Bolivia – Tupiza

Surrounded by rugged scenery, cactus filled valleys and dramatic red rock canyons, Tupiza is a spectacular Wild West environment.

The legend is that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid met their faithful end at the hands of the Bolivian army near Tupiza, concluding their notorious string of bank robbery raids.

Altitude here is 2,950m above sea-level, so altitude sickness may be an issue if you haven’t already acclimatized. It is a perfect first stop before getting higher, so you should stay a few days before doing the Salt Flats, for example. A few people I travelled with got sick in the Salar de Uyuni because they hadn’t acclimatized.

Most of the time, the days are hot, dry and clear, but at nighttime the temperatures can drop to below freezing. The rainy season is mostly in January-February.

I just spent a night in Tupiza in order to get an early start at the Salt Flats, and basically just wandered around. But you could stay longer and explore the surroundings (horseback rides are organized).

The main plaza and central market are worth a look. You can have cheap and authentic Bolivian food, with mains from just 10 bolivianos (Av. Santa Cruz).

Hostal Mitru is the town’s fanciest place, which isn’t saying that much as there are no luxury hotels. It has a nice patio, swimming pool, and breakfast included. You may want to get the cheaper version at the Anexo Mitru, just 2 blocks away. The 70 bolivianos single room with shared bathroom also includes breakfast and access to the Hostal’s pool. It’s clean, shower has good pressure and hot water.

Hostal Mitru Website
Av. Chichas 187

Have a bite at Moises Churrasqueria, where you’ll find good meat fresh from the grill (best I’ve had in Bolivia!) combined with a salad bar and friendly staff. You have 2 options: 35 or 70 bolivianos. Both will get you patatos, mashed potatoes, the salad bar. The difference is the quanity of meat. I took the 35 set and got one piece of meat, one piece of rib and one salchicha (sausage). Enough for one person and really enjoyed the grilled taste!

Corner between Av. Chichas and Av. Avaroa

It is a short 1.5 hour bus ride from Villazon, at the border with Argentina. At the bus terminal in Tupiza, you can grab a rapidito for 20 bolivianos, but keep in mind that it will only go when it’s full (10 passengers). From the bus terminal in Villazon, take a taxi (4 bolivianos) to the frontera (border) and walk to the bus terminal La Quiaca, Argentinian side (10 min walk). You will find all the buses you need to go to every city in Argentina!