Things To Do
in Potosí
Potosí sits high in the Bolivian Andes at roughly 4,090 meters, surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. It gained immense wealth from the Cerro Rico silver mine, which shaped its grand colonial architecture. The UNESCO-listed historic center is a labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, pastel facades, and ornate churches.
Today, the city blends mining heritage with vibrant local culture and offers striking viewpoints, markets, and a gateway to nearby highland landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Plaza 10 de Noviembre, the heartbeat of Potosí. Admire the colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere while enjoying a breakfast of local pastries at a nearby cafe. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the stunning Catedral de Potosí, where you can appreciate its intricate baroque details.
After lunch, embark on a guided walking tour to explore the Casa de la Moneda, where you can learn about Bolivia's rich history of silver mining. As you stroll through the narrow streets, take time to visit local artisan shops selling traditional handicrafts. Conclude your afternoon at the top of Cerro Rico, where breathtaking views of the city and surrounding mountains await.
As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional Bolivian dinner at a local restaurant, sampling dishes like salteñas and pique a lo macho. After dinner, immerse yourself in Potosí’s nightlife by visiting a local bar where you can enjoy live music and dance. Take a leisurely stroll back to your accommodation, soaking in the charm of this historical city at night.
Begin your adventure with a hearty breakfast before heading to the infamous Cerro Rico mine, known for its rich silver deposits. Join an organized tour where you’ll learn about the mine's history and the working conditions of miners. Equip yourself with a helmet and headlamp as you descend into the depths of the mine for an unforgettable experience.
After exploring the mine, enjoy lunch at a local eatery where you can savor traditional Bolivian dishes. Spend the afternoon visiting the miner's market, where you can purchase unique offerings such as coca leaves and dynamite, essential for mining operations. Engage with the miners and hear their stories about life underground.
As you return to the surface, reflect on your day over dinner at a cozy restaurant, discussing the experiences shared with fellow travelers. Opt for a quiet evening walk through the city to digest your dinner while enjoying the cool night air. Finally, retreat to your accommodation, perhaps with a book about Potosí's history to deepen your understanding.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-2 |
| 🚇Local transport ticket | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel per night | $25-45 |
| 🥗Market lunch or snack | $3-7 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich mining history and UNESCO-listed architecture
- High-altitude city with dramatic scenery and viewpoints
- Affordability and welcoming local culture
- Accessible day trips to thermal springs and surrounding landscapes
- Significant altitude may cause shortness of breath for some visitors
- Limited nightlife and some services in English, especially outside the center
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Potosí
Visit one of these nice places.
Central plaza framed by colonial buildings, ideal for daytime street photography and golden-hour captures of the city’s rhythm.
Exterior architecture and interior details with light filtering through stained glass; best early in the day or late afternoon.
Historic mint building with architectural facades and interior rooms that tell the mint’s story; exterior shots are often very photogenic.
High vantage points around the hill offering sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains; great for panorama photography.
Food in Potosí
Potosí Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Peanut soup with vegetables and meat, a quintessential Andean comfort dish commonly found in cafeterias and traditional eateries.
Must-Try!
Hearty tripe soup often served with cornmeal or rice; a robust option for curious eaters.
Dried beef commonly prepared with mote (corn) and potatoes; a staple in highland cooking.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market where locals buy produce, grains, cheeses, and ready-to-eat snacks; try empanadas and fresh fruit juices between browsing stalls.
Mobile vendors offer quick bites like empanadas, humintas (corn-based treats), and mote-based dishes along the pedestrian areas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly hello (hola) or good morning (buenos días). Be patient and polite, and avoid raising voices in crowded spaces.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and sacred sites. Ask before taking photos of people or in religious spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Potosí
Ensure a smooth experience
A small tip (about 5-10%) is appreciated in nicer restaurants if service charge isn’t included. Round up fares for taxi drivers and tour guides as a courtesy.
Cash is widely accepted (Bolivianos and some US dollars). Card payments are less common in smaller establishments; carry some local currency and small denominations for markets and taxis.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warmest days but nights stay cold; brief showers possible. Bring layers, sunscreen, and a light rain shell. Altitude can intensify sun exposure.
Cool mornings and evenings with generally dry conditions; nice for outdoor exploration. Layers recommended.
Very cold nights with potential subfreezing temperatures; dry air. Pack insulated jacket, hat, gloves, and thermal layers.
Mild days with cooler mornings; moderate rainfall possible. Suitable for hiking with appropriate footwear and a light rain layer.
Potosí at Night
Hiking in Potosí
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic hike offering dramatic views of the city and mining surroundings; altitude and weather require preparation and proper gear.
Easy to moderate walk to natural hot springs and lagoons near Tarapaya; pleasant year-round with cooler mornings.
Airports
How to reach Potosí by plane.
Primary airport serving Potosí with domestic flights; practical for travelers arriving or departing the region.
Larger international airport near Sucre; useful for longer itineraries that include Sucre and surrounding areas.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population with mixed Indigenous and European heritage, prevalent throughout the city.
Indigenous groups contribute to the cultural and linguistic landscape of Potosí, especially in surrounding rural areas.
Smaller but present, including families connected to business and culture in the historic center.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local matches and community leagues in and around town.
Rural and festival contexts showcase regional sports and dancing tied to cultural celebrations.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Potosí.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries offer vegetable soups, salads, quinoa or corn-based dishes, and bean stews. Ask for soup of the day, vegetable sides, or fried or roasted potatoes with corn, and consider visiting markets for fresh produce and prepared vegetarian options.