Aniceto Arce and Tarija: Chaguaya, Wine and Nature

The Santuario de Chaguaya in Aniceto Arce is the destination of an annual pilgrimage in honor of the Virgen de Chaguaya. In the wider destination of Tarija, the pilgrimage takes place every year from August 15 to September 14. This recurring period provides a specific point of reference when planning your trip. If you would like to plan your stay around the pilgrimage, check the current dates and arrangements in advance.

Wine and artisanal tastings in Tarija

The Valle de la Concepción lies 25 km from the city of Tarija and is one of the main tourist attractions in the Department of Tarija. It is an important wine-growing region with the largest area under vines in the department; it is also home to some of Bolivia’s most important wineries. La Casa Vieja offers wine tastings in an artisanal wine cellar. This brings together the regional importance of winegrowing and a specific place to enjoy a tasting. Check the winery’s current arrangements before visiting.

The Ruta del Singani Artesanal y los Molinos de Piedra offers another artisanal tasting experience. The route is located in Sub Central de Yesera, in the municipality of Tarija. At Bodega Artesanal El Galeán, visitors can learn about the production of artisanal singani and take part in a guided tasting. The visitor experience may vary depending on the season and the organized route. Unlike La Casa Vieja, El Galeán explicitly combines learning about production with a guided tasting; La Casa Vieja focuses on wine tastings in an artisanal wine cellar.

Landscapes and activities in the reserves

The Reserva Biológica de la Cordillera de Sama offers another side of the Department of Tarija: the protected area features steep slopes, high plateaus, and high-Andean lagoons. At Laguna Pujzara Tajzara, visitors can watch birds and hike along the lagoon shore. The reserve’s varied landscapes therefore combine with two specific activities at the lagoon. Birdwatching offers a different focus from a walk along the shore; both are among the experiences available to visitors there.

The Reserva Nacional de Flora y Fauna Tariquía is characterized by mountainous terrain and mostly well-preserved forests. Visitors can camp in Sidras, and hiking is also possible within the reserve. For specific access options, check locally. The natural areas also differ in what you can do there: birdwatching and hikes along the shore are the main activities at Laguna Pujzara Tajzara, while Tariquía offers camping in Sidras and hiking in the protected area. Their landscapes differ, too: Sama features high plateaus and high-Andean lagoons, while Tariquía is mostly characterized by well-preserved forests.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Bermejo, Cercado, Gran Chaco, Jose Maria Aviles.

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