Tarija
History
Tarija was founded on July 4th, 1574 as Villa de San Bernardo
de Tarija by Don Luis de Fuentes y Vargas under the orders of Viceroy Don Francisco de
Toledo. The new city was founded on the shores of the Guadalquivir river and its name was
a tribute to Francisco de Tarija, a member of Almagro's expedition who was the first
Spaniard to visit the valley. In 1810, Tarija declared independence from the Spanish rule,
but the Spanish crown did not pay attention to the rebel act. On April 15th, 1817 at the
Batalla de la Tablada, Tarija's citizens won a major victory over the Spanish forces, but
not the long-waited independence. Later on, Argentina was keen to annex the agriculturally
favorable area, but Tarija opted to become part of Bolivia which won its independence and
formally established itself as a Republic in 1825. By November 1996, the city of Tarija had a
population of 111,399 inhabitants.
Climate
The city of Tarija lies at an altitude of 1,924 meters above
sea level. Its weather is mild and pleasant although sometimes winter nights may get
slightly cooler. Tarija is well-known for its Mediterranean-like climate and vineyards.
How to Get There
By land:
By bus or truck from the following cities and towns: Potosí
Cochabamba, Oruro, Sucre, Villazón, Tupiza, Yacuiba, Camiri, Bermejo, and Villamontes
By air:
From any main city in the country through the following
airlines: LAB, AEROSUR, and TAM.
Main Attractions
| 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: 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: Natural
bathing resort located at 15 Km from the city. Current site of the Annual Potato
Fair. |
| Cañón del Ancón: Located
at 15 Km from the city this place invites tourists to do some fishing and sight-seeing
activities. |
| Concepción: 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: 50 Km. from the
city of Tarija, this town's main attraction are caves containing petroglyphs and
archeological remains belonging to ancient civilizations. |
| Chaguaya: 60 Kms. from the
city of Tarija, this is the pilgrimage site for the Virgen of Chaguaya. |
| Bermejo: Town located 208
Km south from Tarija, famous for its beautiful landscapes. Fishing and hunting are the
main recreational activities. |
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