Tarija · Bolivia

Tarija and its valleys

City in southern Bolivia, with a colonial center, the Casa Dorada, a megafauna fossil museum, and the high-altitude vineyards of Valle de la Concepción.

Vales

In the photo: Guadalquivir River and bridges of Tarija.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

Tarija lies in southern Bolivia, in a valley about 1,850 meters above sea level, near the border with Argentina. It was founded in 1574 by Luis de Fuentes y Vargas. The climate is warmer than on the altiplano, and the valley of the Guadalquivir River, which cuts through the city, is the country’s main wine-growing region.

The town center is organized around Luis de Fuentes y Vargas square, with streets of colonial and republican houses. Notable buildings include the Casa Dorada, with its golden façade, and the San Francisco convent, founded in 1606, which has a library of old books. The Museo Nacional Paleontológico y Arqueológico houses fossils of large mammals found in the valley itself.

About 25 km away, Valle de la Concepción, in the municipality of Uriondo, brings together vineyards and bodegas producing wine and singani. Uriondo hosts the Vendimia Chapaca, the grape-harvest festival. To the north, San Lorenzo preserves the house of independence hero Eustaquio Méndez.

Tarija’s calendar includes local festivals such as the Entrada de Comadres, held before Carnival, and the Fiesta Grande de San Roque, starting in August. The local cuisine is known as chapaca, and saice tarijeño is the dish that best represents it.

This destination brings together 1 city: Tarija.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Tarija and its valleys is

Contornos: GeoBolivia, via geoBoundaries (CC BY 4.0). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Tarija and its valleys

✈ Aeropuerto Capitán Oriel Lea Plaza (TJA) · 4 km to Tarija

Capitán Oriel Lea Plaza Airport (TJA) is about 4 km from the center and has domestic flights. By road, Tarija connects to Potosí and to Bermejo on the Argentine border; the trip from there takes about three hours. Confirm schedules and conditions before traveling.

Tarija · Tarija and its valleys Capital

Tarija

Capital of the Tarija department in southern Bolivia, in a valley about 1,850 meters high. Founded in 1574, it has a colonial center around Luis de Fuentes y Vargas square, the Casa Dorada, the San Francisco convent from 1606, and a fossil museum of the valley’s megafauna. About 25 km away are the vineyards of Valle de la Concepción. It is the city of saice tarijeño.

The local experience

Things to do in Tarija and its valleys

Tarija · Tarija · Historic house

Casa Dorada

House with a gilded and silvered façade in downtown Tarija, built in the early 20th century for the merchant Moisés Navajas. It mixes Art Nouveau and Mudéjar elements and houses the Casa de la Cultura.

Tarija · Tarija · Convent

San Francisco Convent

Franciscan convent founded in 1606 in central Tarija, with a church, museum and a library of old books. The complex is Bolivia’s national historical and cultural heritage.

Tarija · Tarija · Museum

National Paleontology and Archaeology Museum

University museum of Tarija with fossils of large mammals that lived in the valley, such as giant sloths, glyptodonts and mastodons, and an archaeology and history collection on the upper floor.

Tarija · Tarija · Valley

Valle de la Concepción

Valley of vineyards and wineries in the Uriondo municipality, about 25 km from Tarija, producing high-altitude wine and singani. Uriondo hosts the Vendimia Chapaca, the grape-harvest festival.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

From May to September there is little rain; nights in June and July are cold and frost is possible. Rainfall is concentrated from December to February. The Vendimia Chapaca in Uriondo takes place during the grape harvest; check the dates for the year. The Entrada de Comadres is on the Thursday one week before Carnival.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

Two days allow you to see the center, the Casa Dorada, the San Francisco convent and the fossil museum, and spend an afternoon at the bodegas in Valle de la Concepción. With three days you can add San Lorenzo and a relaxed meal in the countryside.

Which city to stay in

The center, around Luis de Fuentes y Vargas square, places the Casa Dorada, the cathedral, the San Francisco convent and the museum within walking distance. For those who want to stay near the vineyards, Valle de la Concepción in Uriondo offers country accommodations about 25 km from town.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Tarija and its valleys

How many days to stay in Tarija?

Two days are usually enough for the historic center, the museums and an afternoon at the bodegas in Valle de la Concepción. With three days there’s time left for San Lorenzo and to visit other bodegas in the valley.

What is the best time to go to Tarija?

From May to September there is little rain, but nights in June and July are cold. Rainfall is concentrated from December to February. The Vendimia Chapaca in Uriondo takes place during the grape harvest; check the dates for the year.

How to visit Tarija’s bodegas?

Most are located in Valle de la Concepción, in the municipality of Uriondo, about 25 km from town. There are tours departing from Tarija, and you can also get there by taxi or car. Many bodegas welcome visitors with tastings; check each one’s days and hours in advance.

Do you need a car in Tarija?

For the center, no: everything is nearby and walkable. For Valle de la Concepción and San Lorenzo, having a car, booking a tour or using a taxi helps.

Can you go to Tarija from Argentina?

Yes. The most used route is via the border between Aguas Blancas in Argentina and Bermejo in Bolivia. From Bermejo to Tarija is about a three-hour drive on paved roads. entry requirements depend on nationality and travel documents. Requirements can change: confirm before traveling.

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Tarija and its valleys

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.