We arrived at Sucre in the morning from La Paz. As we took a ride from the bustling bus station to our stay, we started to notice the differences between the two cities of Bolivia.
While La Paz metropolitan area has over 2 million population, Sucre is a much smaller city with only about 300,000 residents. The streets are less crowded and there are fewer cars on the road.
As we ventured towards the city’s center, white-washed colonial buildings greeted us, the reason why Sucre is called “La Ciudad Blanca” or “The White City“. The history of the city is intertwined with the history of the creation of the constitution of Bolivia.
We found Sucre more than just a stopover between La Paz and Uyuni. Sucre is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and we can see why.
In this post, we have created a list of things to do in Sucre, which will help you plan your activities during your time in the one of the most beautiful cities of Bolivia and South America.
To help you plan your trip to one of the most beautiful cities of Bolivia, in this article, we have created a list of things to do in Sucre, and share other trip planning logistics like where to stay, how to get to and when to visit.
Our Top Picks for Exploring Sucre, Bolivia
✨ Top Things to do:
🏛️ Wander the streets, take a walking tour of the White City and explore the museums including Casa de la Libertad.
🌇 Watch sunset from La Recoleta viewpoint and/or from the rooftop of San Felipe de Neri Convent.
🦖 Visit Parque Cretacico and discover dinosaur footprints from millions of years ago.
🍹🍽️ Try the Bolivian food and take a cooking class.
🏨 Where to stay in Sucre: Accommodations in colonial buildings close to the Main Square, like,
Is Sucre Worth Visiting? Why We Liked Sucre
Yes. Sucre is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. We found the history of Sucre and what it revealed about the history of Bolivia, fascinating.
Walking through the well-preserved, white-washed colonial buildings of the city center, Bolivia’s indigenous traditions, important museums, the sunsets from the city’s several vantage points, the dinosaur footprints, and hiking options, Sucre impressed us with the diverse things to explore.
Whether you are a history enthusiast eager to tread the paths of revolutionaries, an adventure seeker ready to explore the naturally preserved dinosaur footprints from millions of years, or a culinary connoisseur looking to indulge in the flavors of traditional Bolivian cuisine, Sucre has something for everyone.
Go There For:
🏫 Explore the beautiful city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with white-washed buildings, terracotta roofs, the museums and the general cemetery
🇧🇴 Learn about the History of the independence of Bolivia, the origin of the Constitutional Capital, and the heroes of the Freedom Struggle
🦖 Day tours to view millions-years old dinosaurs’ footprints and hikes in the mountains
How many days in Sucre?
Sucre is not as large a city as La Paz, but it has a lot to offer. We recommend spending at least two to three days in Sucre if you have the time in your itinerary. The city is also a great place to relax and enjoy the Bolivian culture, history and food.
We stayed longer and enjoyed our says of slow travel in Sucre.
You can spend your days wandering around the streets, visiting museums or simply sitting in one of the many cafes and watching people go by. Also, there are various hiking opportunities close to Sucre.
Watch Our Video: Exploring Sucre
Things to Do in Sucre, Bolivia
In this section, we will delve into some of the must-see sites and activities in Sucre, guiding you through a selection of experiences that will enrich your visit and leave you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of this enchanting city.
Wander the Streets of Sucre
Sucre is a city, best explored on foot. The true beauty of Sucre is not just its immaculate architecture. It is also found in the details – neighborhoods of historical and cultural importance, courtyards that whisper tales of centuries past, and facades that have stood the test of time.
We strolled the streets of Sucre almost all the days we stayed there. We liked the main plaza and the surrounding streets, the neighborhood near La Recoleta, the bustling markets, and the museums, churches, and universities scattered around the town.
To get yourself started with the city’s history, you can join a guided walking tour as your initial adventure. Local guides share stories of independence and revolution, making the city’s history exciting as you walk through the streets.
