Exploring Tarija, Bolivia: Travel Tips And Tricks

Tarija, Bolivia is a little off the beaten track, so it's not the easiest place to get to. Buses from La Paz take 18 hours and cost around 100 BOB; from Sucre, they take at least 10 hours, costing between 80 and 140 BOB. Buses from Santa Cruz take 14 hours and cost 90 BOB. If you don't want to spend a long time on a bus, you can fly directly from La Paz and Santa Cruz with the airline BoA. Prices are around 75 USD. From Argentina, you can take a bus or hire a colectivo (shared taxi) at the bus station from the Bolivian border town of Bermejo.

Travel by bus from La Paz, Sucre, Santa Cruz, or Tupiza

If you're considering travelling to Tarija, Bolivia, by bus, you'll be pleased to know that it's one of the most affordable and convenient ways to get there. Buses depart from several major cities in Bolivia, including La Paz, Sucre, Santa Cruz, and Tupiza. Here's what you need to know about taking the bus to Tarija from each of these locations:

La Paz to Tarija:

The bus journey from La Paz to Tarija covers a distance of 887 km and usually takes between 14 and 16 hours. Royal Class and Trans Copacabana SA are two companies that operate on this route. Ticket prices vary depending on the class of the coach, with VIP and sleeper buses being more expensive. The cheapest tickets are offered by Trans Copacabana SA, with prices starting at USD 43.42. It is recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during high season, weekends, or national holidays.

Sucre to Tarija:

The bus journey from Sucre to Tarija takes approximately 10 to 11 hours and costs between $30 and $32 USD. Buses depart twice daily at 7:30 pm, and the route takes you through breathtaking highlands and picturesque landscapes. Before reaching Tupiza, you might want to stop at Laguna Kharachi Orcko for some hiking. In Tupiza, you can find various outfitters offering horseback riding and mountain biking excursions.

Santa Cruz to Tarija:

The trip from Santa Cruz to Tarija by bus covers a distance of 660 kilometers and takes around 12 hours. Buses typically depart at 6:00 pm from the Santa Cruz bimodal terminal and arrive at the Tarija bus terminal the next morning. El Mexicano is a bus company that offers a direct trip option with lie-flat buses. Alternatively, you can opt for a trip with a stopover in Sucre, where you can then catch a bus to Tarija with companies like El Mexicano or 6 de Octubre.

Tupiza to Tarija:

Although not mentioned as a specific departure point, Tupiza is a town you will pass through on the way from Sucre to Tarija. If you are already in Tupiza, you can likely board one of the buses passing through and continue on to Tarija.

Fly to Tarija from La Paz, Santa Cruz, or Cochabamba

Flying is the fastest way to get from La Paz, Santa Cruz, or Cochabamba to Tarija, Bolivia. The airline BoA operates direct flights from each of these cities to Tarija. The journey from La Paz to Tarija takes around 2 hours and 54 minutes and costs between $70 and $250. The price of flights from Santa Cruz to Tarija varies depending on the time of year, with August being the cheapest month to fly. You can expect to pay around $95 for this route with BoA. There are between two and three nonstop flights from Cochabamba to Tarija each day, with prices starting at $53 for a one-way ticket.

Cross the border from Argentina via Villazon or Bermejo

To get to Tarija, Bolivia from Argentina, you can cross the border via Villazon or Bermejo. Here's a detailed guide on how to make the crossing via these points:

Crossing the Border from Argentina via Villazon:

When crossing from Argentina to Bolivia through Villazon, there are a few things to keep in mind. The immigration and customs offices are located on either side of a bridge that marks the border. A peculiar rule at this border is that vehicles must line up on a nearby street before approaching. Make sure to file your paperwork first and then wait in your vehicle, inching forward as cars ahead of you are cleared by customs. There are money changers available on the Bolivian side, so remember to exchange your currency.

It's important to note that you may not receive an exit stamp from Bolivia, as some travellers have reported only receiving an exit stamp and no entry stamp. The process can be time-consuming, with travellers reporting delays of up to six hours. Ensure that you have all the necessary documentation, including vehicle insurance, as you will need to purchase SOAT insurance before entering Argentina.

For accommodation near the border, consider staying at Hosteria Refugio del Sol in La Quiaca, Argentina. It offers clean rooms, hot water, good beds, and a decent breakfast.

Crossing the Border from Argentina via Bermejo:

The Bermejo River, also known as the Río Bermejo or Teuco River, forms a natural border between Argentina and Bolivia. It rises near Tarija, Bolivia, and flows towards the Chaco lowlands, marking the boundary between the Formosa and Chaco provinces in Argentina. Small crafts can navigate the central course of the river, known as the Teuco River.

