Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cascades over white stone while the other pours over black stone. In late winter, however,
they may diminish to a mere trickle or dry up completely.
The route from Tarija to Jurina passes through some impressive rural landscapes. From
near the flowery plaza in San Lorenzo, follow the Jurina road, which turns off beside the
Casa de Moto Méndez. After 6km, you'll pass a school on the left. Turn left 200m beyond
the school and follow that road another 2.5km to the waterfalls. From the end of the road,
it's a five-minute walk to the base of either waterfall. The one on the left is reached by fol-
lowing the river upstream; for the other, follow the track that leads from behind a small
house.
Getting There & Away
Tour companies in Tarija organize overnight trips to the most accessible areas of Sama,
but require a minimum of three people and an advance booking. Buses to Villazón depart
between 8pm and 9pm and pass through Tajzara approximately five hours later. The Tajz-
ara visitors center is a 20-minute walk from the road.
Micros A
and
B
to Tomatitas leave every 20 minutes from the corner of Domingo Paz
and Saracho in Tarija (B$1.50), some continuing on to Jurina (B$5) via San Lorenzo. Get
off near the school and then walk the rest of the way. For Coimata, similarly frequent de-
partures leave from the corner of Campesino and Comercio (B$3) in Tarija.
Reserva Nacional de Flora y Fauna
Tariquía
The lovely and little-known 2470-sq-km Tariquía Flora & Fauna Reserve (created in
1989) protects a large portion of cloud forest and a smaller area of
polylepis
woodland on
the eastern slopes of the department of Tarija's mountains. Ranging in altitude from 400m
to 1500m, it houses rare animals such as the spectacled bear, as well as hundreds of bird
species including the threatened rufous-throated dipper and the spectacular military
macaw.
Access to this largely wild reserve is extremely complicated and there are no formal
tours. Hiking is possible but extremely challenging in this remote area and should not be
attempted without a guide. The best time to visit Tariquía is during the dry winter months
(May to September) when the climate is mild and river crossings are possible.
