Tarija, Southern Bolivian administrative center in Tarija Department, Bolivia
Tarija is a large city in Tarija Department, Bolivia, sitting at 1,866 meters elevation beside the Guadalquivir River. The semi-arid surroundings bring mild temperatures year-round, while gentle hills and valleys unfold around the settled area.
Luis de Fuentes founded San Bernardo de la Frontera de Tarija on July 4, 1574, and relocated the indigenous Tomata people to the area. Over the following centuries, the settlement grew into the administrative seat of southern Bolivia.
Residents call themselves Chapacos and celebrate their identity through festivals and music. Their regional pride appears daily in song, custom, and the shared anthem Chapaco Soy.
Capitán Oriel Lea Plaza Airport links the city to major Bolivian destinations, while the regional bus terminal offers routes into the country and neighboring nations. Travelers can walk around the center, where streets are flat and easy to navigate.
The Juan Misael Saracho University, opened in 1946, serves as the main higher education institution in the region and draws students from across the department. The campus mixes colonial buildings with newer additions, reflecting the institution's growth over decades.
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