Potosí

Potosí, at around 4,000 metres, is one of the world's highest large cities. It is located in the Potosí Department of Bolivia. The wealthy history of Potosí is reflected in the narrow streets, colonial mansions and the many churches, which make the city a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Understand
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.

By bus
There are 2 bus terminals in Potosí:

From specific destinations:
 * Oruro – There are several daily buses, about 6 hr.
 * Sucre – There are hourly connections with, 3½ hr, Bs. 17.
 * Tupiza – Morning and evening buses at 09:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:30, 22:00, 23:00. 5-8 hr, Bs. 30. Expresso Tupiza (sometimes written as ExP) seems to be a slightly more expensive but reliable option for around Bs. 40. (from the new terminal).
 * Uyuni – There are buses going at 10:00 and 18:00. 5-7 hr, Bs. 35.
 * Tarija – Morning and evening buses with Expreso Tarija. 9-10 hr, Bs. 60.
 * La Paz – The new terminal. 9 hr, Bs. 100 for cama.

By van/servis
Collective cabs that travel slightly quicker but more expensive than the buses can also be arranged to Sucre (Bs. 35-50, 2½-3 hr) and Oruru (Bs. 120). These leave when full and are a godsend during bus strikes. You may buy additional seats for more comfort or faster departures.

By taxi
From Sucre it is worth hiring a cab for 2 or more people as the trip is faster and more comfortable than one on a collective cab or a bus, and the cab leaves at your schedule.

By plane
If arriving at Sucre airport, there are shared taxis that depart from the airport. Upon exiting the airport, look to your right and there is a taxi rank. The cost is Bs. 50 per person (as of Nov. 2014) or if you wish to hire the entire taxi (expreso) the cost is Bs. 200. The taxi will usually drop you off in Potosí's main plaza.

To return, taxis leave from the "ex-terminal". If you wish to return to the airport, you should negotiate with the driver, it will be between Bs. 40-50 pp.

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.

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.
 * 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.

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.