Vacas, Cochabamba facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vacas
Wak'as
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Panoramic view of Vacas as seen from Calvario de la Virgen Santa Bárbara
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 Vacas, Cochabamba
Location in Bolivia
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| Country |  Bolivia |
| Department | Cochabamba Department |
| Province | Arani Province |
| Municipality | Vacas Municipality |
| Elevation | 3,475 m (11,401 ft) |
| Population
(2001)
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| • Total | 650 |
| Time zone | UTC-4 (BOT) |
| Area code(s) | 00 591 4 |
Vacas is a small village located in the southeast of the Cochabamba Department in Bolivia. Its name in the Quechua language is Wak'as.
Vacas is the main town of the Vacas Municipality, which is part of the Arani Province. It is about 85 kilometers (53 miles) from the city of Cochabamba and about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Arani.
Most of the people living in Vacas and the areas around it are indigenous and have Quechuan heritage. Long ago, during the time of the Inca Empire, Vacas was a special stop called a tampu. This stop was along the famous Inca road system that led to important places like Inkallaqta and Pocona. Later, when the Spanish arrived, the village was founded again with the name "Santa Bárbara de Bacas".
Vacas is in a countryside area high up in the mountains of Cochabamba's "Southern Cone" (Cono Sur). The weather here is great for growing crops like potatoes, wheat, barley, broad beans, and oats. Vacas is even known as the "Land of the potato" (Quechua: Papaq llaqtan). Farmers often use yokes of oxen to prepare their fields. Besides growing crops, people also raise animals such as cows, sheep, pigs, and chickens.
Contents
Education in Vacas
Vacas offers different levels of education for its young people. You can find schools for all ages right in or near the village.
What Schools are Available?
- Preschool: The Guardería Sagrado Corazón de Jesús helps the youngest children get ready for school.
- Primary School: The Escuela Unidad Experimental is the local primary school. It has a long history, as it was founded way back in 1862.
- Secondary School: Older students attend the Colegio Profesor Toribio Claure for their secondary education.
- Higher Education: For those who want to become teachers, the Ismael Montes Teacher Training College (Escuela Superior de Formación de Maestros "Ismael Montes") is located nearby in Challwa Mayu.
Fun Festivities in Vacas
Vacas is a place that loves to celebrate! Throughout the year, there are several important festivals and events that bring the community together.
When are the Main Celebrations?
- May 4: People celebrate Santa Vera Cruz Tatala.
- May or June: The village observes Corpus Christi.
- June 29: This day is dedicated to Saint Peter.
- July 16: A special day for Our Lady of Mount Carmel, who is the patron saint of all Bolivia.
- October 15: This date marks the Anniversary of Vacas Municipality, celebrating the town's founding.
- December 4: Another important day is the Anniversary of Vacas, honoring Saint Barbara.
Local Fairs
Vacas also hosts a fair where people can enjoy local products and crafts.
What Kind of Fair is Held?
- April: Every April, Vacas holds a special fair. Here, you can find fresh fish, delicious potatoes, and unique handmade crafts from the area.
