Bolivia - Tarija and Tupiza

Tarija

From Potosí, I was supposed to continue to Tupiza, from where the big tour to Salar de Uyuni should start. However, the wine region Tarija in the south was worth a detour. Especially after almost 3 months of hardly having the opportunity to drink good wine. Advertised as the Tuscany of Bolivia, that was not soooo exaggerated. The climate was pleasantly warm and Tarija, as the largest city in the area, has a relaxed atmosphere with many plazas and palm trees.

The next day, I went on a trip to one of the surrounding wine villages - Valle de la Concepción. This is where the smaller, traditional wineries are located. And there were more similarities with the Palatinate than expected. Wine is present everywhere. The streets are adorned with numerous pictures, here and there a wine barrel, some restaurants with wine tasting and a view of the vineyards. The people are more open, warm and interested. And of course, the wineries themselves are also magnificent and representative estates. All of this seemed quite familiar to me. Just not Palatinate-style. All in all, it was a relaxed afternoon with lots of sun, nice people, and good wine.

Tupiza

I could have stayed in Tarija for a few more days. Unfortunately, the weather changed, so I drove directly to Tupiza. Tupiza feels a bit like a small western town. And there are also some barren canyons, desert landscapes, and rock formations in the surrounding area. Finally, a hostile wilderness and lots of cacti in a dry and hot environment. Ideal for a solitary hike under the sun.