Tarija

About Tarija

Tarija or San Bernardo de Tarija is a city in southern Bolivia capital of Department of the same name, located at 22.73° South 64.35° West, at approx. 1,850m altitude. The city was founded in 1574; the population is 170,900 (2006 official estimate). Tarija is the capital of and largest city within the Tarija Department, Tarija is well known for its colonial architecture and art as well for its good weather and friendly people.

Arriving to the city to airport Oriel Lea Plaza airport, you will be greeted by a sign that reads, "Tarija, La Capital de la Sonrisa" (The Capital of Smile) referring to the city's purported, warm hospitality and friendly inhabitants.

Residents of Tarija are self-identified as Chapacos. During Bolivia's post-revolutionary period, the Chapacos (or residents of Tarija) voted on a referendum in favor of opting to be annexed by Bolivia instead of Argentina. It's for that reason that Tarijeños are recognized as Bolivia's most loyal and among Bolivia's most patriotic citizens.

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Climate

It has mild weather, with an average temperature of 22 C degrees (or around 70 F degrees).

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How to get here

By air

Everyday many flights depart from La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz to Tarija's airport Oriel Lea Plaza; only local airlines provide service to this beautiful city. See flight availability and airport information by clicking here.

By land

You can get to Tarija by bus; there are many bus companies that depart from La Paz as well as from other cities in Bolivia and neighboring countries.  

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Getting around in Tarija

It's easy to get around in Tarija people are very friendly and eager to help tourist, and you can see most of it by foot.

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Where to stay

Tarija has a large number of hotels and affordable places to stay, most of them are located in near the main plaza allowing the visitor to be close to everything the city has to offer, find information on hotels and reservations by clicking here.

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What to see while in Tarija

For many Tarijeños, the city's main plaza is regarded as the center of social life a picturesque and pleasant place to take a break or stroll around. The plaza is aligned with restaurants of many types of cuisines, local handicraft shops, and internet cafes within the immediate vicinity. Within walking distance is the public market, a university campus, and a number of sights including the world-renowned Paleontology Museum of Tarija.

Tarija is commonly regarded by Bolivian nationals and tourists alike as the Bolivian Andalucia. The Guadalquivir River that borders the city was named after the Spanish river of the same name. Tarija's land and climate are adequate for grape and wine production. An annual Festival of Wine's and Cheese is held in Tarija every may where you will be able to taste the best local production.

Tarijeños enjoy a relaxed lifestyle and are sometimes particularly proud for special approach to punctuality. A two-hour siesta is practiced daily starting at midday. During the siesta, most offices and shops are closed and the city streets are emptied, while families gather to eat lunch followed by a short nap.

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Where to Eat

There are many restaurants, pizzerias, karaoke's, hotel restaurants, and discotheques offering great service and food so you have a good culinary experience.   Click here to find more information on restaurants. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the local wines famous around the world for their fine taste and quality. Even though things have improved a lot lately, be careful to select a proper place to get your next meal because not all the vendors are known for keeping the highest standards for cleanness and hygiene.  

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Do's and Don't in Tarija

The cost of living in Bolivia is very affordable so don't be afraid of going out and splurge there's a lot to see in town or out of it be as adventurous as you can, taking always some precautions. In crowded areas be careful for pickpockets and bags lashers. A common trick is that one person spills something on your clothes, and while you or he wipes it off another person lifts your wallet or slashes your bag.

Be vigilant when checking into a hotel or hostel. Keep a hand on all your bags/belongings at all times. Acting as if they work for the hotel, opportunist thieves will create a diversion and snatch the nearest unattended bag.

If you are approached by police in civilian clothes don't show any valuables or your passport. And certainly don't get in a taxi with them. Undercover police are strictly ordered not to hassle tourists. There have been several cases of muggings and things going missing from bags or luggage after "drug searches". Insist on being taken to the police station before giving them access to your things. If you can, call the 110, which is the Bolivian emergency number.

And the most important there have been several cases of violent muggings in taxis. Don't take unregistered taxis. Lock the doors and don't allow other people to share the journey with you.

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Places near Tarija worth to visit

Tomatas: Natural bathing resort located at 5 Km. from the city of Tarija. Its beaches are bathed by waters from the Guadalquivir and Erquis rivers junction. There is also an small forest for camping.

Rincón de la Victoria: Paradisiacal vegetation spot located at 18 Km from the city. Being one of the main tourist attractions, it offers a close encounter with nature and its wonderful scenic views. Ideal for weekend trips.

San Lorenzo: Located at 16 Km from the city of Tarija, this town displays Spanish colonial styles, wood-carved balconies, stone-layered streets. In this town is the house of Eustaquio "Moto" Mendez, hero of Bolivia's fight for independence from Spanish rule. The house is currently a museum.

Chorros de Jurina (water falls): Twin forty-meter-height waterfalls surrounded by a beautiful landscape. Located 21 Km. from the city.

La Tablada: Historic grounds - 4 Km. from the city - where rebels under the command of Moto Mendez defeated Spanish forces, fueling the fight for independence.
Represa San Jacinto: 1700-hectare artificial lake located at 7 Km from the city of Tarija. Ideal for water-related sports.

Tolomosita: Natural bathing spot located at 7 Km from the city.
Tolomosa: Natural bathing resort located at 8 Km from the city. Pleasant temperatures, clear water, green prairies, and a beautiful landscape.

San Andres (hot spring): Natural bathing resort located at 15 Km from the city. Current site of the Annual Potato Fair.

Cañón (Canyon) del Ancón: Located at 15 Km from the city this place invites tourists to do some fishing and sight-seeing activities.

Concepción town: Located at 36 Km. from the city of Tarija, this is the traditional place for grape-harvest fests, wineries, vineyards, and orchards. The town bears lots of picturesque colonial elements.

Padcaya town: 50 Km. from the city of Tarija, this town's main attraction are caves containing petroglyphs and archeological remains belonging to ancient civilizations.

Chaguaya Sanctuary: 60 Kms. from the city of Tarija, this is the pilgrimage site for the Virgen of Chaguaya.

Bermejo town: Town located 208 Km south from Tarija, famous for its beautiful landscapes. Fishing and hunting are the main recreational activities.

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