Cobija
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At the extreme northwest of Bolivia sits the hot and steamy town of Cobija, capital of Pando, the country's newest department. Roughly 500 km northwest of La Paz, and once accessible only by air or river, Cobija is situated on a bend of the Río Acre, which forms the border with Brazil with Brasiléia on the opposite side. It is also only 80 km east of the border with Perú.
Founded in 1906 as Bahía, Cobija was settled during the rubber boom. As production declined, however, so did the town's importance. Cobija has grown rapidly in recent years but, although the largest centre in Pando, it retains an outpost feel.
Cobija does not follow a standard street grid but has a number of roads that meander through the town. The church, with interesting primitive art; a tourist office and other public buildings are located around the plaza. In the centre are a few original wooden buildings from the rubber boom era, and on the outskirts is a modern Brazil nut processing plant.
Prices in Cobija are higher than the rest of Bolivia but nonetheless much lower than in neighbouring Brazil, hence there is a great deal of cross-border shopping. Stores stock a large selection of imported consumer goods. There is also a Brazilian cultural influence.
This is edited copy from Footprint Handbooks. For comprehensive details (incl address, tel no, directions, opening times and prices) please refer to book or individual chapter PDF