Exploring Bolivia: Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures

Bolivia is a landlocked country in South America, full of natural beauty and diverse landscapes. From the salt flats of Salar de Uyuni to the rainforests of Madidi National Park, Bolivia offers a range of unique experiences for travellers. Here is a list of things to do and see in Bolivia that are off the typical tourist path:

- Wine tasting in Tarija: Escape the tourist crowds in this Mediterranean-like town in southern Bolivia, known for its relaxed pace of life, warm climate, and vineyards.

- Horse riding in Tupiza: Explore the quaint town of Sorata, a trekker's paradise with snow-capped mountains and lush valleys.

- Hike Lake Titicaca in solitude: Enjoy the tranquil waters of Lake Titicaca away from the tourist crowds by hiking from Copacabana to the fishing community of Yampupata.

- Explore Jesuit churches in the Chiquitana region: Discover the UNESCO-protected houses of worship and experience the warm climate and friendly locals in this lesser-visited region of Bolivia.

- Follow Che Guevara's footsteps: Relive the final days of the revolutionary Che Guevara and visit the exact location of his death in Vallegrande and La Higuera, a region blessed with stunning natural scenery.

- Visit lesser-known national parks: Explore national parks like Noel Kempff and Sajama, which see very few visitors and offer a truly off-the-beaten-path experience.

- Discover a different jungle: Experience the Bolivian jungle away from the typical tourist trail by visiting the lowland tropical tourism hub of Villa Tunari, located between Cochabamba and Santa Cruz.

Wine tasting in Tarija

Tarija, located in southern Bolivia, is a delightful city known for its relaxed pace of life, warm climate, and picturesque plazas surrounded by excellent restaurants and cafes. It feels more like Argentina than Bolivia due to its proximity to the Argentinian border. Despite being the country's wine-producing centre, Tarija remains an understated and less-visited destination, making it a hidden gem for those seeking a retreat from the typical tourist trail.

Tarija's Wine Region

The Tarija region is renowned for its wine production, boasting some of the best wineries in South America. The unique altitude and climate of the area give the wines produced here distinct characteristics that cannot be found elsewhere. The gentle hills and vast vineyards of the region also offer a spectacular landscape for visitors to enjoy. The grapes in Tarija are cultivated and processed using traditional techniques, with minimal reliance on modern machinery.

Wineries to Visit

When it comes to wine tasting in Tarija, there are several notable wineries to consider:

• Bodega Aranjuez: This winery, founded in 1976, offers informative tours led by the knowledgeable Gerardo, the head of tourism and export manager. Here, you can learn about the winemaking process and taste their award-winning wines, including the Bodega's premium selections.
• Bodega Campos de Solana: This beautiful winery offers excellent value for money, with locally made wine that is highly regarded. They also offer two award-winning red blends, "TRI" and "UNICO", which are worth sampling.
• Casa Vinicola El Potro: A popular choice among travellers, offering a warm welcome and a chance to explore their facilities and vineyards. Their wine-tasting experience includes a ham and cheese pairing, enhancing the enjoyment of their wines.
• Barbacana Vinos Boutique: A boutique winery providing a unique wine-tasting experience.
• Bodegas Magnus Srl: A well-known winery in the region, offering wine tastings and a glimpse into their winemaking process.
• Casa Vieja: Located in an over-400-year-old colonial building, Casa Vieja is a popular visit as it maintains many traditional winemaking techniques.

Other Attractions in Tarija

In addition to wine tasting, Tarija offers other attractions worth exploring:

• El Castillo Azul: A privately owned mansion with a striking blue and white exterior, unlike any other building in the city. There are legends and stories associated with this impressive structure, including rumours of it being haunted.
• Central Plaza: The peaceful central plaza is a great place to relax and enjoy the surrounding restaurants, cafes, and ice cream parlours.
• Lake San Jacinto & Dam: A popular spot in the afternoons, especially at sunset. Locals gather here to watch the water gush from the dam and enjoy snacks from the food stalls.
• Museums: Tarija is home to several museums, including the "Casa de la Cultura", which was once a wealthy merchant's mansion. It boasts antiques, an intricate exterior, and is a national monument. There is also a small museum featuring impressive dinosaur bones, ceramics, tools, fossils, and other artefacts found in the Tarija department.

Planning Your Trip

When planning your trip to Tarija, consider the following:

• Seasonality: The harvest season in Tarija typically runs from late February to early April. Visiting during this time can provide a unique opportunity to witness the winemaking process firsthand.
• Tour Options: Consider joining a guided tour that combines a visit to Tarija with other attractions in Bolivia, such as the Quebrada de Humahuaca or the Calilegua Cloud Forest. This can enhance your overall travel experience and provide a deeper understanding of the region.
• Transportation: Tarija is located off the usual travel routes, so it may be necessary to arrange transportation in advance. This can include booking a guided tour or renting a vehicle for more flexibility.

In conclusion, wine tasting in Tarija offers a unique and relaxing experience for travellers seeking to explore the lesser-known attractions of Bolivia. With its charming atmosphere, excellent wineries, and stunning landscapes, Tarija is a destination that should not be missed for wine enthusiasts and those seeking authentic cultural experiences.

Horse riding in Tupiza

There are several companies in Tupiza that offer horseback riding tours, including Centro Ecuestre Amazonas, Alexandro Adventure Travel, and La Torre Tours. These companies offer a range of tour durations, from half-day to multi-day trips, and can cater to riders of all experience levels. The tours typically include visits to rock formations such as Puerta del Diablo, Valle de los Machos, and Cañon del Inca, as well as canyons like Cañon del Duende and Toroyo.

