Overview:

Tarija is the capital of the Tarija Department in Bolivia, situated in the southern part of the country. The population of the city is approximately 135,000. Tarija is known for its warmer climate that is different from the rest of Bolivia. The city is an important center of commerce agricultural production in Bolivia, and its products such as wine, ovine, and citrus are well known and exported worldwide. Tarija is also an important center of culture in Bolivia. Tarija was founded in 1574 by the conquistador Alonso de Mendoza, who named the city Sandra. In 1777, it was renamed Tarija after a nearby mountain. The Historic City of Tarija is located at the geographic coordinates of 22°02'32" S 64°37'49" W and sits at an altitude of 2,145 metres above sea level. The city is known for its Spanish colonial architecture, colourful markets, and friendly people. Additionally, there are a number of interesting museums, churches, restaurants, and parks to explore. The Plaza Major is the central point of the city, and is surrounded by stores, cafes, and galleries. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Bolivia
Prominent Features:

1. Mojo La Ramada Archaeological Site: This archaeological site is located 3 miles from downtown Tarija. It features ruins of pre-Hispanic abodes as well as unique rock formations. 2. San Bernando Hill: Located on the east side of Tarija, the hill provides one of the best views of the city. 3. La Recoleta Church: This large church was constructed in 1772 and is one of the most prominent landmarks in central Tarija. It features a high bell tower and beautifully designed baroque architecture. 4. Plaza Principal: Plaza Principal is one of the oldest plazas in Tarija. It has stood as a place of recreation and serenity since the city’s founding in 1574, and still hosts the occasional street performer. 5. La Manzana Modelo: This beautiful museum is located in the heart of Tarija's historic district. Visitors can learn about the history of the city and its inhabitants through exhibits of artifacts and various interactive displays. 6. Cerro Sucre: This hill is located in central Tarija and offers spectacular views of the city. It is a popular spot for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. 7. Los Estoraques Natural Reserve: Located just outside of Tarija, this reserve features a variety of landscapes and vast stretches of native bush. It is a great spot for bird watching enthusiasts, as it is home to many rare species. This national monument of Bolivia portrays the history and culture of the country.

History:

The history of Tarija, a city in southwestern Bolivia, dates back to the 16th century when it was inhabited by indigenous peoples. It was not officially founded until 1776 when the Spanish colonizers, led by Don Francisco Pacheco de Reinoso, arrived and declared it a city. During the colonial period, the city was the center of a vast land grant, and the local economy centered around agricultural production. The city was a major source of wealth and prosperity through its production of wine, sugar cane, and cotton, and its strategic location on an important land route between Argentina and Spain. During the 19th century, Tarija was a hub of the Bolivian independence struggle, with local leaders such as Mariano Antinor Saracho helping to lead the way for a stable and prosperous future for the region. After the war, the city flourished and continued to attract settlers from across the continent, making it one of the most diverse cities in Bolivia. By the beginning of the 20th century, it had become the second-largest city in the country after the capital, La Paz. Today, Tarija is still a vibrant city offering a variety of attractions and activities for locals and tourists alike. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, traditional markets, and colonial-era architecture, as well as stunning natural areas for outdoor recreation. It is also home to one of the oldest universities in Bolivia, the National University of Tarija, and is the site of the annual Cazadores festival, one of the most important cultural events in the country. You must visit one of these historical places in Bolivia on your Bolivia tour

Interesting facts:

1. Tarija is the capital of the department of Tarija in Bolivia. It is also referred to as the wine capital of Bolivia for its many vineyards. 2. Tarija was the original site of the 1573 founding of San Bernardino de la Sierra Church which was later relocated to Santa Cruz. 3. The layout of the city follows the Baroque style of Spanish colonial architecture. Major sites of interest include the main Tarija Cathedral, the theater, and various other colonial-era buildings. 4. Tarija is also known for its excellent cuisine, which emphasizes traditional Bolivian dishes with fresh vegetables and seasonings. 5. The city is surrounded by orchards of fruit trees and is known for its production of peaches, grapes, figs, and other produce. 6. The region is also home to a variety of wildlife including foxes, llamas, Andean condors, and wild guinea pigs. 7. The area’s natural environment has been heavily altered due to human activity, particularly the displacement of native vegetation for agricultural use. 8. Tarija is also home to the jaspeado, which is a type of Bolivian folk music and dance. This genre was introduced from Peru in the 19th century. Visit one of the famous monuments of Bolivia with your friends and family.