Tupiza (Dep. Potosi)
- Potosi
- Sights
- Tupiza
- Sights of the surroundings
Tupiza is picturesquely and beautifully located in a green Andean valley at 2950 meters above sea level. It is the capital of the Sud Chichas province of the Potosí department, and is characterized by its pleasant climate, surrounded by fertile cultivated areas and bizarre red mountain formations. Tupiza is on the main tourist route between Salta - Tilcara - La Quicaca - Villazon - Tupiza - Uyuni, and is interesting stopover between Humahuaca Gorge and the Salar de Uyuni, and is connected to the Villazon - Uyuni - Oruro rail network in addition to long-distance transport.
The region was originally inhabited by the Chichas, a brave and warlike tribe who left clear archaeological evidence of their existence. On the other hand, the rock art found in this area suggests that Tupiza has existed since time immemorial, when its first inhabitants lived in caves or rocky outcrops, places where traces of their culture and artistic work can still be found and admired today.
Places to stay
Tours
For information about tours to the Salar de Uyuni and the Reserva Eduardo Avaroa, please visit our tours section.
Sights
Not far from the main square are the only two museums in town, and not far away is the Corazón de Jesús hill, a wonderful vantage point over the town. In the afternoon, visitors climb up to its viewing platform to capture the magical moment when at sunset the city is bathed in a lush light and the surrounding red mountains begin to glow. Another beautiful panoramic mountain is the Cerro de La Cruz, an easy-access mountain from which one has a panoramic view of the town and the valley, and the Cordillera de los Chichas.
In addition, the surroundings of Tupiza offer fascinating excursion options, such as to various impressive gorges and canyons (including the Valle de los Machos, the Canyon del Inca, and the Quebrada de Palala), to bizarre rock formations (La Poronga, La Puerta del Diablo, El Sillar or Torre Huayco), as well as options for activities such as horse riding, biking, walking, hiking and trekking. Tupiza is also a starting point for multi-day tours to the colorful highland lagoons of the Altiplano (Laguna Celeste, Verde and Colorada), or to the still largely unknown but completely surreal and fantastic rock city "Ciudad Roma", as well as overland tours to the Salar de Uyuni.
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