Must-see attractions in Tarija

  • El Picacho

    Tarija

    The riverfront hacienda of former Bolivian president Jaime Paz Zamora was designed by Zamora himself as his own version of Gabriel García Márquez' Macondo…

  • San Jacinto Reservoir

    Tarija

    This 17-sq-km reservoir, 7km southwest of town, makes for a pleasant afternoon trip, especially on hot days. It gets very busy on weekends with families…

  • Basílica de San Francisco

    Tarija

    This basilica was founded in 1606 as the Jesuit 'base camp' in Bolivia and is now a national monument. The 16th-century convent library and archives,…

  • El Mercado de los Campesinos

    Tarija

    This sprawling maze-like scene covers several city blocks with row upon row of vendors selling everything from lemons to electronics. The vegetable and…

  • Mirador Loma de San Juan

    Tarija

    This park area above the tree-covered slopes of the Loma de San Juan provides a grand city view and makes it a favorite with smooching students. Climb…

  • Santa Ana Astronomical Observatory

    Tarija

    The country's first observatory, built in collaboration with the then USSR, is around 14km southeast of Tarija. Best to call in advance.

  • Museo de Arqueología y Paleontología

    Tarija

    The university-run Archaeology & Paleontology Museum provides a glimpse of the prehistoric creatures and lives of the early peoples that once inhabited…

  • Casa Dorada

    Tarija

    With heavy coats of gold and silver paint, the appropriately named Gilded House whose roof is topped with a row of liberating angels looks impressive from…

  • Museo Moto Méndez

    Tarija

    San Lorenzo is best known as the home of José Eustaquio ‘Moto’ Méndez, the hero of the Batalla de la Tablada, whose former house is now the Museo Moto…

  • Castillo de Moisés Navajas

    Tarija

    The exterior of this oddly prominent and deteriorating private mansion is worth a look for its garish blue-and-white-striped extravagance. It’s still…

  • Iglesia de San Roque

    Tarija

    Architecturally, Tarija’s most unusual church and major landmark is the bright, white 1887 Iglesia de San Roque. Dedicated to the city’s patron saint, the…

  • Iglesia de San Juan

    Tarija

    The Iglesia de San Juan was constructed in 1632 and it was here that the Spanish signed their surrender to the liberation army after the Batalla de la…

  • Cathedral

    Tarija

    This rather dull-looking cathedral contains the remains of prominent chapacos, including Tarija’s founder, don Luis de Fuentes y Vargas. It was…

  • Coliseo Luis Parra

    Tarija

    Entertaining basketball, futsal (five-a-side soccer) and volleyball games are played at the Coliseo Luis Parra.