Tarija, Bolivia

"Wines with altitude," this phrase describes the wines from Tarija, known worldwide for both the quality achieved during their preparation and for the altitude above sea level in where they are produced.

Tarija is Bolivia's wine growing region, the area is home to some of the world's highest vineyards up to 6,500 feet (2,000 m). The first grapevines were brought in during the late 1500's by missionaries who realized the region was blessed with land and climate that is perfect for grape and wine production.

The region is great for exploring its vine-scented countryside and walking around the different vineyards to sample excellent local wine. Before you leave make sure you stock up on wine because it is fairly inexpensive.

The city itself has a population of about 150,000 people and is in the far southeastern part of Bolivia, near the border of Argentina and Paraguay. Although the city is in Bolivia, its culture and customs are more related to Argentina.

Tarija's main plaza is regarded as the center of social life and is a beautiful plaza that is lined with orange trees and palms. It is a good place to relax and walk around.

The city is full of sidewalk cafes and restaurants with great food. There are many hoteles, local handicraft shops, and internet cafes within walking distance of the main plaza.

Things to do around Tarija - Attractions

The Archaeology and Paleontology Museum is world-renowned museum, operated by Tarija's university and is one block south of the main plaza. On display are some findings of the region, such as dinosaur bones, fossils and the remains of the only Andean elephant ever found in South America. It costs around $.25 cents (2Bs) to get in.

Basilica de San Francisco was built in 1606 and is Tarija's oldest church. It is off of Avenida Daniel Campos and La Madrid. The church has some stunning oil paintings inside and a contains two libraries that hold around 20,000 books. There is also a small museum library that contains a collection of 16th century colonial books.

El Valle de Concepción is located 22 miles (36 Km) south of Tarija. The town is a great place to visit the wineries. The Festival of the Grapes takes place here around March to celebrate the grape harvest.

Sama Biological Reserve is a huge protected reserve about 35 miles (60km) from Tarija. The reserve protects two regions, the Altiplano and the highlands of the Andean valley region. There you can explore the numerous lakes and see rare species of aquatic birds. There is also an Inca trail that goes through this reserve and starts in Tajzara. The trail is now paved and can be walked in about 8 hours. Along the way you'll see rock paintings, ancient remains, and excellent scenery.

San Jacinto Lake is a man-made lake, about 5 miles (8km) from Tarija. The lake is formed by a dam and you can walk across the bridge that spans the dam. At the dam there are eateries that sell food and drinks. You can also go on a rowboat tour of the lake.

Tomatita is a village about 3 miles (5km) from Tarija. There is a park on the banks of the Guadalquiver river where you can swim and find some good restaurants. Also you can take a 30 minute trail upstream the river and see a two-tiered waterfall that drops about 200 feet(60m).

Chorros de Jurina is a waterfall that drops about 130 feet (40 meters). It is local attraction about 13 miles (21 Km) from Tarija and is a good day trip

Getting There

The airport is about 2 miles (3km) east of town. With Aerosur you can reach Tarija from La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. Most of the direct flights are to and from Cochabamba though. Lloyd Aereo Boliviano connects Tarija with La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz. You can also get there from Santa Cruz's other airport by small aircraft from the El Trompillo Airport by flying the military airline, where you can get a good rate.

By Bus

There are many bus companies that go to and from Tarija. If your leaving From La Paz prepare for a long journey about 24 hours, but you'll see some excellent sights on the way. From La Paz you usually have to connect with another bus in Potosi or Uyuni and then to Tarija. There is also a bus to and from Santa Cruz that leaves a few times a week and takes about 20 hours. The roads can get rough, but has spectacular scenery.

By Train

The train station in Tarija is located on the western side of the city, along Avenida Serrano. There are regular connections to Oruro and Uyuni. Trains also leave Wednesday and Saturday for Santa Cruz.

Getting Around

Taxis in Tarija cost about $.50 cents (4Bs) per person, within the city limits.

By Bus

City micros and trufis cost $.25 (2Bs) cents per person. The routes are marked on the front of the vehicles.

History

In 1810 Tarija and the surrounding area declared its independence from Spain. Although, Spain ignored this declaration and seven years later a battle erupted between the Spanish forces. Under the leadership of Jose Mendez the citizens defeated the Spanish, though they still weren't granted independence.

Still in pursuit of independence, Tarija joined forces with Bolivia for its fight for independence from Spain. Although, it was asked to join Argentina and coveted by Argentina for its fertile lands, Tarija decided to join Bolivia when it won its independence in 1825.