When we first thought about visiting Potosi, our plan was to just use it as a stopover between Sucre and Uyuni. Potosi is situated at an altitude of above 4000 meters and it would help us re-acclimatize before traveling through the Uyuni Salt Flats.
However, this city in Bolivia that initially may seem as an unremarkable stop, caught our attention as we delved deeper into its history.
Potosi was considered as one of the richest cities in the world in the 16th century, as it produced astonishingly large amounts of silver. But the city lost its importance as the silver depleted and turned it into a ‘riches to rags’ story.
In this post, we talk about what we found interesting, our guide to exploring Potosi, and the answer to, Is Potosi worth visiting?
To help you plan your visit, we are going to share the things to do in Potosi during your stay, and also what not to do.
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➡️ Related Readings:
Potosi, Bolivia – Quick Planning Resources
⚠️ Potosi is a high altitude (4000 m) city. To avoid altitude sickness, take it slow, rest well and hydrate yourself.
✨ Top Things to do:
🏛️ Take a walk at the city center of Potosi and the surrounding streets – Quijarro, Junin, Padilla.
🌇 Watch sunset from the bell tower of the Potosi Metropolitan Cathedral, and see the sunset glow on the Cerro Rico – the mountain that towers over Potosi.
🍲🍽️ Try the local delicacy ‘Kalapurka‘, the soup with a volcanic rock!
🏨 Where to stay in Potosi: Accommodations that are a short walk from the town center:
- We liked staying at Los Faroles Hostal, a nice and affordable place, close to the Central Market
- Hostal Colonial Potosi – Close to the National Mint of Bolivia, colonial style rooms
🏜️ Heading to Uyuni after Potosi for the Salt Flats or Salar de Uyuni: Read our post on what you can do in and around Uyuni.
Is Potosi Worth Visiting?
Potosi, Bolivia, is worth visiting for those intrigued by interesting history, vibrant culture, and high-altitude landscapes.
We changed our plan of just spending a short amount of time in Potosi as a quick stop, and extend to a few days. It was largely driven by the history of the town.
We wanted to see what was once a rich place and live through the story from the alleys of the town center, watching the Cerro Rico, where it all started.
To sum up, for us, this is why Potosi was worth visiting:
🏦 Historical Significance: Once, the source of immense silver wealth, home to the colonial mint (Casa Nacional de Moneda), Potosi is a living museum of colonial history.
🕍 Stunning Architecture: The city is dotted with beautiful buildings and churches, like the Convento de Santa Teresa and the San Francisco Church, showcasing exquisite examples of baroque architecture.
⛰️ Views: Set against a backdrop of rugged mountains like the iconic Cerro Rico, Potosi’s high-altitude environment offers dramatic landscapes and panoramic views.
👩🏽🍳 Cultural Depth: The local markets, neighborhoods and restaurants provide an immersive experience into Bolivian life and traditions.
For many, including us, Potosi was a place to stop, before visiting the Uyuni Salt Flats.
Check out our YouTube video about the story of Potosi:
How many days to spend in Potosi?
We spent couple of days in Potosi. You can explore the city’s main attractions in one full day.
⏳ However, if you have the time, we recommend 2 days to explore at a relaxed pace, enjoy the sunsets and some of the unique local food options.
Another thought is that if you are coming from a city, say Santa Cruz, which at a lower altitude, we recommend staying for at least 2 days to get acclimatized.
Potosi is at an altitude of over 4000 meters. It is good to take it slow at the beginning and also it will get you ready for the Uyuni Salt Flats tour.
Do not forget to purchase travel insurance for your trip. We recommend:
✈️ Heymondo for short trips or long term travel (no deductibles, 24/7 worldwide support for any kind of medical assistance)
💻 SafetyWing for digital nomads (add-on options: adventure sports, electronics theft)
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What we did not do in Potosi – The Cerro Rico Active Mines Tour
Cerro Rico translates to ‘Rich Mountain’, but is also known as ‘The Mountain that eats Men’. It has a history of wealth that the silver mines created, and also a story of exploitation as thousands of workers died due to pathetic working conditions.