• Departure at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM from Tupiza.
• Visit Quebrada de Palmira, a place full of canyons and ravines with walls of red clay soil and vertical red mountains.
• Explore Puerta del Diablo, a natural wonder named after a legend about the devil falling in love with a cholita during the carnival of Tupiza.
• Discover Valle de los Machos, rock formations eroded by the wind with a phallic appearance.
• Venture into Cañon del Duende, an impressive canyon named after a rock formation on its summit that resembles an elf.
• Arrive at Toroyoj, a place of rest and recreation surrounded by sharp vertical coloured rocks, with the San Juan del Oro River flowing at your feet.
• Cross the river to reach La Torre, a gigantic rock of enormous height located in the middle of the valley.
• Return to Tupiza, passing by the junction of the San Juan del Oro and Tupiza Rivers, commonly called Entre Ríos, and crossing El Angosto.

Please note that during the rainy season, this particular trip may not be possible due to high river levels.

Hike Lake Titicaca

Bolivia is a landlocked country with unmatched travel experiences. While the usual attractions include the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, the bustling city of La Paz, and the tranquil Lake Titicaca, there are plenty of other things to do in Bolivia away from the tourist trail.

Lake Titicaca is a large freshwater lake in the Andes mountains, shared by Bolivia and Peru. It is the highest navigable lake in the world and the largest lake in South America in terms of volume and surface area. The lake is located at an elevation of 3,812m (12,507 ft) and has a mystical aura, as it is believed to be the birthplace of the sun and the moon, according to Inca mythology.

If you're looking for a challenging hike with incredible views, consider the 17-20km trail from Copacabana to Yampupata, a small fishing community on the shores of Lake Titicaca. This hike takes approximately 4-5 hours and offers a unique perspective of the lake, as it runs parallel to its glistening waters. Along the way, you'll pass through small villages, see Inca ruins, and get a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the local farmers and fishermen.

• The hike can be quite strenuous due to the high altitude, so ensure you are well-acclimatized before attempting it.
• Pack snacks and plenty of water, as there are limited shops along the trail.
• Consider taking a boat ride to Isla del Sol, the "Island of the Sun," to explore Inca ruins and enjoy the crystal clear waters.
• If you have more time, you can even spend a night on Isla del Sol to experience the tranquil atmosphere and laid-back island life.
• To avoid the tourist crowds, consider staying in the village of Yampupata instead of Copacabana.

Lake Titicaca is a must-see destination in Bolivia, offering a glimpse into the country's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and ancient history.

Explore Jesuit churches in Chiquitana

The Chiquitana region in eastern Bolivia is home to a series of quaint little villages with stunning Jesuit churches. The churches, built in the 17th and 18th centuries, are a delightful circuit that can be explored over several days. The UNESCO-protected houses of worship are the main attraction, with their unique fusion of European and Amerindian cultural influences. The churches are characterised by their wooden architecture, with intricate carvings and bright paintings.

The first church to visit is San Francisco Javier, or San Xavier, which was the first of the Jesuit missions to be established in 1691. The church has a stone facade and a beautiful interior courtyard with naive paintings. Next is Concepción, which has one of the largest cathedrals of all the Jesuit missions. The interior is just as lovely as the colourful exterior, with wooden sculptures and paintings in a naive style. The third church to visit is Santa Ana, which has the most authentic interior of all the churches, designed and built entirely by the indigenous population. The complex consists of the church, bell tower, sacristy, and a grassy plaza lined by houses.

The fourth church on the circuit is San Miguel, with its stunning facade featuring painted carved pillars. The church was built between 1752 and 1759 and is one of four that remain in their original location. The fifth church is San Rafael, the second mission to be built in 1695. The church here is quite different from the others, with a ceiling lined with cane reeds and a pulpit covered in mica. Finally, there is San José de Chiquitos, the third mission to be founded in 1698. This church is built of stone, unlike the others, and has a barn-like appearance.

Follow Che Guevara's footsteps

Bolivia is a country with incredible sights, yet it remains largely untouched by international tourism. One way to explore an alternative side of the country is to follow in the footsteps of Che Guevara.

Ernesto "Che" Guevara was the world's most famous revolutionary. He pitched up in Bolivia to foment revolution and arrived in disguise in La Paz in 1966, staying in room 504 at the Hotel Copacabana. Che and his guerrillas set up a base in the south of Bolivia before trying to secure local support and recruit fighters.

Che was asthmatic, and Roli Galarza Meneces' father, a nurse, helped him to track down medicine in the pretty colonial town of Samaipata. This is the gateway to the Che Trail. The Quebrada del Churo ravine is 3km north of La Higuera. Here, you can trek down through gorse and banana palms to where Che's men had hidden. Just beyond is a mosaic memorial and the fig tree that the injured Che was hiding behind when he was apprehended by elite Bolivian troops.

La Higuera is a village where Che's capture and execution are remembered. The room in which he was killed is now a shrine, decorated with pictures, messages, flags, and even driving licences, by visitors who have paid homage. The walls of La Higuera's buildings are adorned with images of Che's face. In the village, you can visit the Store Estrella, where Irma Rosado was asked to take peanut soup to Che by soldiers guarding him.

Che's corpse was helicoptered to Hospital Señor de la Malta in Vallegrande, 60km north of La Higuera. The Che route here is structured, and an official guide is required to see all three official sites. In the hospital's backyard laundry, Che's body was brought for identification and displayed to the world's press. The walls and wash basin are scrawled with adoring graffiti, and locals light candles appealing to "San Ernesto" to cure illnesses.

In October, Che's death is honoured with concerts and events. On the 50th anniversary of his death, his four children attended the official act of remembrance in Vallegrande.

In the nearby Café Galeria de Arte Santa Clara, you can sit under a vast portrait of Guevara and reflect on his life and legacy.

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