Potosí
Bolivia · Altiplano · 4090 m
Description
Potosí is a historic mining city in the Bolivian Andes and one of the most significant cities of the colonial era in the Americas. Thanks to the rich silver deposits of Cerro Rico, the mountain towering above the city, it became one of the world's largest and wealthiest cities in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, playing a key role in the Spanish Empire. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center features magnificent Baroque churches, colonial mansions, and the Casa Nacional de Moneda, the former royal mint. Silver is still mined in Cerro Rico today, whose history is closely linked to the city's immense wealth and the suffering of countless forced indigenous and enslaved African laborers. At more than 4,000 meters above sea level, Potosí is one of the world's highest cities of its size and captivates visitors with its remarkable history and colonial architecture.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: June – September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Historic City of Potosí (UNESCO)
- Cerro Rico Mine Tour
- Casa Nacional de Moneda
- El Tío Mine Shrines
- San Lorenzo Church
- Potosí Cathedral
- Plaza 10 de Noviembre
- Santa Teresa Convent Museum
- San Francisco Church
- Socavón de la Virgen Mine Chapel
- San Benito Church
- Convent of San Francisco Rooftop
- Mint Archive Collections
- Cerro Rico Viewpoints
- Tarapaya Hot Springs(Day trip)
- Kari Kari Lagoons(Day trip)
- Chapel of Manquiri(Day trip)
- Traditional Mining Markets
- Salteñas and Local Cuisine
- Highland Hiking(Day trip)
Getting there
- Airports:
- POI
- Train stations:
- Potosí