A walking tour gives you a head start to know the city, interesting places, and hidden gems. You can then choose the activities or the places you wish to dive deeper into.
✅ Book this walking tour – it provides you the highlights of Sucre and overview of the culture and history.
Visit the Casa de la Libertad
Located in the heart of Sucre, Casa de la Libertad is more than just a museum. It is the site where Bolivia’s declaration of independence was signed in 1825.
The narrative of Sucre, and indeed of Bolivia, is intrinsically linked to this place of character and courage. The rich collection of paintings, documents, and artifacts tells a story that is both inspiring and enlightening.
We explored rooms filled with artifacts, paintings, and documents of immense historical value. It is considered a sacred temple of Bolivian freedom, it offers profound insights into the country’s struggle and triumph over colonial rule.
You will find the portraits of important persons related to Bolivia’s independence including Simon Bolivar, and Antonio de la Sucre, on whose honor, the city was named Sucre.
How to Reach: Casa de la Libertad is located in the main plaza of the city center, near the Plaza 25 de Mayo.
Plaza 25 de Mayo and Metropolitan Cathedral
The heart of Sucre is Plaza 25 de Mayo, a lively central square where the spirit of the city is palpable. The Plaza is named after the date of the first uprising of Bolivia’s independence on 25th May 1809, that took place in Sucre. A reason why Sucre is considered the birthplace of Bolivia’s struggle for independence.
This is the main plaza of the city and is surrounded by some of the important buildings in the history of Bolivia and the current city administration including Casa de la Libertad, Metropolitan Cathedral, Sucre Municipality, and Chuquisaca Provincial office building.
Flanked by colonial buildings and teeming with locals and tourists alike, it is a focal point of social life and a crossroads of Sucre’s history. Street performers, vendors, and impromptu gatherings contribute to the plaza’s animated atmosphere.
We spent afternoons and evenings during our stay in the plaza watching the daily life of Sucre. The plaza is also surrounded by cafes and restaurants if you wish to grab a bite or have a nice dining experience.
Dominating the square is the Metropolitan Cathedral, a cornerstone of Sucre’s religious architecture. With a history that dates back to the 1500s, the Cathedral is both a place of worship and a museum, holding treasures of religious art and artifacts. While the church was built in the 16th century, the current baroque style was later constructed in the early 18th century.
The cathedral also has a functioning clock tower that was built in later part of the 18th century.
How to Reach: Plaza 25 de Mayo and the Metropolitan Cathedral are in the middle of the city.
Simon Bolivar Park
A green oasis in Sucre, Bolivar Park is the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Besides the Plaza 25 de Mayo, the Simon Bolivar Park is another where you can spend some time watching the local life. Children play around the mini replica of the Eiffel Tower, while locals and tourists alike enjoy leisurely strolls or picnics among the lush foliage.
The building of the Supreme Court of Justice is in front of the Park, reminding the importance of Sucre in Bolivia’s constitution.
Visit the Cal Orck’o and Parque Cretacico – Dinosaur Footprints
This extraordinary site, just a short drive from Sucre, houses one of the largest collections of dinosaur footprints in the world, discovered on a cement quarry’s wall.
When we arrived at the site, the cement quarry and factory did not give an impression of what was hidden behind. But as we walked up a hill, we found the park entrance which gives the feeling that you have reached the area of the dinosaurs. On the other side of the hill, we saw a panoramic view of Cal Orck’o, the wall with the dinosaurs’ footprints.
There are over 5,000 tracks from around 15 species cover the cliff, making it a paleontologist’s dream.
Guided Tour of Parque Cretacico and the Wall
The entrance fee includes a guided tour of the Cretacico Park and walking to the wall of footprints. The guide was knowledgable and gave vivid description of the dinosaur species and the reasons behind the preservation of footprints for millions of years. And, also why the footprints were found on the wall instead of being on the ground.
We needed to wear helmets for the wall tour for safety, as the location is still part of the quarry. After we were handed over our helmets, our guide briefed us on the safety instructions before we went down the hill to reach the wall.