The silver has depleted, but Cerro Rico is still mined for zinc and tin. But, the conditions of the workers have not significantly improved compared to the colonial times.
The mines of Cerro Rico is the top attraction (or should we say, infamously popular) that you will find in Potosi. People talk about ethics and how human sufferings are used for commercial purposes.
However, the story of Potosi needs to be told and if you wish to see the current state of the miners, the environment and the rituals, go for a tour.
Why we did not take the Active Mine Tour?
Don’t get us wrong. From the time we learnt about the Potosi’s history, we have been interested to see for ourselves the stark differences which are spread across the city, wealth and prosperity from the past and what it is now.
However, we were not comfortable in venturing on a tour to witness the current state of the workers.
The tour is not a pleasure tour, it is more to understand the conditions and how the daily mining work affects the lives of the mine workers.
We were unsure whether we wanted to witness it first hand, or how much are we really going to make a difference in their life.
The tours that are done ethically, or at least they claim to, also add a point to buy some essentials (like soft drinks, cigarettes, coca leaves, etc.) for the miners, beyond the cost of the tour price. Sounds reasonable.
However, we could not still convince ourselves and kept ourselves to reading about the history, exploring the city to try and feel the differences, and watching the Cerro Rico from the distance, the mountain that created the history.
📚 You can read about the detailed history of mining in this article by Guardian here.
📚 You may also want to read this book by Eduardo Galeano that talks about the history of exploitation of mine workers of Potosi from colonial times as part of his larger account about Latin America.
What if, you wish to take this Active Mine Tour?
If you are able to get past the dilemma, you can go for the tour. Make sure you have your expectations right before you sign up.
The tour traverses through different aspects of a miner’s daily job, which involves getting into narrow confined spaces within the mine, dust particles from digging, and moving on uneven terrain.
Also, definitely carry some essentials with you for them. The protective gears are provided by the tour company.
The tour also explores some of the rituals and beliefs of the miners. You will be introduced to ‘El Tio’ or the ‘Uncle’ who is believed to be the protector of the miners. El Tio is a symbol of masculinity which is also evident from his idol, and the miners worship him by offering alcohol.
If you are still planning to do the tour, you can consider this half day tour with Koala Tours. Koala Tours is reputed and run by ex-miners. It includes transportation, guide and protective gears.
Things to Do in Potosi, Bolivia – Our Experiences
Although we did not venture into the mines, we still found other interesting things to do in Potosi in couple of days. A lot of these experiences are still connected to the silver era and remnants of the past.
However, there are some aspects that will give you some perspective into Potosi’s current life, interesting food, and blend of indigenous and European traditions.
Walk around the Historic City Center – the Plazas of Potosi
We devoted the majority of our time in Potosi exploring the city center, a vibrant hub where the main attractions like the two plazas, numerous churches, historic buildings and the striking views of Cerro Rico, converge to create the most captivating and culturally rich area in the city.
The Plazas at the center of Potosi, named after 2 important dates in Potosi and Bolivia’s history – 10th November, commemorating the Uprising of 1810 against Colonial Power, and 6th August, Bolivia’s Independence Day, 1825, are frequented by locals and tourists alike.
Plaza 6 de Agusto and The Obelisco
The Potosi Cathedral is located here and there are a number of important structures like the Obelisk, a pillar surrounded by arches.
On our first day in the city, we visited during the sunset when the colors looked beautiful on the old walls of the century-old buildings.
Adjacent to the arches, beside the Plaza 6 de Agusto, is the statue of Alonso de Ibañez, who led a revolution against the Spanish in 1613.
Plaza 10 de Noviembre and The Statue of Liberty
The Plaza 10 de Noviembre, has some beautiful statues and structures too. You will find the Statue of Liberty of Potosi, the dancers, the Charango (an Andean Guitar), a fountain in the plaza.
