Tarija

Tarija is the capital and largest city of the Tarija Department of Bolivia, with a population of some 268,000 (2012), and is the centre of Bolivia's fledgling wine industry.

Understand


In the central valley of the district, at 1,800–2,000 m, the climate in Tarija is mild and semi-arid, in contrast to the harsh Altiplano and the humid heat of the Amazon Basin. Average daily highs are 27–30 °C year round, while average nightly lows vary 8–17 °C depending on season. Freezing temperatures in winter are not uncommon. The winters (May–Aug) are dry, while summers are more rainy.

As the Inca Empire conquered the valley, the original population was dispersed. The stone roads might have been built by the pre-Inca cultures. The city was founded in 1574.

Tarija is the most important wine district of Bolivia.

By bus
There are direct connections from most cities including Villazón, La Paz (18 hr, Bs. 100) and Santa Cruz (14 hr, Bs. 90).


 * Tupiza – Buses leave from Tupiza at 10:00, 20:00, and 22:00.
 * From Argentina, it is possible to take a bus or hire a colectivo (shared taxi) at the bus station from the Bolivian border town of Bermejo. If you have crossed by small ferry from Aguas Blancas and there is no Bolivian immigration officer to stamp you in on the Bolivian side of the river or at the bus station, take a taxi or instruct the colectivo driver to take you to the immigration office at the bridge.
 * Potosí - Nightbuses leave from the new terminal, however if you go to the old terminal you can take a colectivo. Cars leave when full. About 20-45 mins wait if you come in the morning. 100 Bs, ~5 hrs. (June 2024)

Get around
The main plaza is picturesque and pleasant. The plaza is surrounded by restaurants of various cuisines, local handicraft shops, and internet cafés. The public market, a university campus and a number of sights are nearby. These areas are easily walkable.


 * Hop-on micros, many lines, ask the locals or watch the windscreen for routes & destinations; ride within city limits Bs. 1.50. Some go further afield (e.g. San Lorenzo, San Jacinto).
 * Trufis and colectivos go to El Valle de la Concepción from the stand at Calle Corrado (btwn. Trigo & Campero) – Bs. 10 per person.
 * Short rides in taxis cost Bs. 3.50 per person.

See




Connect
Internet cafes and centros de llamadas (call centres) everywhere; expect modem- rather than broadband-like speed. Some places allow you to hook up with your own laptop, e.g. two shops in the plaza principal (opposite Bufalo).

Go next

 * Sama Biological Reserve - flamingo gathering, 90km away on the road to Villazón.
 * Potosi and Oruro. Flecha Sur operates fast minibuses to them from the bus terminal. Depart when full. Bs. 100 to Potosí (2016).