Potosí, in southern Bolivia, is one of the highest cities in the world (4,090 m / 13,420 ft above sea level). It is known for its mining history; it was one of the most important silver extraction centers during the Spanish Empire.
Have you ever heard the term “worth a Potosí”? This city has a lot to share and teach.
On my trip through Bolivia, I dedicated 3 days to Potosí. Here, I’ll share all my successes and mistakes—everything you need to know to visit this city.
If you want to include Uyuni in your travel route, this article will be helpful.
QUICK FACTS
Recommended time: 3 days, 2 nights.
Budget: 40 USD (all inclusive)
Must-do: Mine tour
Best coffee shop in town: Cronopios
How to get to Potosi
Depending on your starting point, I recommend the following routes:
- Plane: Potosí has an airport (POI) with flights from La Paz. However, flights are not very frequent and tend to be expensive. You can check it here.
- Bus: This is the most popular option. Potosí is located fairly centrally on the Bolivia map, so buses arrive from all directions. From La Paz, it takes about 6 to 8 hours and they arrive at the new bus terminal. Sucre is about 4 hours away, as is Uyuni; however, the latter, being in the same department, departs/arrives from the old bus terminal (closer to the historic center). You can check all routes here.
Altitude sickness
Basically, it occurs when your body doesn’t have enough time to adapt to the reduced oxygen. To prevent it, you should ascend gradually, stay well hydrated, eat light meals, and rest properly.
If it really affects you, know that there are medications like acetazolamide (Diamox) that can help. Supplemental oxygen and descending can also lead to improvement.
How to move around Potosi?
Potosí is a relatively small city, surrounded by mountains and full of hills.
Getting around the city center is easy on foot; but to reach the bus station or Cerro Rico, the most common option is taking taxis. You’ll pay around 10–15 Bs per trip. If you’re on a budget, the best option is to take buses. You’ll need to ask for the route numbers and pay attention to the stops, but it won’t cost more than 2–3 Bs (about 20 cents USD).
What to do in Potosi?
Mines and Cerro Rico
These tours include a visit to the active mines, allowing you to learn about the history of one of the world’s most important silver excavations.
During high season, it might be better to have the tour booked; this is a good option.
However, I highly recommend the company Koala Tours. The office is close to Plaza 10 de Noviembre, and the guides are former miners. This allows you to deeply understand their customs and workloads. The price is 130 Bs and the tour lasts approximately 5 hours. I made a very graphic reel about the experience and you can check it here.
It’s important to note that there are different mines with varying levels of difficulty; for example, there is one called Mina Caracol, which is considered extreme sport.
It’s one of the toughest and most interesting experiences I’ve had. I just want to warn you that you should expect some difficulty navigating the small tunnels and dealing with low oxygen levels. Other than that, it’s truly recommended.
Potosí Mint
An interesting building that once served as a prison. It showcases an important part of the history of the economy and social development of the population. It’s important to note that it is closed on Mondays and only open on Sunday mornings.
San Francisco Church
It still functions as a place of worship in Potosí; in fact, the church is impressive.
They also offer tours where you can learn about the history of the place and its art. However, the highlight, in my opinion, is the viewpoint. You can literally walk on the roof of the church.
Tickets cost 30 Bs, including photography, and the viewpoint alone is 20 Bs. Entry is still with a guide, as it is an active monastery with important regional history. Keep in mind that the last visit starts at 4 PM.
Exploring the historic center
The historic center is fairly small and charming to visit; the must-sees here are Plaza 10 de Noviembre, Arco de Cobija, and the Central Market.
If you have a bit more time, other attractions you can visit are:
– Tower of the Jesuit Company
– Santa Teresa Convent
Where to stay in Potosi
Any little corner of Potosí’s historic center is a good place to stay. There’s a wide range of prices and amenities. I chose Casona de Potosí, recommended by Lonely Planet.
It’s an old mansion in the heart of Potosí; one of the most economical options in the city. However, it’s not very comfortable. In my experience, the mattresses are very thin, there’s only one outlet in rooms with up to 10 beds, and the bathrooms flood when you shower.
I met a couple of people staying at Los Faroles and they loved it. So, I’m leaving the link here.
What to eat in Potosi?
The historic center is full of restaurants and cafés for all tastes. For lunch, there are many “menu of the day” options, costing between 15 to 30 Bs, including 3 courses and a drink.
There’s a café called Cronopios, serving specialty coffee, which I also highly recommend.
Also, on every corner you’ll be offered peanut soup, tutucas, and jelly.
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Potosí is the city most tourists skip in Bolivia. However, it has personality and stories to tell. I hope this article has convinced you to visit it.
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Thank you for getting this far and traveling through South America with me. Until next time, travelers <3