The Dinosaurs’ Replicas and Museum
The park features life-sized models of dinosaurs, offering a tangible sense of the magnitude of these creatures. The tour is designed to educate and fascinate, from walking alongside towering dinosaur models to uncovering the life of lesser-known species along with the geological phenomena of the earth’s tectonic plates.
The site’s museum complements these ancient relics with detailed explanations and exhibits, truly a marvel for all ages, preserving a moment frozen in time.
How to Reach Parque Cretacico
If you have your own transport, you can take go directly to the location and buy the tickets there. There are slots for the guided tour.
Otherwise, catch the Parque Cretacico shuttle bus from Plaza 25 de Mayo. Look for a 2 storeyed bus, at the corner of the Metropolitan Cathedral. It is a fun ride, where if you take a seat upstairs, you get a nice view of the city and the surrounding hills.
La Recoleta Viewpoint
To truly grasp the scope and beauty of Sucre, you must view it from above. You can walk up to La Recoleta, a 17th-century Franciscan monastery perched on a hill. There is a plaza in front of it, that offers sweeping views of the city.
Here, the white city stretches out like a canvas, dotted with terracotta roofs and punctuated by church spires. It is an idyllic spot to watch the sunset over Sucre’s heritage-rich skyline. The archways frame the city perfectly.
You can get a drink at the cafe near the viewpoint while soaking in the atmosphere. Try to make it during the sunset hour to get beautiful views of Sucre in the golden light.
How to Reach: Take the Audiencia Street opposite the Metropolitan Cathedral. Go straight till to reach the end of the road and turn right for few hundred meters. It is roughly 1 km from the Cathedral.
General Cemetery
Visiting a cemetery might not be on everyone’s travel wishlist, but the General Cemetery of Sucre is an exception.
When we visited the general cemetery, we hesitated a bit initially. It is probably because of the cultural differences in how death is perceived. However, after spending an afternoon roaming around different corners of the cemetery, we felt a sense of calm.
Far from being a somber place of mourning, Sucre’s General Cemetery is a celebration of life and art.
Wandering its avenues is akin to walking through a beautifully landscaped garden, punctuated with ornate tombs and statues. The tombs serve more as monuments to the living than memorials for the dead.
The Cemetery also houses the remains of many prominent Bolivian figures. That includes past Presidents of Bolivia and War Heroes, eminent personalities, and artists.
Here, you can observe daily life in its most contemplative form. Families gather in honor of their ancestors, vibrant flowers adorn the resting places, and the intricate architecture of the tombs themselves, reveal much about the social history of Sucre.
It is reflective of the Bolivian approach to death and remembrance, one where respect and remembrance go hand in hand with life’s perpetual cycle.
How to Reach: You can drive there if you have your own ride or take a taxi. If you want to take a public transport, look for a public bus near the city center. We found the bus to the cemetery near the arch between Plaza Santa Cruz and San Francisco de Asis Church.
Watch Sunset from the Roof of San Felipe de Neri Convent
Rising above the tumult of the city lies San Felipe de Neri Convent, built in the late 18th century. Earlier, this neoclassical building was a convent, which is now a school for girls. The convent is an oasis of calm, with its white walls and classical courtyards offering a picturesque setting for reflection.
The rooftop provides a splendid view of Sucre, making it a favorite for photographers and those seeking a moment of peace. This is one of the reasons why exploring the convent is considered one of the top things to do in Sucre.
When we visited, we were informed, that a student would provide us a complimentary guided tour of the convent. We were allocated a slot and if we wished we could come back at that hour for the guided tour. So we did.
During the guided tour, we explored the cloistered courtyards, chapel, and museum, each corner holding a story. The student guide took us through the history of the place, the rooms, and the religious art.