The Statue of Liberty of Potosi was created by the same artist who built the one in the New York City – Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. It was created in 1890, just 4 years after that of New York in 1886.
Other Buildings and The ‘Rich’ Neighborhood
This part of Potosi is what reminds of the rich past of the city.
If you notice the buildings near the center, these are lavishly built with decorated balconies, and intricate designs. It is evident that the richer and more important persons during the ‘silver mining’ period resided in this part of the city.
As you go away from the center, the houses have modest built and the neighborhoods belong to the common people and the miners.
The Government building of Potosi and Casa de Moneda (the colonial mint) are also close to the Plaza 10 de Noviembre.
Watching the Sunset from the bell tower of the Potosi Cathedral
The Potosi Metropolitan Cathedral or the Cathedral Basilica of Nuestra Señora de La Paz is the first thing that we saw when we reached the city center on our first day in the city.
The location of the Cathedral makes it a great place to see the city life, the plazas, Cerro Rico and the surrounding mountains.
Constructed in the 1800s, Potosi Cathedral stands as a testament to the wealth and importance of Potosi during the silver boom era. Originally designed in a neoclassical style, it replaces an earlier building that dated back to the founding of the city.
The cathedral, with its elegant facade and grand interior, reflects the opulence that silver mining brought to the region.
We thought that the best time to climb up to the bell tower is during the sunset.
The church requires an entrance fee, which may seem odd at the beginning. However, that includes a guided tour and access to the bell tower at the top.
The climb was a bit challenging through the narrow stairs that twisted to the top. From the top, we were treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the city against the backdrop of the legendary Cerro Rico.
Visiting the bell tower also allowed us to get up close to the historic bells. The largest of the bells, cast in the 18th century, has rung through centuries, marking time and events both joyous and solemn for the people of Potosi.
Explore the Casa de la Moneda
A stone’s throw away, from the Plaza 10 de Noviembre, is the Casa Nacional de Moneda, once the Royal Mint where vast quantities of silver were processed and turned into coins.
Built between 1572 and 1575, the mint served as the primary source of currency coins in the region for centuries.
Today, it serves as a museum displaying fascinating collections of coins, artwork, and machinery. The historical significance and tales embedded in its walls offer profound insights into the colonial economy and its global impact.
🕰️ You can take guided tour of the Royal Mint in English 4 times a day, at 9:00 am, 10:30 am, 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm. At the same hours, tours are also offered in French and Italian.
🇪🇸 The guided tour in Spanish happens every half an hour, between 9:00-11:30 am and 2:30-5:30 pm.
The facade of the mint has the mask of Diego de Huella who accidentally discovered silver in Cerro Rico. We found the machineries, the processes of printing and the marks interesting, apart from the history related to the place.
🎟️ Casa de la Moneda has an entrance fee, and additional charges for use of camera.
Top Left: Casa de la Moneda, Right Large replica of an old Bolivian coin, Bottom Left: Indranil exploring Casa de la Moneda.
Try Kalapurka, the Soup that is served with a Volcanic Rock!
Kalapurka is a distinct soup, more than the taste, the way it is prepared and served.
A hot volcanic rock is placed directly into the serving bowl, causing the soup broth to bubble and steam. It was a spectacle to witness the bubbles as if it really is an active volcano. Just that it is one of flavors.
The dish consists primarily of spicy broth, maize, and chunks of beef or pork, seasoned with traditional Bolivian spices that impart a depth of flavor unique to the region’s cuisine.
The Kalapurka soup is a Quechua tradition, popular in Potosi for centuries.
We tried Kalapurka as part of a buffet in Casona de la Pascualita on the Quijarro Street. You will not find the dish in all Bolivian restaurants, neither every day of the week. So check with the restaurant before to ensure you get the Kalapurka experience.
