Potosí

Understand

300px|thumbnail|Aerial photo of Potosí Potosí was founded in 1546 after the discovery of the rich silver deposits in the Cerro Rico. It soon became one of the wealthiest and largest cities in the Americas. The mines of the Cerro Rico are the richest mines in all of world history and may have produced 60,000 tons of silver. The name Potosí was adopted by San Luis de Potosí in Mexico to reflect their hopes for equal riches. It is reputed that at one time mules were shoed with silver due to the difficulty of getting supplies of iron to the city. Some of this wealth was used to build magnificent baroque churches (UNESCO listed sites) and monasteries. Hundreds of thousands of indigenous labourers and African slaves perished in mines in the three centuries of colonial rule. The miners were often below ground for weeks at a time. In 1800 the silver mines were depleted and tin became the major ore mined. They are now mining rare earths. All of this has led to a slow economic decline.

Get around

Taxis are generally cheap and plentiful around Potosí. However, always check the price with the driver. Some charge per person which could get you into arguments when it comes time to pay. Bus from Centro area to Main bus Terminal costs 1Bs. Taxis from main bus terminal between 3-5bs depending on your bargaining skills and the time of day.

See

El Cerro Rico, the "rich hill" where most of Potosí's silver was mined, is easily visible from many parts of the city, including some of the streets in the historic center, as the obvious big conical hill in shades of red and tan.

Do

right|thumb|250px|Miners at work

Eat

The cheapest meals can be found in the Mercado Central.

Drink

Cine de Universidad, Bolivar 893, for Hollywood movies. Spanish only.

Sleep

Residencial Felcar, Av Serrudo esq. Bustillos 345, (02)6224966. Another favorite spot by travellers. It has a nice, sunny patio and hot showers 08:00-22:00. Some of the singles are tiny. Single Bs. 25. Hotel Jerusalem with beautiful views over Potosí from breakfast room and from roof top.

Stay safe

Potosí is relatively safe. But, like most other places in Bolivia it is advised not to walk alone at night outside the main Plaza.

Also, be aware that there are many street dogs, some can be very aggressive. If you have one barking at you, slowly walk back the way you came, without letting the dog get behind you. They will bite and you might end up having to get antibiotics and post exposure rabies shots. These are however available at public clinics free of charge. But make sure not to get bitten!

Go next

Sucre – The constitutional capital and seat of judiciary. Also, a popular tourist magnet with lots to see and do including hiking, partying and seeing dinosaur footprints. Uyuni – A tourist town, which serves as the main gateway to Salar de Uyuni besides San Pedro de Atacama in Chile. La Paz – The administrative capital and seat of the government. Gateway to the highest climbable mountains in Bolivia, Lake Titicaca and the Death Road. Oruro – Famous for its carnival and a good jumping-off if you intend to head towards Sajama National Park. Tupiza – With interesting trails and sights nearby, and gateway for some Salar de Uyuni tours and into Argentina. Tarija – Famous for its wine production and pleasant climate. The Festival of Wine is held annually in Tarija.