Later, she left us on our own to enjoy the sunset from the roof of the convent. It is perhaps the rooftop that commands the most attention in Sucre. Here, from the bell towers and terraces, the White City sprawls before you in all its terracotta-tiled splendor.
How to Reach: San Felipe de Neri Convent is easy to reach, and walkable. If you wish to take the tour or visit on your own, buzz the bell at the door.
Museo del Tesoro – The Treasure Museum
Located within the heart of Sucre, the Museo del Tesoro is a jewel box encapsulating Bolivia’s rich mineral and gemstone legacy. Museo del Tesoro, Spanish for Treasure Museum, highlights Bolivia’s geological diversity – the treasures.
The museum displays a dazzling array of precious metals and stones. It showcases intricate silver pieces reflecting centuries-old craftsmanship to rare gemstones that highlight Bolivia’s geological diversity, including the beautiful dual-colored gemstone ‘Bolivianite’. Each piece tells a part of the country’s rich resource story.
As you explore the museum during the tour, you engage with a storyline that stretches from the earth’s depths to the society. It is the story of miners who extract the wealth, the artisans who fashion it and their techniques, and the wearers who display it.
How to Reach: The Tesoro Museum is just beside the Plaza 25 de Mayo, at the corner of the Arenales Street and Aniceto Arce Street.
ASUR Textile Museum
The Indigenous Art museum is located as you go up a hill, close to La Recoleta viewpoint. This museum showcases masterpieces of weaving by the indigenous Jalq’a and Tarabuco communities, each piece bursting with color and intricate patterns that tell stories of their world view and mythology.
It is a captivating display of craftsmanship and tradition that stretches back generations. Also, you can gain insights into the processes of weaving in the indigenous communities.
The museum also has a store that sells high-quality textiles. The store itself looks like an extension of the museum with an amazing display of craftsmanship. It is ideal for buying souvenir, if you are looking for something authentic and elegant.
How to Reach: The Indigenous Art Museum is located on a hill, close to La Recoleta.
Sucre’s Chocolate
An unmissable thing to try in Sucre is the best chocolate that you can find in Bolivia. The Para Ti chocolate shops lead the way of the chocolate experience in Sucre.
We found the Para Ti chocolate shop just beside the Plaza 25 de Mayo on the Arenales, where we found not just different types of chocolates, but various kinds of desserts.
The chocolate culture of Sucre is also evident from the shops of other brands in the town, like Chocolate Taboada on the same street.
Sucre’s chocolate factories source cacao from Bolivia’s Amazon area. It is renowned for its quality, and local artisans take pride in creating chocolate that is both rich and sustainably sourced.
Central Market & Daily Life at Sucre
The first day, when we reached Sucre from La Paz, we explored the Central Market and had our breakfast there. We wanted a start in the city, like a local.
Central Market is Sucre’s bustling heart, a place where the city’s culinary and cultural vibrancy is on full display.
From exotic fruits to hearty local dishes, the market offers a plethora of flavors to explore. You will also find fresh juice shops, bread stores and sellers with an assortment of spices.
The Central Market is also a great place to interact with locals, understand the city’s rhythm and sample homemade delicacies.
We liked the fresh fruits and vegetables in the market. We bought vegetables and fruits from the vendors to take back to our stay in Sucre. Next few days, whenever we got a chance we walked into the huge market.
Whether it is savoring a traditional Bolivian breakfast or shopping for handmade crafts, the experience is authentic and exhilarating.
So if you wish to take a moment to indulge in some freshly squeezed juice or a hearty empanada at the Central Market, you will quickly find that this market is more than a place for commerce. It is a vibrant slice of Sucre’s life.
Sucre’s Street Foods
To know a culture is to taste its food, and in Sucre, the streets, sidewalks and the markets are the places to try out some of the local delicacies. Try the Salteñas (savory pastries) and cuñapes (cheese-stuffed bread) for the taste of the local fare.
Indulge in mouthwatering anticuchos, skewers of perfectly seasoned and grilled meat, or treat yourself to a refreshing local ice cream at the plaza.
