the Valle Alto to Cochabamba to the northwest. In the other direction, as National Road 23, the route runs southwards to Aiquile and, beyond that, to Sucre. The bus connection to Cochabamba operates on an almost daily basis. Mizque is also positioned beside the Cochabamba-Aiquile railway line, but since the railway station is across the river it is hard for the inhabitants to access. There is a railcar service to Cochabamba that runs three times per week, but the journey time is approximately twice as long as that taken by the bus using the main road, and the station is not much used for passenger traffic.
In conclusion, Mizque is a hidden gem in Bolivia that is waiting to be discovered. With its rich history, stunning natural beauty, and easy accessibility, it is a must-visit destination for any traveler to Bolivia. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Mizque today and experience the magic of this charming town for yourself!
