Cristo de la Concordia | Cochabamba

Information

Landmark: Cristo de la Concordia
City: Cochabamba
Country: Bolivia
Continent: South America

Cristo de la Concordia, Cochabamba, Bolivia, South America

The Cristo de la Concordia is a colossal statue of Jesus Christ located on San Pedro Hill in Cochabamba, Bolivia. It is one of the largest Christ statues in the world.

Visual Characteristics

The statue stands 34.2 meters (112 feet) tall, not including its 6.24-meter (20.5 feet) pedestal. It is constructed from ferro-cement and painted white. The figure depicts Christ with arms outstretched, facing east. The base of the statue is a dodecagonal structure.

Location & Access Logistics

The statue is situated approximately 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) east of Cochabamba's city center. Access is primarily via the road leading up San Pedro Hill. Private vehicles can drive to a parking area near the base. Public transport options include local minibuses (trufis) that run to the base of the hill, followed by a walk or the use of a cable car. The cable car operates daily, with specific hours of operation. The ascent via cable car takes approximately 15 minutes.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Construction of the Cristo de la Concordia began on July 7, 1987, and was completed on November 20, 1994. It was designed by sculptors Walter and Franz Mendoza. The statue was built as a religious monument and a symbol of peace for the city and the country.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can ascend to the interior of the statue via a staircase comprising 1,399 steps or by elevator. From the outstretched arms, there is a panoramic view of Cochabamba and the surrounding valley. Photography is permitted from designated viewing platforms.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at the base of the statue and at the summit. Shade is limited on the exterior viewing platforms. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors and small shops are located at the base of the hill and near the cable car station.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is in the morning, between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, when the sun illuminates the statue from the east. The dry season, from May to October, offers clearer skies and more pleasant weather. The cable car operates from approximately 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with potential variations.

Facts & Legends

The Cristo de la Concordia is taller than the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, measuring 34.2 meters compared to Rio's 30 meters (excluding its pedestal). A local belief suggests that the statue's outstretched arms offer protection to the city.