When crossing the border via Bermejo, ensure you have the proper documentation and visas for both countries. The exact procedures and requirements may vary depending on your nationality and mode of transportation.

Keep in mind that there may be fewer amenities and services along the Bermejo border crossing compared to Villazon, so plan accordingly. Always check for the latest travel advisories and updates before embarking on your journey.

Take a taxi or public transport to the wineries

Getting to Tarija, Bolivia, is straightforward, with several transport options available. The most common way to reach Tarija is by bus from La Paz, Sucre, or Santa Cruz. These buses typically take 18, 10, and 14 hours, respectively, and cost around 100 BOB, 140 BOB, and 90 BOB. Alternatively, you can fly directly to Tarija from La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba, with prices ranging from $75 to $150.

Once in Tarija, you'll find yourself in Bolivia's premier grape-growing region, known for its wine production. The city has a laid-back vibe, wonderful weather, and a sophisticated culture, making it an excellent stopover for travellers exploring southern Bolivia.

Now, let's focus on getting to the wineries using taxis or public transport:

Taking a Taxi to the Wineries in Tarija

If you prefer a more flexible and direct option, taking a taxi is a convenient way to reach the wineries in Tarija. Taxis are readily available in Tarija, and you can easily hail one from the street or at designated taxi stands.

The taxi fare from Tarija city centre to the wineries in Valle de Concepción will depend on the distance travelled and the taxi company's rates. As of 2024, taxi prices in Tarija are capped, ensuring a fair and standardised pricing system.

When taking a taxi, it is always a good idea to agree on the fare before starting your journey to avoid any misunderstandings. Additionally, it is worth noting that taxi scams are common in other Bolivian cities like La Paz and Sucre, so it is essential to be vigilant and aware of the rates before getting into a taxi.

Using Public Transport to Reach the Wineries

Using public transport to get to the wineries in Tarija is a budget-friendly option that offers more independence than organised tours. However, it is important to note that the wineries have sporadic opening times, which can make planning your visit challenging.

To reach the wineries by public transport, you can take a public bus from Tarija city centre to Valle de Concepción, where most of the wineries are located. These buses depart from Calle Corrado in Tarija and will take you directly to the wine region. Remember to bring small change or the exact fare, as buses in Bolivia typically do not provide change.

Another option is to take a trufi, a shared taxi that travels a fixed route and departs once it is full. Trufis can be found at Parada a San Lorenzo on Avenida Víctor Paz Estenssoro or Parada a Tomatitas on Calle Daniel Campos. These shared taxis offer a more affordable and flexible way to get to the wineries, but you may need to ask locals for help finding the correct trufi route and departure point.

Additionally, you can rent a bicycle in Tarija and cycle to the wineries. This option allows you to explore the area at your own pace and enjoy the surrounding landscape. However, given the sporadic opening times of the wineries, it may be challenging to plan your visit independently.

In conclusion, while taking a taxi provides flexibility and convenience, using public transport or renting a bicycle offers a more adventurous and affordable way to explore Tarija's wineries. Remember to consider the sporadic opening times of the wineries and plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your time in this charming wine region of Bolivia.

Explore Tarija's laid-back city centre on foot

Tarija's city centre is a great place to relax and stroll around. The small, walkable colonial centre is full of cute little shops, cafes, and restaurants. The city has a distinctly European vibe, with tree-lined boulevards and tarmac roads. The city centre is also home to beautiful churches, clean streets, and squares.

One of the best ways to explore Tarija's city centre is to walk through the narrow streets and visit the local shops and restaurants. The city centre offers a great opportunity to shop and enjoy the local culture and atmosphere.

Start your walk at the Plaza Luis De Fuentes y Vargas, the main square, which is lined with restaurants. From there, you can explore the surrounding streets, taking in the architecture and stopping at cafes and shops along the way.

Make sure to visit the Mercado Central, one of the cleanest and most modern food markets in Bolivia. Here, you can try typical dishes like sajta de pollo (chicken stew), chicharron de chancho (deep-fried and battered pork), and trucha (trout). You can also find fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and other local products.

For a glimpse into Bolivia's wealthy colonial past, visit Casa Dorada, a restored mansion of a wealthy 19th-century merchant. The building features modernist and art nouveau architecture and houses an antique furniture collection, an art gallery, a concert hall, and a music hall.

Another notable building in the city centre is El Castillo Azul, a blue mansion in the middle of town that is said to be haunted. Guided tours of the mansion are offered occasionally, so check with the tourist office on the main plaza if you're interested in taking a look inside.

Finally, end your walk at the Guadalquivir River, where you can walk along the peaceful riverbank or pass through the bridges.

Frequently asked questions