The Central Market, the main plaza and the streets around it are where you can find vendors selling street foods, snacks, sweet delicacies and fresh fruit juices.
Take a Traditional Bolivian Cooking Class
After immersing yourself in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, why not try your hand on the Bolivian cuisine?
Its unique cooking techniques, styles, and ingredients, invite you into a world of gastronomic delight. Dive in, get your hands dirty, and not only learn about traditional Bolivian dishes but also master some culinary tricks to impress back home.
We have discovered that these classes are not only a delightful way to delve into local cuisines, but also offer practical cooking tips and techniques.
✅ Book this cooking class, and not just learn about the recipes, but also try the 3-course sample menu and drinks.
Walk the Streets of Cats (Callejones de los gatos)
Callejones de los gatos are narrow streets near La Recoleta, in an unplanned part of the city. Nevertheless, the snaky alleys meant for pedestrians, look pretty with the white houses, cobblestone streets, and the occasional fountain or colorful cart on the road, creating some photo or just ‘catch a breath’ opportunities.
The streets are named after ‘Cats’ (‘Gato’ means ‘Cat’ in Spanish) of different colors and moods.
We walked the ‘alleys of the cats’ – Gato Negro (black cat), Gato Blanco (white cat), Gato Gris (grey cat), Gato Pardo (brownish-gray cat), and Gato Pendenciero (quarrelsome cat). These names were inspired by cats that lived in the area over hundred years back.
You can combine the ‘Streets of Cats’ with La Recoleta, like we did.
Day Hike to the Inca Trails, Maragua Crater and Dinosaur Tracks
If you are looking for a little adventure, then you should definitely consider taking a day trip from Sucre. This is one of the most popular hikes in Bolivia. It will take you through some beautiful scenery, traversing through two trails of different periods.
The first part is the Incan trail of the 12th century between Chataquila and Chaunaca. The hike starts at the Chapel of Chataquila before ending in Chanuaca.
The second part of the trip is exploring the Maragua Crater and the surrounding beautiful landscapes with the colorful mountains.
After the Maragua crater, the third part of the trip is to walk on the trails where once the dinosaurs traveled, the tracks of Niñu Mayu.
The trip can be done on your own, if you have your own ride. A 4X4 is required for parts of the road leading to the mountains. Also, keep in mind that the trails are not well-marked.
Taking a guided tour that includes transportation is worry-free, and the guide can provide interesting details about the places and the community that reside in the area.
✅ You can book this guided tour that includes transportation and lunch.
Multi-Day Hikes from Sucre
Apart from the day hikes, you can extend your adventure if you are up for some more hiking close to Sucre.
Condor Trekkers is a popular non-profit that offer several multi-day hikes. You can check their availability and enquire through their facebook page.
Apart from the hikes arranged by Condor Trekkers, you can also book multi-day hikes on Viator or GetYourGuide, like the ones below:
- 2 day or 3 day trek to the Maragua Crater, Inca Trails and Jalq’a Villages
- 2 day trek to the Icla Canyon, Tarabuco Town and Tubing in the Pilcomayo river
Learn Spanish. But Why in Sucre?
If you have a longer stay in Sucre, get your Spanish basics right from one of the schools here.
But why learn Spanish here? The reason is that there are many easy-to-find great quality Spanish school options at an affordable price.
Mastering the basics of Spanish allows you to navigate the city with newfound confidence and interact with locals on a more meaningful level. Your Spanish speaking skills will also come in handy for your greater Latin America travels.
You can choose between individual or group classes and the price range varies from 5 USD to 7 USD per hour and per person depending on your requirements.
The classes are focused on providing practical lessons on real-life situations. If you are staying for a few days, you can allocate 2-3 hours per day to get your basics or brush up your speaking skills.
You can check the Sucre Spanish School or Me Gusta Spanish School for their lesson options. They also offer homestay accommodations.
