Vallegrande where the Che Guevara memory still lives
This historic site has achieved world fame due to a dramatic event taking place in this small town almost half a century ago.
Che had come to Bolivia from Cuba in 1966 to start a socialist revolution. Intending to liberate the rural underclass, after being wounded in a gun battle, he was captured and held prisoner in the schoolhouse in La Higuera.
The next day, 9 October, 1967, he was executed and his body taken to a hospital in nearby Vallegrande, where his corpse was paraded before the world's media. You can get to this historic site by road from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, via the Inca site of Samaipata where tours are available through this archeological site and water falls, then continue to Vallegrande and La Higuera where you can take a 4x4 tour tracing the last steps of Ché Guevara Guerrilla through Vallegrande, Pucará, La Higuera and Churo Gorge, the Hospital where his body was presented to the media and the cemetery where some of his companions rest.
Back to top Getting around in Vallegrande
It's easy to get around in Vallegrande people are very friendly and eager to help tourist.
Back to top
Where to stay
Vallegrande has a small number of hotels; most of them are located in near the main plaza find information on hotels and reservations by clicking here.
Back to top
What to see while in Vallegrande
Its privileged location allows Vallegrande to show the visitor nature at its best, is the ideal place for eco friendly tourism, wildlife and outdoor activities.
Find tours or tourist guides
Where to Eat
Vallegrande provides the visitor with an acceptable selection of restaurants and places to have a descent meal, there are many restaurants and hotel restaurants offering great service and food so you have a good culinary experience. Click here to find more information. Even though things have improved a lot lately, be careful to select a proper place to get your next meal because not all the vendors are known for keeping the highest standards for cleanness and hygiene.
Back to top
Do's and Don't in Vallegrande
The cost of living in Bolivia is very affordable so don't be afraid of going out and splurge there's a lot to see in town or out of it be as adventurous as you can, taking always some precautions. In crowded areas be careful for pickpockets and bags lashers . A common trick is that one person spills something on your clothes, and while you or he wipes it off another person lifts your wallet or slashes your bag.
Be vigilant when checking into a hotel or hostel. Keep a hand on all your bags/belongings at all times. Acting as if they work for the hotel, opportunist thieves will create a diversion and snatch the nearest unattended bag.
If you are approached by police in civilian clothes don't show any valuables or your passport. And certainly don't get in a taxi with them. Undercover police are strictly ordered not to hassle tourists. There have been several cases of muggings and things going missing from bags or luggage after "drug searches". Insist on being taken to the police station before giving them access to your things. If you can, call the 110, which is the Bolivian emergency number.
And the most important there have been several cases of violent muggings in taxis . Don't take unregistered taxis. Lock the doors and don't allow other people to share the journey with you.
Back to top
|
|
|
Image of todays Vallegrande region, used by the revolutionary expedition as their hideway.
|
Image of argentinean revolutionary fighter Ernersto Che Guevara.
|
|