Tarija: Festivals, Culture and Wine

Other nature and cultural experiences are located in the wider Department of Tarija and should be distinguished from those in the city.

Fiesta Grande and Cultural Impressions

The Fiesta Grande de Tarija, held in honor of San Roque—also known as the Fiesta Grande de San Roque—takes place every year in August and September, from August 15 to the second Tuesday in September. It includes religious processions, music festivals, dances, competitions and fireworks. Faith, music, dance and tradition shape the festival.

During the Fiesta Grande de San Roque, the Chunchos wear turbans adorned with feathers and mirrors, colorful ponchillos and arrows. They fulfill their promises by dancing in each procession. The festival can therefore be understood through more than its event calendar: the clothing and processions are also distinctive features of the celebration.

The Museo San Roque is housed in a parish house built in 1908, after the Carmelite monks arrived in Tarija. The date of construction and the historical connection with the monks’ arrival provide a concrete point of reference for visitors interested in the area’s history. In the area around Tarija, during the celebrations in honor of San Roque, Lazareto is visited by Chunchos fulfilling vows and by Cañeros.

Viewpoints and Tastings in Tarija

From the Mirador Corazón de Jesús, you can see the Mirador de los Sueños. The large Copa de Vino is located at the Mirador de los Sueños, not at the first viewpoint mentioned. This makes it easy to distinguish between the two named places when planning a visit.

In Tarija, La Vinoteca offers wine and singani tastings from the Tarija Valley to the general public. If you would like to include a tasting in your stay, this is a specific option in the city. Wine enthusiasts may also want to explore other destinations in the department, though these are located elsewhere.

More Experiences in the Department of Tarija

On the Ruta del Singani Artesanal y los Molinos de Piedra, visitors can learn about artisanal singani production at Bodega Artesanal El Galeán and take part in a guided tasting. The route is in the Sub Central de Yesera in the Municipality of Tarija. The experience may vary depending on the season and the organized route, so check whether it is offered on your dates.

The Valle de la Concepción is 25 km from the city of Tarija. It is one of the major tourist attractions in the Department of Tarija and an important wine-growing area: it has the department’s largest area under vines and is also home to some of Bolivia’s most important wineries. La Casa Vieja offers wine tastings in an artisanal wine cellar. Check current operating arrangements before visiting.

For nature experiences, the protected areas have distinct 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 go birdwatching and walk along the lagoon shore. By contrast, the Reserva Nacional de Flora y Fauna Tariquía is characterized by mountainous terrain and mostly well-preserved forests. Visitors can camp in Sidras and hike in the reserve; check access requirements locally.

An annual pilgrimage is also part of the regional calendar: in the Department of Tarija, it takes place between August 15 and September 14 at the Santuario de Chaguaya, in honor of the Virgen de Chaguaya. If you would like to include the pilgrimage in your plans, check the specific dates and arrangements before traveling. This allows you to consider the celebration in Tarija and the wider range of destinations in the department as distinct highlights of your stay.

For the broader travel overview: Cercado.