La Angostura

Only half hour away from Cochabamba is an artificial lake, La Angostura, a popular weekend getaway for most cochabambinos for fishing and kayaking. There we headed our second day in search of their well-known, well-cooked fish (grown in that lake).

view from the dam

only 10 AM and already suffering under burning sun

view on the other side of the dam

the few house/restaurants in the area

I was expecting more than we found, which was only a couple restaurants and an abandoned railway. Nonetheless, the most important reason for the visit was to try the local fish. That’s one of the many things I have missed since I arrived in Bolivia. Due to its land-locked status, meat is a much more popular choice than fish or seafood in Bolivia. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

abandoned railway

We explored the area until lunchtime. When it was finally time, we ran to the closest restaurant, too hungry to even pick between the multiple (only 2) choices. The restaurant had a floating deck, and an amazing view of the lake and surrounding mountains. I had a local fish called pacú while Alek had pejerrey.  And the fish was DELICIOUS! … although to be honest it was the ugliest fish I have ever had the pleasure of eating. And then to top it all off, Alek ended up eating its eye!

my pacú

ugly little thing.. isn't it?

We returned to Cochabamba, full and satisfied with our little excursion, for another afternoon of walking around town. For dinner we chose a different restaurant, Casa de Campo. And what a bad find that was. A cute restaurant but horrible food.

nightly walk on El Prado before dinner

My favorite fountain on El Prado. The statue in the center are three faces representing the cultural diversity in Bolivia, all tied together with a braid symbolizing a common goal of peace, prosperity, and harmony seen in its moon shape.