Some of the hostels also offer Spanish lessons, so you can choose to stay and learn or just sign up for a lesson. Partner with other travelers while you learn, practice, and have fun on the go.
KulturBerlin Party Hostel and Colors House Hostel are two popular hostels close to the main square, offering Spanish lessons.
Buy Souvenirs
Sucre, with its pre-Columbian roots, indigenous communities, and preservation of art is a great place to take some souvenirs from Bolivia. You can find souvenirs around the main Plaza of Sucre and the Central Market.
The vibrant textiles, whether you want a colorful pullover or a hat or muffler scarves, check the lane of artisans near La Recoleta in front of the Indigenous Art Museum.
Palecete del el Guereo (Guereo Mansion)
The Palecete del el Guereo is a beautiful building designed towards the end of the 19th century. It is located in the Guereo area and close to the Calle de los Gatos. It was previously a farmhouse and later designed as a mansion by a Swiss-Italian architect Antonio Camponovo.
We explored the mansion in the same afternoon we were in La Recoleta and Calle de los Gatos. The mansion houses a cafe where you can have a coffee and pastry in the green backyard adorned with pine trees.
How to Get to Sucre?
Arriving in Sucre is a trip into the heart of Bolivia.
The most common international route to Bolivia is flying into the country’s administrative capital, La Paz, or the populous Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
You can take domestic flights from these cities to Sucre’s Alcantarí Airport.
For a more economic approach and depending on the time of the day, scenic as well, there are bus services from the major cities.
The long-distance buses in Bolivia are comfortable, safe and offer an economical way to travel within the country.
We have put together a detailed post on the ways you can get to Sucre from La Paz.
Where to Stay in Sucre: Accommodation for Every Budget
If you are staying for 2-3 days in Sucre, it is best to stay close to the center, near Plaza 25 de Mayo. The city is walkable and you can easily access most attractions, restaurants, markets and transportation.
Here are a few stay options close or walkable to the city center:
- Parador Santa Maria La Real – Located just a block away from the main plaza, it offers elegant rooms in a 18th century colonial building.
- Mi Pueblo Samary Hotel Boutique – A Boutique Hotel offering rooms in a colonial building with pleasing patios and views of garden.
- El Hotel de Su Merced – Walkable to the main plaza, this is an excellent mid-range option housed in a beautiful building with city and mountain views.
- La Selenita – This hotel offers cottages with a terrace and surrounded by a garden. It offers panoramic views of the city and offers amenities like a well-equipped kitchen.
- Hotel Boutique Ajayu Sucre – An economical option that offers excellent amenities like private kitchen yet walkable to the main plaza and the Bolivar Park.
Best Time to Visit Sucre
Sucre’s pleasant climate, characterized by its eternal spring-like weather, makes it an all-year destination. However, the best time to visit is between May and October, during the dry season, when the skies are the clearest, and there is less chance of rain interrupting your explorations.
The mild temperatures during these months ensure a comfortable journey through Sucre’s streets and trails. We traveled during this period and had a nice time walking the streets, basking in the sun, and enjoying the nice weather, perfect for exploring.
Where Next?
If you have not done the Uyuni Salt Flats Tour yet, that should be on your list of where next in Bolivia.
And when your are on the way, traveling from Sucre to Uyuni, we recommend stopping for a day or two to explore Potosi.
Related reading: Things to do in Uyuni, Bolivia
But if you are coming from Uyuni, plan to go La Paz from Sucre. There are lots to do in this cultural hotspot and administrative capital of Bolivia.
Related Reading: Things to do in La Paz, Bolivia
Plan Your Bolivia Trip:
- 2 Weeks in Bolivia Itinerary
- Bolivia and Peru Itinerary
- Chile Bolivia Peru Itinerary
- Is Bolivia Worth Visiting?
- How to Get Around in Bolivia?
- Bolivia Bucket List Experiences
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