Tarija: The Valley of Wine and Tradition

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dee-ohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vor/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
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• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dees-kool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tee-ehn-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, por fah-vor]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, por fah-vor]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [yah-mah ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llama a un médico!
  [yah-mah ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy mee-rahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-to kwes-tah]
• That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [eh-soh ehs moo-ee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
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• Half past (10)Media hora (10)
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• MorningMañana
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• AfternoonTarde
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• EveningNoche
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• YesterdayAyer
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• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
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• 1Uno
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• 2Dos
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• 3Tres
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• 4Cuatro
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• 5Cinco
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• 6Seis
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• 7Siete
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• 8Ocho
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• 9Nueve
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• 10Diez
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• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está el/la...?
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• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
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• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puedes mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-dehs mohs-trahr-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ....)]

The region of Tarija was originally inhabited by several indigenous groups, most notably the Tomatas and the Churumatas. These groups lived in small, autonomous communities and were engaged in agriculture, hunting, and fishing. Their cultural practices and archaeological remnants provide a glimpse into the area's early history.

Tarija was officially founded by the Spanish on July 4, 1574, by Luis de Fuentes y Vargas. The city was named Villa de San Bernardo de la Frontera de Tarixa, and it served as a strategic point for the Spanish Crown to control the region and facilitate the conquest of nearby indigenous territories.

During the colonial era, Tarija flourished as an agricultural center, producing crops like maize, wheat, and grapes. The Spanish also introduced viticulture, leading to the region's long-standing tradition of wine production. Colonial architecture, such as churches and haciendas, still dot the landscape, reflecting the Spanish influence.

Tarija played a significant role in Bolivia's struggle for independence from Spanish rule. The region witnessed numerous battles and skirmishes. Key figures like Eustaquio Méndez, also known as 'El Moto Méndez,' emerged as local heroes. His efforts and those of other Tarijeños were instrumental in securing Bolivian independence in 1825.

The Chaco War (1932-1935) between Bolivia and Paraguay had a considerable impact on Tarija. The region served as a logistical base for Bolivian troops. The war's hardships and the eventual Bolivian defeat left a lasting imprint on the local population, shaping modern Tarijeño identity and resilience.

Tarija is renowned for its vibrant cultural traditions, including festivals like the 'Fiesta de San Roque,' which features a unique blend of indigenous and Spanish customs. Music and dance, such as the cueca tarijeña, are integral to the region's cultural heritage, reflecting its historical journey and communal spirit.

Tarija is often referred to as the wine capital of Bolivia. The region's vineyards produce some of the finest wines in the country, with the altitude and climate contributing to their unique flavors. Local cuisine, influenced by indigenous and Spanish culinary practices, includes specialties like saice, empanadas, and humintas.

Tarija is accessible by air and land. The main entry point is the Capitán Oriel Lea Plaza Airport (TJA), which has regular flights from major Bolivian cities such as La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. For those traveling by road, long-distance buses connect Tarija with various cities, including a scenic but lengthy journey from La Paz. Private cars can also be an option, but be prepared for mountainous terrain.

Within Tarija, taxis are the most common mode of transportation and are relatively inexpensive. Make sure to negotiate the fare beforehand or ensure the meter is used. Public buses and minibuses (trufis) operate within the city and to nearby rural areas. For more flexibility, consider renting a car, but be aware of local driving conditions and traffic laws.

The official currency in Bolivia is the Bolivian Boliviano (BOB). Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but smaller vendors may only accept cash. ATMs are widely available in Tarija, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when traveling to rural areas. Currency exchange services are available at banks and authorized exchange offices.

Tarija is generally considered safe for tourists, but it's important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Known areas with higher crime rates include certain parts of the city center late at night. Always use registered taxis and avoid displaying valuables openly.

In case of emergency, dial 110 for police assistance, 118 for medical emergencies, and 119 for fire emergencies. The main hospital in Tarija is the Hospital Regional San Juan de Dios, which provides comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies offer over-the-counter medications, but it's advisable to bring any specific medications you might need. Travel insurance with medical coverage is highly recommended.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in religious and rural areas. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a friendly 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tarija like a local, visit the local markets such as Mercado Central, where you can sample fresh produce and traditional foods. Engage with locals who are often friendly and willing to share insights about the city's history and culture. Don’t miss the Valle de la Concepción wine region, known for its high-quality wines. Participate in local festivals like the Fiesta de San Roque for a deeper cultural experience.