Sucre Sucre is Bolivia's most beautiful colonial city. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1991 in order to protect its superb, well preserved architecture, which blended local indigenous traditions with imported styles from Europe. Its many historical monuments, including Spanish houses, monasteries and temples, reflect the wealth and culture that developed as a result of the silver mining treasure in Potosi. Universidad de San Fransisco Javier founded in 1624, is one of the oldest universities in the world. Other historic sites illustrate Bolivia's rise and eventual victory as a free republic in 1825. It became the Capitol and still remains the constitutional capitol of Bolivia, as seat of the Supreme Court. It is Catholic center to the nation.
The ASUR museum and nearby village destination of Tarabuco show this region of Bolivia's rich woven textile traditions. A local quarry accidentally excavated and exposed an enormous prehistoric lakebed of dinosaur tracks, which have become a very popular tourist attraction. Located at 8,500 ft, Sucre´s weather is subtropical with bright blue skies and starry nights.
Potosi: Potosi is situated between Sucre and the Uyuni's Salt Lake at nearly 13,100 ft. and 3 hrs driving distance from Sucre. It received World Heritage Site protection status in 1987 because of the extensive intact infrastructure created to mine silver from Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain) for the Spanish crown; and also the influential baroque style of its architecture, which incorporated indigenous influence in beautifully preserved buildings. Many are open to visitors, such as the San Fransisco Monastery, the Santa Teresa Convent, and Potosi Cathedral. During the 16th century, Potosi boasted an extremely wealthy population of 160,000. It was the largest silver producer in the world until Bolivian independence. The Royal Mint House, built to mint the silver coins used by the Spanish empire, operated until 1953 after 400 years of continuous coinage.
Transfer from your hotel to La Paz Airport for morning flight to Sucre. Transfer to hotel. Sucre, the most beautiful city in Bolivia has many attractions, such as the Recoleta Convent, which provides a great view of Sucre from the hills. Later, you will visit The House of Liberty where Simon Bolivar signed Bolivia's Act of Independence in 1825, creating a free republic. After lunch we visit Colonial Museum to learn about Bolivia's colonial history. (L)
Breakfast and transfer by car to Potosi, a 3.5 hr trip. We visit the impressive Royal Mint House, which embodies Potosi's 400 year history as a world silver mining giant. Other attractions are Santa Teresa Convent, the main Cathedral and churches, smelters, and Cerro Rico´s mineshafts. We will return to Sucre before sunset. (B,L,D)
Early breakfast and visit to the dinosaur tracks near Sucre. Transfer to Sucre airport for a morning flight to La Paz. (B)
2019 Prices per person in US$:
Prices are available upon request.
Tour includes: airplane tickets La Paz - Sucre - La Paz, accommodation in Sucre, daily meals, ground transportation, museum tickets and bilingual tour leader.
Not included: personal expenses, alcoholic drinks, sodas, tips, medical insurance and phone call. *Option: If day 3 is a Sunday you have the option of visiting Tarabuco Market instead of the dinosaur tracks exhibition.