Cristo de la Concordia

On the summit of San Pedro Hill stands the majestic Cristo de la Concordia (Christ of Peace)—one of the most impressive shrines for which the city of Cochabamba is famous. This monumental landmark is a signature attraction, embodying the spiritual heritage that Bolivia carefully preserves.

Christ of Concord. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The statue of Jesus Christ is made of concrete and steel and reaches a height of 34.2 meters, and together with the base, the total height of the structure is an impressive 40.44 meters. For a long time, it held the title of the tallest statue of Christ in the Southern Hemisphere, surpassing even its famous "brother" in Rio de Janeiro.

Thanks to its elevated location, Cristo de la Concordia is visible from almost any point in the city. This site attracts not only pilgrims but also travelers from all over the world who wish to see this grandiose man-made creation against the backdrop of majestic mountain landscapes.

For your convenience, we have gathered the essential contact information to help you plan your route to the monument.

The main highlight of visiting this site is the stunning panoramic view of all of Cochabamba and the surrounding mountains. The most energetic guests can make the ascent via a staircase of 1,399 steps, turning the visit into a real hike, while the cable car provides an easy and scenic climb for everyone else.

Inside the statue itself is an observation deck. On certain days, visitors can climb the internal steps right into the upper part of the monument to look at the city through small viewing windows located in Christ's shoulders. This provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the scale of the structure from the inside.

Well-maintained paths are laid out at the base of the monument, where you can stroll and take excellent photos. After your tour, it's worth stopping by the local souvenir shops or relaxing in a small cafe, enjoying the cool breeze and the atmosphere of tranquility that prevails at this height.

The monumental structure is located in the eastern part of the city on the summit of San Pedro Hill. The quickest way to reach the starting point is to use a taxi from the city center. Public transport, including local minibuses, also runs regularly to the foot of the hill.

Once you reach the base, you have two paths. The first is a pedestrian ascent via a staircase consisting of 1,399 steps. This is an excellent workout that takes about 30–40 minutes, but it requires good physical fitness due to the altitude. The second, more comfortable option is the cable car (teleférico), with the station located in the park at the base. This is a popular choice among tourists, allowing you to enjoy the views without extra effort.

Work on the creation of Cristo de la Concordia began on July 12, 1987, and lasted over seven years. The grand opening took place on November 20, 1994. The project was realized under the leadership of architects Cesar and Walter Terrazas Pardo, who were inspired by Brazil's Christ the Redeemer but sought to create something even more grandiose.

There is an interesting fact about the monument's dimensions: it was originally intended that the statue would be exactly 33 meters tall—one meter for each year of Jesus Christ's life. However, the final height of the sculpture itself reached 34.2 meters (extra centimeters were "added" by the hair), allowing the Bolivian Christ to become taller than the famous statue in Rio de Janeiro.

The appearance of the statue is deeply symbolic: Christ's left hand points south, his right hand points north, and his serene gaze is fixed directly on the city. The entire ensemble embodies the idea of peace, harmony, and hospitality, uniting the residents and guests of the country.

To fully experience this attraction, we recommend setting aside 2 to 3 hours. This time is quite sufficient to ascend the hill, take a leisurely walk around the monument, take memorable photos, and simply enjoy the panoramic view of the valley.

If you plan to climb the stairs on foot or wish to visit the internal observation deck (when open), it is better to budget a bit more time. Also, keep in mind that on weekends, small queues can form at the cable car for those wishing to admire the sunset.

The attraction is open to visitors daily. The official working hours of the complex are from 8:00 AM to 7:30 PM, Monday through Sunday. This allows tourists to choose the most convenient time—whether it's early morning or the time before sunset when the city begins to light up.

Please note that access to the statue's internal staircase may have a separate schedule and does not always coincide with the general opening hours of the grounds. Before planning your visit, it is recommended to check for up-to-date information on-site, especially during public holidays.

A visit to San Pedro Hill is just one part of what this hospitable region has to offer. A stroll through the surrounding areas will allow you to dive deeper into the city's atmosphere and see local life from different perspectives.

Near the monument and within walking or driving distance, there are several interesting parks and entertainment zones that will perfectly complement your travel itinerary.