Watch the Local Life around the Mercado Central (Central Market of Potosi)
The Central Market of Potosi is the busiest area where you will find the vendors selling fresh vegetables, daily household items, fast foods, local desserts, and spices.
It is a raw experience, like the one in Sucre, as we see the local life in Potosi get by.
From the early morning hours, the air around the market fills with a mixture of aromas – fresh produce, spices, and the enticing scent of traditional Bolivian dishes being prepared.
We binged on an occasional snack, salteñas from around the market or a local fruits topped with cream.
If you wish to cook your own food, this is the place to buy fresh bread, fruits and vegetables. Or, just take a walk through the tiny alleys of the markets for a sneak peek at the goods on sale.
Left: Fruits from the local market, Right: Indranil with sateña on the go in his hand
Wander the Streets of Potosi – Quijarro, Junin and Padilla Streets
Take a stroll along Potosi’s charming streets lined with local shops and eateries. These streets connect the main plazas of the city central with the other neighborhoods.
While exploring Potosi, we found ourselves most of the times on these streets and their extensions.
Also, you will find colorful houses on either side of the streets, a reason why we liked the Junin street between Plaza 10 de Noviembre and Plaza 6 de Agusto.
We picked up salteñas from a cafe on the Padilla Street. This is where we found restaurants, bars, cafes, and ice cream shops and the place where the native young people hang out.
Whether you are looking for the city center, restaurants or just the colonial architecture with Cerro Rico at a distance, these are the streets to explore.
Us, exploring and admiring the streets of Potosi
Explore Potosi’s other Colonial Churches
Potosi, a city that whispers stories of its past at every corner, is home to some of the most beautiful churches in Bolivia, each narrating a unique chapter of history.
Iglesia de San Lorenzo
This church is located just behind the Central Market. Iglesia de San Lorenzo, renowned for its stunning facade, is a masterpiece of mestizo-baroque architecture.
This church is a visual representation of the cultural fusion that defines Potosi, something that we have noticed in La Paz and other cities of Bolivia and Peru.
Built in the mid-16th century, San Lorenzo’s facade is intricately adorned with indigenous carvings that tell stories amidst the Catholic iconography, reflecting the blending of Spanish and indigenous traditions.
Iglesia de San Francisco
Next, we visited the Iglesia de San Francisco, one of Potosi’s oldest churches, constructed in the 1540s. Rebuilt in the 1700s after a collapse, the church now stands as a monument to resilience, housing religious art treasures and a museum.
Its tower offers spectacular views of the city and the Cerro Rico. The bell tower of the convent is another great option to watch Potosi from the top.
Torre de la Compañía de Jesus
Torre de la Compañía de Jesus is another fabulous example of mestizo-baroque architecture in Potosi built in the early 18th century. Apart from the fascinating facade, you can also go to the roof for the views.
The convent is close to Casa de la Moneda. There is a tour office inside, where you can opt for a guided tour.
The convent remains closed on Saturday and Sunday, so plan your visit accordingly.
Iglesia la Merced
Iglesia la Merced is a Mercedarian church built between 16th and 17th century, a 5 minutes walk from the Plaza 6 de Agusto.
The church’s stone front is in Baroque style and the interesting features are its ceiling design and murals on the interior walls.
We witnessed a wedding at the time we visited the church. Our best wishes to the couple 😊
Day Trips from Potosi
If you have additional time in Potosi, there are couple of places you can visit outside Potosi.
Ojo del Inca Hot Springs
The Ojo del Inca (Inca’s Eye) is a lake with hot water in the Tarapaya village, around 26 kilometers from the Potosi town. It is formed due to volcanic activities and believed to have healing properties.
You can check with Koala Tours or at your hotel for transport and tour options. There is a public transport option as well.
Although we like DIY tours and public transport, in this case, we would suggest a tour to avoid complications accessing the place without a guide.
Kari Kari Lagoons
Potosi had a series of artificial lakes built during the 16th century to cater to the growing population due to silver mining.
