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Tarabuco Market
More than a tourist attraction: Local farmers sell their crops
(More Market!)
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Culture - Tarabuco
After enjoying the Spanish-colonial, traditional Bolivian, and modern culture in Sucre, we took a bus ride approximately 40 miles southeast to the village of Tarabuco. This village is well known for beautiful hand-made textiles and the unique Tarabuqueno style of dress. Men wear short pants, sandals, elaborately woven ponchos, and decorative monteras (leather hats shaped after Spanish Conquistador helmets). All of these cultural curiosities are magnificently displayed every Sunday at the local market. Locals and tourists alike flock here to display, sell, and purchase goods produced in the town and surrounding communities.
We were impressed by the variety of goods available. Several people brought home hand-woven mantas (throws), decorative pillowcases, Alpaca wool sweaters, and even a montera or two! After shopping and hard bargaining, we all needed a snack. When eating in Bolivia, one has to proceed with caution to avoid getting sick. The market at Tarabuco is no exception; however, we found some tasty saltenas (pastries stuffed with meat and veggies) made by local women. We eventually headed out of town with lots of Bolivian goodies under our arms. There is no question about it - Tarabuco was a highlight for all of us!
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