The country's first observatory, built in collaboration with the then USSR, is around 14km southeast of Tarija. Best to call in advance.
Santa Ana Astronomical Observatory
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
15.15 MILES
The riverfront hacienda of former Bolivian president Jaime Paz Zamora was designed by Zamora himself as his own version of Gabriel García Márquez' Macondo…
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6.83 MILES
This 17-sq-km reservoir, 7km southwest of town, makes for a pleasant afternoon trip, especially on hot days. It gets very busy on weekends with families…
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8.23 MILES
This basilica was founded in 1606 as the Jesuit 'base camp' in Bolivia and is now a national monument. The 16th-century convent library and archives,…
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9.26 MILES
This sprawling maze-like scene covers several city blocks with row upon row of vendors selling everything from lemons to electronics. The vegetable and…
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8.67 MILES
This park area above the tree-covered slopes of the Loma de San Juan provides a grand city view and makes it a favorite with smooching students. Climb…
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29.44 MILES
A favorite with bird-watchers in search of three of the world's six flamingo species, and the rare horned and giant coots.
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Museo de Arqueología y Paleontología
8.31 MILES
The university-run Archaeology & Paleontology Museum provides a glimpse of the prehistoric creatures and lives of the early peoples that once inhabited…
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8.36 MILES
With heavy coats of gold and silver paint, the appropriately named Gilded House whose roof is topped with a row of liberating angels looks impressive from…
Nearby attractions
6.83 MILES
This 17-sq-km reservoir, 7km southwest of town, makes for a pleasant afternoon trip, especially on hot days. It gets very busy on weekends with families…
7.91 MILES
The exterior of this oddly prominent and deteriorating private mansion is worth a look for its garish blue-and-white-striped extravagance. It’s still…
8.23 MILES
This basilica was founded in 1606 as the Jesuit 'base camp' in Bolivia and is now a national monument. The 16th-century convent library and archives,…
4. Museo de Arqueología y Paleontología
8.31 MILES
The university-run Archaeology & Paleontology Museum provides a glimpse of the prehistoric creatures and lives of the early peoples that once inhabited…
8.36 MILES
With heavy coats of gold and silver paint, the appropriately named Gilded House whose roof is topped with a row of liberating angels looks impressive from…
8.36 MILES
Entertaining basketball, futsal (five-a-side soccer) and volleyball games are played at the Coliseo Luis Parra.
8.43 MILES
Architecturally, Tarija’s most unusual church and major landmark is the bright, white 1887 Iglesia de San Roque. Dedicated to the city’s patron saint, the…
8.43 MILES
This rather dull-looking cathedral contains the remains of prominent chapacos, including Tarija’s founder, don Luis de Fuentes y Vargas. It was…