Bermejo: Festival, Nature and Hotels

For your travel planning, Bermejo’s festival date and nearby natural attractions can be clearly distinguished: the patron saint festival in honor of San Santiago is an annual cultural event, while the Balneario Natural “El Chorro” and the Quebrada del Nueve represent the surrounding landscape. If you’re looking for hotels in Bermejo, you can first consider whether the festival or nearby nature experiences are more important for your stay. The wider Tarija travel destination also offers other distinct nature, wine, and pilgrimage destinations.

San Santiago Festival: Date and Program

The festival in honor of the patron saint San Santiago is celebrated in Bermejo every year on July 25 and lasts several days. The program described for 2019 included an evening serenade in honor of the saint on the 24th and a horseback procession. It went from the International Bridge along Bermejo’s main streets to San Santiago Church.

For planning purposes, it is helpful to distinguish the annual festival date from the program for any particular year. The serenade and procession refer to the program described for 2019; the program may vary. Check the latest program details before your trip.

Nature near Bermejo

The Balneario Natural “El Chorro” is in the municipality of El Nueve, northwest of Bermejo and about eight kilometers from the city. Its natural pools, which invite visitors to swim, are a particular attraction. The Quebrada del Nueve runs through dense vegetation nearby, close to the Balneario Natural “El Chorro.”

Two different features of the surrounding area stand out: the pools at the Balneario and the Quebrada as it winds through the vegetation. The approximate distance of eight kilometers helps put the location in context, but does not indicate travel time. If you plan to visit El Chorro, check local access conditions in advance.

Nature destinations in the wider Tarija travel destination

The protected areas in the wider Tarija travel destination offer varied landscapes and activities. The Reserva Biológica de la Cordillera de Sama features steep slopes, high plateaus, and high-Andean lagoons. At Laguna Pujzara Tajzara, visitors can watch birds and walk along the shore. By contrast, the Reserva Nacional de Flora y Fauna Tariquía is characterized by mountainous terrain and mostly well-preserved forests. In Sidras, visitors can camp and hike in the Reserva; check specific access rules locally.

Wine, Singani, and Pilgrimage in Tarija

Wine and artisanal Singani are also among Tarija’s regional highlights. The Ruta del Singani Artesanal y los Molinos de Piedra is in Sub Central de Yesera, in the municipality of Tarija. Along the route, visitors can learn about the production of artisanal Singani at Bodega Artesanal El Galeán and take part in a guided tasting. Availability may vary by season and organized route.

Valle de la Concepción is 25 kilometers from the city of Tarija and is one of the Departamento de Tarija’s most important tourist attractions. It is a significant wine-growing area, with the largest area under vines in the Departamento and some of Bolivia’s most important wineries. La Casa Vieja in Valle de la Concepción offers wine tastings in an artisanal wine cellar; check current visiting arrangements before your visit.

Another annual event in the wider Tarija travel destination is the pilgrimage to the Santuario de Chaguaya in honor of the Virgen de Chaguaya. It takes place between August 15 and September 14. Check the latest dates and arrangements before your trip.

For the wider travel overview: Aniceto Arce.