A Touch of Compassion

Quillacollo Bolivia

 

Located in the heart of Bolivia and 12 kilometers west of the city of Cochabamba, Quillacollo has the second fastest population growth in Bolivia, just behind La Paz. From the 2001 to 2010 census the population skyrocketed from over 74,000 to more than 142,000 citizens. Besides Cochabamba itself, Quillacollo is the Cochabamba Valley’s most commercially important community, although it has lost much of its independent feel in recent years as Cochabamba’s growth has more or less absorbed it as a suburb. The rapid growth has put pressure on the local municipalities to support the expanding population and has contributed to the continued and acceptable use of child labor. While Quillacollo and the Cochabamba valley are centers for Sunday markets, agriculture and tourism, there still exist a high level of poverty.

One thing to do here is to sample garapiña, a deceptively strong blend of chicha (fermented corn), cinnamon, coconut and ayrampo, which is a local mystery ingredient from a cactus that colors the drink red.