A quick guide to Potosi for first-timers: all you need to know
I lived in Chile, in the region of the Desert of Atacama for nearly four years and had a chance to visit so many incredible places around South America. From Tierra de Fuego, through Patagonia in Argentina, to historic Cartagena de Indias in Colombia, Bolivia seemed the most “authentic” with its raw beauty. It can be daunting to plan a trip in Bolivia, so in this guide to Potosi, I’ll share all the best tips I know.
Potosi is mostly known for its silver mining industry and the most dangerous mine in the world. It is also located at 4,090 meters above sea level. It’s like halfway to Everest! Just visiting a city at such a high altitude is a bucket-list experience on its own.
See also: Getting high? 8 tips on how to survive high altitude sickness
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Favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
- Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
- Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
- World Nomads travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities. In South America, I recommend to never skip insurance.
- Jack’s Flight Club is a service that can save you hundreds of dollars on flights, it works especially well in Europe.
- Trivago where you can search and save on hotels.
- Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money.
What to see in Potosi
Did you know that you can download this post through GPSmyCity and use it offline with a map to help you walk around the city without worrying about having the internet connection?
Possibly the most popular activity to do in Potosi is visiting the Cerro Rico mine. We did not do that, but it’s something quite interesting to do. What is the most special about this, is listening to all the mining stories. If you opt for this, make sure that you book your tour with a reputable guide, ideally someone, who used to work in this mine to keep you safe.
It is not necessary to book in advance as you can get help finding the right guide through your hotel, but if you are short on time and want to make sure that you have a tour available on the day you are there, you may choose online booking.
Cerro Rico: Start your journey in Potosi by exploring the iconic Cerro Rico, the famed silver mountain that played a significant role in Bolivia’s history. Opt for a guided mine tour to learn about the region’s mining heritage and witness the workings of the mines.
Casa Nacional de la Moneda: Visit the Casa Nacional de la Moneda, a historic mint showcasing colonial artifacts, including impressive coinage machinery and exhibits detailing the city’s silver production.
Plaza 10 de Noviembre: Stroll through Plaza 10 de Noviembre, the heart of Potosi, surrounded by stunning colonial architecture. Admire the Cathedral and the vibrant street life that unfolds in this bustling square.
Museo de Santa Teresa: Discover the intriguing history of the colonial era at the Museo de Santa Teresa, known for its religious art and preserved convent.
Callejon de las Brujas: For a dash of mystique, wander through the Callejon de las Brujas (Alley of the Witches), lined with stores selling traditional Bolivian remedies and spiritual items.
Ohh, and what a wonderful view, go to La Merced church museum and visit its rooftop cafe. Sipping coffee with incredible views is supposed to be a highlight of a trip to Potosi.
One of the best things you can do in Potosi is visit Chuquima market. It is such a perfect place for people-watching.
Where to stay in Potosi
There are many accommodation options in Potosi for any budget, whether it’s proximity to attractions, budget, or preferred ambiance. The city’s diverse areas ensure there’s something suitable for every traveler’s preferences. Always check reviews and amenities offered to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay in Potosi.
Historic Center: Ideal for travelers keen on exploring Potosi’s cultural and historical sites without needing to travel far.
Around Plaza 10 de Noviembre: Offers the convenience of being centrally located, close to shops, eateries, and major attractions.
Cerro Rico Area: Some accommodations near Cerro Rico might provide unique experiences for travelers interested in mining history and the mountain’s significance to Potosi.
San Bernardo District: A bit removed from the center, this area might offer a quieter stay and a glimpse into local life away from the tourist spots.
Here are my top picks for accommodation in Potosi:
- Hostal Colonial Potosi– a beautiful place to stay with beautiful mountain views in a perfect location.
- Hotel Museo Cayara– on the more expensive side, but truly a beautiful hotel in an old hacienda (perfect for a romantic stay).
- Virreyes Hotel– simple, but clean and cheap.
This is one of my favourite pictures from Bolivia. These ladies wear their traditional outfits daily. There are not many places like that in South America.
Manage high altitude sickness
Many captivating travel spots are nestled in remote or high-altitude regions; in South America, the most incredible places are quite often high. Personally, I often struggle with high altitudes, experiencing an array of symptoms, from weariness and drowsiness to severe bouts of vomiting. It’s been quite the journey coping with these altitude-induced challenges. I wrote a more detailed post with advice on how to handle altitude sickness- you can read it here.
As you walk the streets of Potosi, you will notice local people chewing something with a noticeable ball just behind their cheeks. These are coca leaves. You may also have coca tea to help you with nausea.
See also:
Copacabana, Lake Titicaca and mixed feelings.
That one time I went to Uyuni, Bolivia.
What is worth knowing before your trip to Machu Picchu?
Me, barely managing high altitude sickness with a cup of coca tea
Where to eat in Potosi
Bolivia is an amazing place to try different and maybe totally new flavours for you. I loved Potosi for its rather natural beauty without creating fake, tourist-oriented options. So whatever you see and eat there, it’s real and it’s what the locals do.
You can explore various eateries scattered across the city, especially around the central areas like Plaza 10 de Noviembre and surrounding streets. I’d suggest that for the most unique experience, dive into local markets and sample authentic Bolivian delicacies like salteñas (savory pastries filled with meat and vegetables), api (a traditional hot corn drink), and empanadas. There are also many restaurants for Bolivian and international food. Don’t miss the opportunity to try local specialties such as silpancho (breaded beef cutlet), pique a lo macho (a spicy meat dish), and savory soups, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and warm hospitality that defines Potosi’s dining scene.
Cafe de la Plata
Located directly on the main square, the lofty ceilings, rich dark wood, and expansive windows create an ambiance reminiscent of the Spanish elite who frequented this establishment centuries ago. Presently, it offers an array of delights including exceptional coffee, delectable cakes (don’t miss the quinoa cake if it’s available!), and reasonably priced international dishes.
La Casona Verde
What a beautiful find! This bar is inside a colonial building for a cool vibe- don’t miss it.
How to get to Potosi
The best way to get to Potosi is by bus. And what an adventure it can be! It is truly an unforgettable experience to travel together with the locals and observe their everyday lives.
Please note that those are approximate prices and they can change, so for updated costs check directly with the bus companies. 12Go website is also an excellent place to search and book bus tickets.
The most popular routes to get to Potosi
La Paz to Potosi
To get to Potosi from La Paz it usually takes around 10 hours at night, with departures around 20:30h or 22:00h. Companies like El Dorado or Trans Copacabana operate this route, offering seats at prices ranging from approximately $10 to $18, depending on the seat type selected—normal, semi-bed, or bed (well, it’s Bolivia and you can expect some delays).
Sucre to Potosi
From Sucre to Potosi, the trip takes approximately 4 hours, priced at around 20 bolivianos. It’d recommend you to directly visit Sucre’s terminal for ticket purchases to secure the best rates. El Dorado is among the companies servicing this route.
Oruro to Potosi
The trip takes around 6 hours, with ticket prices ranging between 33 to 70 bolivianos. San Miguel, Trans Azul, Pullman Bus, or Bustillo are some of the companies covering this route.
Santa Cruz de la Sierra to Potosi
Traveling from Santa Cruz de la Sierra to Potosi lasts approximately 23 hours, with a stop in Cochabamba for about 3 hours before continuing the night journey to Potosi. Ticket prices range between $19 to $25, with companies like Trans Copacabana and El Dorado offering this route.
Uyuni to Potosi
The road trip from Uyuni to Potosi typically takes about 3 hours on well-maintained roads, costing around 50 Bolivianos. This is the trip I took.
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