After a morning of Spanish classes at the Carmen Vega School or a stroll through the city of Cochabamba, you’ll probably feel a bit hungry and start looking for a good place to eat. El Guajojo is just the spot to satisfy your craving!
In the vibrant streets of Cochabamba, a small restaurant stands out among lovers of Bolivian cuisine: El Guajojo — Rellenos, named after the guajojó (the great potoo), a bird whose name evokes Bolivian identity and the beauty of the natural world.
This restaurant has turned the relleno — a traditional dish — into a creative and accessible culinary experience.
What is a relleno?
A relleno is a typical dish from Cochabamba, and from Bolivia in general. It consists of mashed potato balls (sometimes mixed with other ingredients), stuffed with a savory filling, then fried or baked until golden. Classic fillings include pollo (chicken), carne (beef), or charque (dried meat).
But El Guajojo goes beyond tradition. You’ll find creative, chef-inspired versions and fillings inspired by famous Bolivian dishes, such as:
- Pique macho — a spicy twist that balances heat and texture
- Anticucho — inspired by the popular grilled meat dish with its distinctive marinade
- Mondongo — a nod to Bolivia’s traditional offal dishes, perfect for fans of rustic flavors
The restaurant was born during the pandemic, initially offering traditional rellenos, then gradually adding signature touches to diversify its menu.
Menu & Prices
One of El Guajojo’s best qualities is its affordable prices. A classic relleno (chicken, beef, charque, or more creative versions) costs under 15 Bs. Add an appetizer — like the famous sopa de maní (peanut soup) — and your meal will still be around 25 Bs, with a delicious starter included.
The sopa de maní is especially praised for its rich flavor and perfect texture.
All in all, you can enjoy a complete, traditional meal full of flavor and creativity — without spending much.
Atmosphere & Location
El Guajojo is located at the corner of Calle La Paz and Lanza (acera sur), in Cochabamba.
The decor is simple yet warm. The focus is on the food — no unnecessary frills — creating a cozy, welcoming atmosphere at any time of day.