Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
As the war progressed the Bolivians were driven back beyond their existing borders,
though they continued to fight, with their most successful battle in the town of Villa-
montes in 1934. The hot, dry climate made access to fresh water a decisive factor in the
war, with capturing and keeping access to wells a key strategy. Conditions were miser-
able, soldiers were ill-equipped and disease was rife. As a result, casualties on both sides
were heavy.
Though no decisive victory was reached in the war, both nations had grown weary of
fighting and peace negotiations held four years later awarded most of the disputed territ-
ory to Paraguay. To date, no oil has ever been found in the Chaco, though prospectors are
still searching and ironically the smaller area of Chaco awarded to the Bolivians harbors
gas reserves that have boosted the Bolivian economy and are the envy of the Paraguayans
on the other side of the border.
Climate
This is the area of Bolivia where you most feel the country's proximity to the equator and
its distance from the sea. Tarija's Mediterranean climate quickly disappears as soon as you
head downhill, where it is replaced by scorching aridity and a merciless sun. The dry sea-
son in the region lasts from April to November.
National Parks & Reserves
Remote, wild and off the beaten track, South Central Bolivia's parks and reserves are per-
fect for hardcore adventure seekers. Infrastructure is almost nonexistent, but a visit to any
of the reserves will make a lasting impression. Those covered in this chapter include the
Reserva Biológica Cordillera de Sama, Reserva Nacional de Flora y Fauna Tariquía,
Parque Nacional y Área Natural de Manejo Integrado Aguaragüe and the Reserva Privada
de Patrimonio Natural de Corbalán.
Getting There & Around
Most people visit Bolivia's far south on the way to or from somewhere else. Overland
connections from Argentina, Paraguay and other regions within Bolivia involve long bus
rides. Tarija has the biggest airport in the area and scheduled flights to La Paz, Sucre and
other major towns go several times a week.
Public transportation runs frequently between towns, but you'll need a 4WD to get al-
most anywhere else. Few roads are paved so prepare yourself for hauls that take longer
than they should.