You can hike to the 4 lakes – San Ildefonso, Chalviri, San Rafael and San Pablo. The hike provides beautiful views of the Cerro Rico and the Potosi town. The hike may take you to the height around 5000 meters.
Where to Stay in Potosi
We stayed at Hostal Los Faroles, and it was an excellent affordable option for exploring Potosi. The hotel is located close to the Central Market and we could walk to city center, the plazas and Casa de la Moneda in few minutes.
The hotel offers rooms with basic amenities and shared bathrooms. Although shared, the bathrooms were sparking clean and regularly attended to.
🏨 Book your stay at Hostal Los Faroles →
If you want another affordable option, and with private bathroom, check Eucalyptus Potosi.
For a more upscale option, check the Hostal Colonial Potosi, which offers spacious rooms with more amenities, located near the National Mint of Bolivia.
How to Get to Potosi
The best way to access Potosi is by bus. Whether you are coming from La Paz, Sucre, Santa Cruz or Uyuni, bus is the easiest option. The nearest airports are in Sucre or Uyuni.
🚌 From Sucre: We traveled to Potosi from Sucre by bus. It was a 3.5 hours journey on a scenic mountainous route through rural Bolivia. We took the Transemperador bus from Sucre. It leaves multiple times in a day.
🚌 From La Paz: The bus from La Paz to Sucre, stops at Potosi. When we traveled to Sucre from La Paz in bus, Potosi was an early morning stop. We traveled by Trans Copacabana bus overnight, which was a comfortable ride throughout.
🚌 From Uyuni: Our ride from Potosi to Uyuni was in Expreso 11 de Julio. The same bus can be taken the other way round.
🎟️ In Bolivia, we have relied on Tickets Bolivia for booking bus tickets. Also check Bookaway for different transport options available between destinations.
Tip: Carry your own toilet paper roll for bus rides in Bolivia. You are welcome.
Interesting Facts about Potosi
✨ Altitude Extremes: Standing at over 4,000 meters above sea level, Potosi is one of the highest cities in the world, offering breathtaking vistas and a unique high-altitude experience.
✨ Rich Silver History: In the 16th century, Potosi’s Cerro Rico (Rich Hill) was discovered to contain the world’s largest silver deposit, making the city one of the most prosperous in the world at the time.
✨ UNESCO World Heritage Site: Due to its rich history and well-preserved Colonial architecture, Potosi was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, highlighting its global cultural significance.
✨ The Legend of Cerro Rico: It is said that the amount of silver extracted from Cerro Rico could have built a silver bridge from Potosi to Spain and another one to carry the mules that carried the silver, underscoring the vast wealth it generated.
✨ Economic Swings: Despite the historical wealth generated by the mines, Potosi is now one of the less economically prosperous areas in Bolivia, highlighting the city’s drastic economic swings over centuries. Cerro Rico is still a mine and miners today try to look for minerals from what is left, although the conditions are far from ideal for mining.
✨ Devil Worship in the Mines: Miners traditionally pay homage to “El Tio,” a deity who rules the underworld, by offering coca leaves, alcohol, and cigarettes to statues placed inside the mines, hoping for protection and good fortune.
What Next after Potosi?
If you are arriving to Potosi after the Uyuni tour, you can get to La Paz, Sucre or Cochabamba to explore more of the country. Check our planning guides:
Otherwise, if you are heading towards Uyuni, read our guides on the Uyuni Salt Flat Tours and the town:
- Things to do in Uyuni, Bolivia
- How to choose the best Uyuni Salt Flats Tour for you
- Our Experience of 3 Days Tour from Uyuni to Atacama
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Travel Planning Logistics
- Accommodation: For several years now, Booking.com has been our platform of choice for booking accommodation while traveling. You can apply all the desired filters and shortlist the ones that meet your criteria. On continued use, you will keep unlocking their Genius benefits. For long term stays, we use Airbnb. Of late, we have also started browsing Hostelworld for finding hostels.
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