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Potosí, Bolivia - Things to Do in Potosí

Potosí

Potosí, Bolivia - Complete Travel Guide

Potosí stands as one of Bolivia's most historically significant cities, perched at a impressive altitude of 4,090 meters (13,420 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest cities in the world. Once the wealthiest city in the Americas during Spanish colonial rule, Potosí owes its fortune to the legendary Cerro Rico (Rich Hill), a mountain that yielded vast quantities of silver for over 400 years. The city's colonial architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and baroque churches tell the story of immense wealth built on the backs of indigenous and African slave labor in the dangerous silver mines. Today, Potosí is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers visitors a haunting yet fascinating glimpse into South America's colonial past. The city maintains much of its 16th and 17th-century character, with ornate churches, colonial mansions, and the imposing Casa de la Moneda (Royal Mint) serving as reminders of its golden age. While mining continues today under harsh conditions, visitors can experience this history firsthand through mine tours, explore world-class museums, and witness how this remarkable city has adapted to modern times while preserving its extraordinary heritage.

Top Potosí

Cerro Rico Mine Tour

Descend into the working silver mines of Cerro Rico for an intense and eye-opening experience that reveals the harsh realities of mining life. Visitors crawl through narrow tunnels, meet active miners, and witness the dangerous conditions that have persisted for centuries. This powerful experience offers profound insights into Potosí's history and the ongoing human cost of mineral extraction.

Booking Tip: Book through reputable operators charging $15-25 USD for 4-hour tours. Choose companies that provide proper safety equipment and support miner welfare. Tours run daily except Sundays, with morning departures recommended for better mine activity.

Casa de la Moneda Museum

Explore one of South America's finest colonial museums housed in the former Royal Mint where Spanish silver coins were produced for centuries. The museum displays original minting machinery, religious art, and artifacts that chronicle Potosí's rise and fall as a colonial powerhouse. Guided tours reveal fascinating stories about the mint's operations and the city's incredible wealth during the Spanish Empire.

Booking Tip: Entry costs 30 bolivianos ($4.50 USD) with mandatory Spanish-language guided tours lasting 1.5 hours. English guides available for groups of 10+ with advance booking. Open Tuesday-Saturday 9am-12pm and 2:30-6:30pm, Sundays 9am-12pm.

Colonial Architecture Walking Tour

Wander through Potosí's remarkably preserved colonial center, discovering ornate baroque churches, grand mansions, and hidden courtyards that showcase the city's former opulence. Key highlights include the San Lorenzo Church with its intricate stone façade, the Cathedral, and numerous colonial houses with their distinctive wooden balconies. The high altitude adds an extra challenge to this architectural treasure hunt through narrow cobblestone streets.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, while organized tours cost $10-15 USD for 2-3 hours. Best experienced in the morning when churches are open and lighting is optimal. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water due to the high altitude.

Santa Teresa Convent

Step inside this active 17th-century convent for a rare glimpse into cloistered religious life spanning four centuries. The guided tour reveals hidden chambers, religious artifacts, and stories of the nuns who lived in isolation within these walls. The convent's collection includes colonial art, silverwork, and religious relics that provide insight into the spiritual life of colonial Potosí's elite families.

Booking Tip: Tours cost 25 bolivianos ($3.50 USD) and run hourly from 9am-12pm and 3-6pm Monday-Saturday. Spanish-language tours only, lasting 45 minutes. Photography restrictions apply in certain areas, so check before visiting.

Mercado Central Food Experience

spend time in local culture at Potosí's bustling this destination, where vendors sell everything from quinoa and potatoes to traditional textiles and mining supplies. Sample local specialties like api (purple corn drink), salteñas (meat pastries), and fresh cheese while experiencing the authentic daily life of potosinos. The market also offers insight into the region's agricultural products and traditional crafts.

Booking Tip: Free to explore independently, with most food items costing under $2 USD. Visit between 8am-2pm for the best selection and freshest food. Bring small bills and practice basic Spanish phrases for better interactions with vendors.

Getting There

Potosí is accessible primarily by bus from major Bolivian cities, with the journey from La Paz taking 10-12 hours ($8-15 USD) and from Sucre requiring 2.5-3 hours ($5-8 USD). The winding mountain roads offer spectacular scenery but can be challenging for those prone to motion sickness. Several bus companies operate daily services, with overnight buses from La Paz being popular despite the bumpy ride. There's no commercial airport in Potosí, though private charter flights can be arranged to the small local airstrip. Many travelers combine Potosí with Sucre due to their proximity and complementary attractions.

Getting Around

Potosí's historic center is compact and best explored on foot, though the high altitude of 4,090 meters makes walking more challenging than usual. Taxis are abundant and inexpensive ($1-3 USD for most trips within the city), while shared minibuses called 'micros' provide cheap transportation to outer neighborhoods for about $0.30 USD. The steep, narrow colonial streets can be difficult to navigate, and many are one-way or pedestrian-only. Due to the altitude, visitors should plan for frequent rest breaks and carry water when walking around the city.

Where to Stay

Historic Center
Plaza 10 de Noviembre area
Avenida Villazón
Near the Bus Terminal
Universidad area
Barrio San Benito

Food & Dining

Potosí's dining scene reflects its high-altitude location and mining heritage, with hearty soups and stews dominating local menus. Traditional dishes include k'alapurka (spicy soup with corn and meat), charque (dried llama meat), and various potato preparations that showcase Bolivia's incredible potato diversity. The historic center offers several upscale restaurants serving both Bolivian and international cuisine, while local markets and street vendors provide authentic and affordable meals. Due to the altitude, many visitors find that lighter meals and frequent hydration work best, and coca tea is widely available to help with altitude adjustment.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Bolivia

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Restaurante Michelangelo

4.6 /5
(1666 reviews) 3

Fellini

4.5 /5
(1628 reviews) 2

Bravissimo

4.6 /5
(1159 reviews) 2

La Cantonata

4.5 /5
(1117 reviews) 2

Pizzería Bella Ciao

4.9 /5
(556 reviews)

Ristorante Il Borgo Santa Cruz

4.5 /5
(562 reviews) 2

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Potosí is during the dry season from May to October, when clear skies provide impressive mountain views and comfortable daytime temperatures around 15-18°C (59-64°F). However, nights can be extremely cold year-round, often dropping below freezing, so warm clothing is essential regardless of season. The rainy season from November to March brings afternoon showers and can make mine tours more challenging, though the landscape becomes greener and more busy. Keep in mind that Potosí's extreme altitude means weather can change rapidly, and the thin air makes the sun's rays particularly intense during the day.

Insider Tips

Arrive a day early to acclimatize to the extreme 4,090-meter altitude before attempting mine tours or extensive walking - altitude sickness is common and can be severe.
Bring warm layers including a heavy jacket, as temperatures can drop dramatically after sunset even during summer months, and most accommodations have limited heating.
Purchase coca leaves or coca tea to help combat altitude sickness, and avoid alcohol for the first few days as it exacerbates altitude-related symptoms at this elevation.

Activities in Potosí