Potosí Bolivia The Silver Mines City

Potosí, Bolivia is a picturesque colonial town situated 4,090 m above sea level in the Andes mountains. Famous for its silver mines, and nicknamed the “The mountain which eats men”, Potosí has a rich history of colonial architecture and is a great spot for exploring.

Potosí Bolivia The Silver Mines City Summary

Attraction: Potosí Bolivia
Country: Bolivia
Continent: South America
Capital Name: La Paz, Sucre
Language: Spanish
Currency: Bolivian boliviano (BOB)
Nationality: Bolivian

Why must you visit Potosí Bolivia?

Potosí Bolivia is a fascinating place to visit because it is a living history museum, boasting Spanish colonial buildings and other monuments which are a reminder of centuries of mining and industrialization. The city has a rich cultural heritage, and it is the highest city in the world. The city is also home to Cerro Rico, one of the largest silver mines in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Among all of this, the cuisine here is renowned as one of the best in Latin America. It is a destination that offers visitors a unique combination of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Tell Us About Potosí Bolivia

Potosí is an old colonial city located in the southern Bolivian highlands. It is one of the highest cities in the world at 4,090 meters (more than 13,000 feet). It is known for the silver mining industry which was important to the Spanish colonial era. There are a variety of colonial–era buildings in the city including a world heritage site, the Cerro Rico, or “Rich Mountain“, which had one of the world‘s largest silver deposits. Potosí is also home to a vibrant indigenous culture and traditional Andean markets.

The city has several other cultural attractions such as churches, museums and artisan markets. The city is home to many celebrations and festivals such as carnival, the Feria de la Virgen El Carmen, or the festival of the Virgin of Mount Carmel, and the Fiesta de La Virgen del Socavón, or the Festival of the Virgin of the Mine.

What are the Things to do in Potosí Bolivia?

Some of the things to do in Potosí Bolivia are:

Visit Casa de la Moneda: On your visit in this place, Casa de la Moneda should be your first stop. This museum was once a working Spanish colonial mint, built in the 1660s. It’s an important landmark in the city and is full of fascinating artifacts that tell the story of Potosí.
Check out the Local Markets: The local markets are a great place to soak up the local culture and find some unique souvenirs. From food stalls to artisans selling their wares, there’s plenty to explore in these bustling markets.
Explore Local Churches: It is home to some impressive churches from the colonial era. Visit Iglesia de San Lorenzo to see its beautiful baroque facade and admire the ornately decorated doorway and wood sculptures inside. Other churches worth a visit include Iglesia Concepción and San Francisco and La Compañía.
Take a Guided Tour of Cerro Rico: Cerro Rico, or Rich Mountain, is a mineral-rich mountain that has played an important role in the city’s economy. Join a guided tour to explore the mines and learn how they helped to make Potosí the wealthiest city in South America in the 16th century.
Check Out La Plaza 10 de Noviembre: Completely renovated and shifted to a pedestrian-only zone in 2019, La Plaza 10 de Noviembre (aka Plaza Murillo) is the main square in Potosí. It’s surrounded by colorful buildings and is a great spot to visit for a bit of people-watching, to take photos and simply soak up the atmosphere.
Explore Plaza de San Francisco: Located near the Iglesia de San Francisco, Plaza de San Francisco formed an important part of the political and administrative life of Potosí during the country’s colonial period. Its fountain and surrounding buildings are well worth a visit.
Take a Hike up Cerro de Potosí: Cerro de Potosí is the peak that towers over the city. While it’s a bit of a steep climb, make sure to set aside a few hours so you can get the full benefit of the view of the city and its surrounding countryside.
Learn About Potosí’s Ancient Past in Quillacollo Museum: The Quillacollo Museum was inaugurated in 2013 and its exhibits chart the pre-Columbian history of Potosí. See excavated artifacts and learn more about the ancient Tarabuco, Colla and Ayaviri cultures.
Browse the Shops in the Crafts Market: The three-story Crafts Market in central Potosí is the place to go if you’re looking for souvenirs to take home with you. You can buy anything from jewelry to clothes made from alpaca wool, silverware and more.
Visit Khapi Museum: The Khapi Museum is devoted to preserving and promoting the culture and history of Potosí and its environs. Check out the museum’s permanent exhibition, which features items from the original Cerro Rico mines, as well as other cultural artifacts.

What are the Best Foods at Potosí Bolivia?

Some of the best foods to try when visiting Potosí, Bolivia are as follows:

Chairo Soup – A spicy stew made with lamb, potatoes and peas.
Pique a lo macho – Grilled steak and sausage served with potatoes, onions and tomatoes.
Empanadas Potosinas – Corn flour empanadas filled with cheese, olive and olives.
Salteñas – A pastry filled with beef, potatoes and vegetables.
Humintas – A cornmeal-stuffed tamale.
Apthapi – A buckwheat-based porridge served with cheese and butter.
Queso de loma – A traditional cheese made in the region.
Fritanga – A stew made of beef and potatoes.
Chocolates Potosinos – Chocolate truffles made with local ingredients.
Chuno de mandioca – Cassava cake with a fancy topping.