Written & Fact-Checked by Vivian Blanco
"I have organized private enological and cultural routes across the Central Valley of Tarija, the Cinti Valley, and San Lorenzo for over 15 years. All flight connections into Oriel Lea Plaza Airport, winery tasting schedules, harvest festival dates, and private transfer logistics below are verified monthly based on direct operations logs."
Before You Go
The six practical questions worth answering before exploring Bolivia's Andalusian wine valley.
Best Time to Visit
Grape harvest & Vendimia season runs from February to April; May to October offers mild sunny winter days (22°C).
How Many Days Do You Need?
From a 2-day wine tasting and city highlight to 4 days exploring San Lorenzo, San Jacinto, and the Cinti Valley.
What to Pack
Comfortable casual smart attire for vineyard tastings, sun protection, and a light jacket for pleasant valley evenings.
Moderate Elevation: 1,850m
Sitting at a comfortable 1,850m (6,070 ft), Tarija offers gentle, Mediterranean-like acclimatization with zero altitude stress.
The Science of Altitude Wine
Vineyards at 1,850m–2,400m receive intense ultraviolet sunlight, creating thick grape skins packed with antioxidants and rich tannins.
Singani: Bolivia's National Spirit
Exclusive native spirit distilled from 100% white Muscat of Alexandria grapes, strictly protected by Bolivian Denomination of Origin.
How to Get to Tarija
Explore commercial domestic flights, scenic overland canyon routes from Uyuni and Potosí, and Argentine border links.
By Air (TJA)
1 Hr · $$$Daily direct commercial flights land at Capitán Oriel Lea Plaza Airport (TJA) from La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz.
Private 4x4 Overland
5–7 Hours · $$Scenic paved mountain highway drives connecting Tupiza (4.5 hrs), Potosí (6 hrs), or direct from Uyuni through the Cinti Valley.
Cross-Border (Argentina)
3 Hours · $Direct paved road connections to the Argentine international border posts at Bermejo / Aguas Blancas and Yacuiba / Salvador Mazza.
Getting to Tarija from Major Destinations
Direct domestic flight (1 hr) or overnight sleeper bus (~12 hrs).
Direct commercial jet flight (1 hr 10 mins) across the Andes.
Scenic 4x4 overland route via the Sama Mountain Range (4.5–6 hrs).
Paved highway crossing the Camargo wine canyon (6 hrs).
Paved wine route drive through rolling vineyards (25 mins).
Short colonial countryside drive north of the city (20 mins).
What to See
Sun-drenched high-altitude bodegas, colonial Chapaco villages, peaceful lake dams, and riverside forest trails.
San Jacinto Dam
San Jacinto dam is located at 7 kilometers from the city. There is an asphalted road leading to this site, which is perfect for long, relaxing walks, marathons and other competitions. The dam is also one of the main tourist attractions of Tarija and it is the perfect spot to practice a series of water sports, such as swimming, kayaking and fishing.
The San Jacinto dam was built in 1978 to generate hydroelectric power and to regulate the irrigation of 3300 hectares of crops. The artificial lake that it houses has become one of the favorite places for the tarijeños to go to disconnect, walk or get out of the city.
San Juan Church
The San Juan Church was founded in 1632. The surrender of the Spaniards was signed here, and so the victory of the National Liberation Army was enacted, after the battle of La Tablada in April 1817. It is located in the area of the same name from which visitors can appreciate a panoramic view of the city.
San Juan Church
San Roque Church
Iglesia de San Roque (the Church of San Roque) is built on wooden pitches, disposed in forms of columns. The temple has three wooden vessels in wooden and external eaves. The roof of tiles rests on a hurdle lattice. The church was remodeled in the second half of the nineteenth century by the Argentine architect Bustamante.
San Roque Church
Metropolitan Cathedral of Tarija
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Tarija was built in 1810 by the Jesuits and declared a cathedral in 1925. At present, it runs a public school and in its interiors it harbors the Cathedral Museum that displays valuable objects such as oil paintings, silver work and gold chalices with stone inlays.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Tarija
San Francisco Church
Construction of the San Francisco Church began in the 17th century, although its current facade corresponds to the 18th century. In 1610, people responsible for the temple headed the foundation of La Cofradia de Nuestra Señora de la Visitacion, composed by the freed black slaves residing in the city.
San Francisco Church
Las Americas Avenue
The Las Americas Avenue offers an extensive and beautiful stroll. Located at the side of the Guadalquivir River, it surrounds the southern part of the city.
Las Americas Avenue
Tariquia Flora and Fauna Reserve
Tariquia Flora and Fauna Reserve is located to the Southeast of Tarija (South of Entre Rios town), and is close to the border with Argentina. Tariquia is the only area of Bolivia that protects well conserved examples of the Forest of the Tucumano - Bolivian Yungas.
The reserve is located to the Southeast of Tarija (South of Entre Rios town), and is close to the border with Argentina. The municipalities involved are Padcaya, Entre Rios, Carapari and Uriondo. It has a surface of 246,870 hectares (2,469 km2).
Choose Your Tarija Experience
Select between our signature High-Altitude Wine & Singani Route or a comprehensive Chapaco cultural and countryside tour.
Sommelier Vineyard Route vs. Chapaco Countryside Circuit?
Decide whether you want an in-depth enological tasting journey or a relaxed blend of colonial history, local markets, and lakes.
High-Altitude Wine & Singani Sommelier Tour
An enological masterclass through Bolivia's award-winning high-altitude vineyards.
- • Guided visits to 3 premier industrial and boutique wineries (Campos de Solana, Casa Real, Casa Vieja)
- • Private sommelier-led tastings of reserve Tannat, Cabernet, and high-altitude Singani
- • Artisanal cheese and charcuterie pairings overlooking the vineyards
- • Private transport with certified bilingual wine guide
Chapaco Heritage, San Lorenzo & San Jacinto
Experience authentic Andalusian-Bolivian culture, traditional gastronomy, and serene lakes.
- • Morning walking tour of colonial San Lorenzo and Moto Méndez museum
- • Artisanal pastry tasting (rosquetes) and traditional market walk
- • Scenic drive and lakeside lunch at San Jacinto Dam (fried river crab)
- • Afternoon stop at Tomatitas forest and Coimata waterfalls
High-Altitude Wine & Singani Route (Valle de la Concepción)
Hotel pickup in Tarija, private scenic drive through rolling vineyards, cellar tours and guided tastings at 3 selected bodegas (industrial & boutique), Singani distillation masterclass, artisanal cheese pairings, and vineyard lunch.
San Lorenzo, San Jacinto Dam & Tomatitas Tour
Explore the historic house-museum of Moto Méndez in San Lorenzo, taste traditional pastries, take a private boat cruise on San Jacinto Lake, enjoy a lakeside traditional lunch, and walk the weeping willow riverside trails of Tomatitas.
Practical Information
Tasting fees, hotel recommendations, climate advice, and frequently asked questions for visiting Tarija.
Winery Tasting Costs
Tasting fees range from 30 to 70 BOB (~$4 to $10 USD) per winery, often including souvenir tasting glasses.
Where to Stay
Boutique hotels near Plaza Luis de Fuentes (Los Parrales, Victoria Plaza) or vineyard eco-lodges in the valley.
Uyuni & Sucre Connections
Daily flights to La Paz and Santa Cruz, or private scenic 4x4 mountain drives connecting Tupiza and the Salar de Uyuni.