Tarija

it was on the way from the argentinian border headed to potosí. This town was an unplanned stop along the way and a most unexpected and pleasant surprise as an introduction to bolivia. The town is relatively clean, colorful, and the climate rules compared to the more popular and more heavily traveled altiplano region of bolivia.

My favorite quote, from the guide at the city’s "culture museum"

There is no such thing as poverty – only laziness and waste.

A bit extreme maybe, but there is some truth to it. It illustrates how hard working people in Tarija are…

The Tarija town and province is one of the most wonderful places to live in South America I have seen in 4 years of almost full time travelling there.

Wonderful people (friendly, educated, hard-working, etc)

lots of things to do (if you like outdoor adventures),

excellent food, very low cost of living, very clean.

Vineyards, desert, whitewater, etc.

Probably the most reasonable local government I have seen ANYWHERE in south america.

Very unexpected—does not fit the stereotype of Bolivia (“full of short people who are freezing, wrapped in colorful blankets, and watching their 3 llamas”)