Potosí, located at an altitude of 4,090 meters, is the highest city in the world. The city, which once belonged to the richest cities in Latin America due to the vast silver reserves in the surrounding Cerro Rico mines, is now a place that struggles to stay economically afloat. Its past is written into the streets, and the beautiful colonial buildings tell the story of a turbulent history. The altitude and cold can make a visit challenging at times, but in return you’ll find a welcoming city center and friendly local people. In this article, I’ll tell you more about what to do and see in Potosí, including the best things to do in Potosí, activities in Potosí, and useful tips Potosí for your visit.
Potosí is located in southwestern Bolivia and grew during colonial times into one of the richest cities in the world thanks to the silver mines of Cerro Rico. In the 16th century, the Spanish discovered enormous silver deposits here and began large-scale exploitation. The Indigenous population was forced to work under extremely harsh conditions to extract the silver, work that due to the extreme altitude and circumstances could hardly be carried out by others. While the city quickly became wealthier and attracted people from all over the world, working conditions in the mines were devastating and it is believed that millions of people lost their lives here.
When the mines were largely depleted in the early 19th century, the economy collapsed and the city was left behind. Widespread poverty emerged among the local population, and Potosí changed drastically. What remained is a UNESCO World Heritage city where history, poverty, and pride come together. The colonial buildings, narrow streets, sights, and life at extreme altitude make Potosí today still unique in South America.
A visit to Potosí should not be missed during a trip through Bolivia. The city is the perfect place to immerse yourself in history, sights, and everyday life at high altitude, with perhaps the highlight being a visit to the famous silver mines of Cerro Rico in Potosí. Enjoy my tips for things to do and see in Potosi.
The Casa Nacional de la Moneda (the National Mint) is one of the most important attractions in Potosí Bolivia and offers an impressive insight into the city’s former wealth. This enormous complex of 7,570 m² has five courtyards, two floors, and no fewer than 54 rooms. Once, silver from Cerro Rico was melted here into coins for the Spanish Empire, making Potosí one of the richest cities in the world. The last coin was minted here in 1953.
Today, the Casa Nacional de la Moneda is a museum, where you can learn more about colonial history, silver, and various minting and production techniques through a guided tour. You can book a tour here.
Note: It can be very cold inside, so make sure to bring a jacket.
Plaza 10 de Noviembre is the heart of Potosí and the place where the daily life of the city comes together. The square is a great place to take a break between the steep streets and altitude changes of the city, and to sit down on one of the benches for a chat with the local population. Around the square you’ll find colonial buildings, the cathedral, and several cafés. It is also a logical starting point to explore the city and a good base to discover the main sights and things to do in Potosí.
Do you want to discover Potosí in an accessible and informative way? Then a city tour in Potosí is an ideal way to truly understand the history and atmosphere of the city. Together with a local guide, you walk through Potosí, past the main sights such as Plaza 10 de Noviembre, colonial churches, and hidden streets that you would otherwise easily miss. Along the way, you don’t only get explanations about the rich silver history, but also about everyday life in this remarkable high-altitude city. You can also combine a city tour with a visit to the mines in this tour, which I’ll explain more about later in this article.
Potosí is a city that you actually understand best from above. Due to its location at more than 4,000 meters altitude and its compact colonial center, the viewpoints in Potosí are one of the best ways to experience the city. Especially in the soft light of late afternoon, the red rooftops, church towers, and Cerro Rico take on an almost cinematic character.
One of the most well-known spots is the tower of the Catedral de Potosí at Plaza 10 de Noviembre, where you can climb the bell tower for a panoramic view over the historic center and surrounding mountains. The Convento Museo San Francisco also offers a beautiful rooftop view, where you literally look out over the city and Cerro Rico. In addition, the Torre de la Compañía de Jesús is a great place to see the city center from above, while the higher points around the San Francisco monastery and nearby churches offer wider panoramas over the entire city and valley.
The Convento de Santa Teresa is one of the most special religious sites and attractions in Potosí. This women’s convent and church, dating from 1761, is still in use and offers a rare glimpse into convent life during the colonial period. What makes it even more impressive is the historical tradition in which families often decided that the first daughter would marry, while the second was destined for religious life. Young girls were brought to the convent in their finest clothing, sometimes at a very young age, to begin their life as nuns there.
During a visit, you can only enter with a guide, which helps you better understand the history of the convent. Inside, it is often cold, so an extra layer of clothing is definitely recommended.
The Convento/Museo San Francisco is the oldest monastery in Bolivia and dates back to the mid-16th century. Unlike the more ornate colonial churches in Potosí, this complex is strikingly sober, with thick stone walls and simple architecture that reflects the early religious history of the city. Today, part of it functions as a museum, allowing you not only to visit the monastery itself but also to learn more about the role of the Franciscans in the region. One of the highlights is the rooftop: from here you can walk along parts of the monastery and enjoy a perfect view over Potosí and the surrounding mountains.
La Plata Café in Potosí is a nice spot at Plaza 10 de Noviembre where you can enjoy good coffee, hot chocolate, and cake in a relaxed atmosphere. It has been my favorite place for years, especially thanks to the view over the square and the homemade “chocolate la plata,” making it a perfect stop while exploring Potosí and its things to do and attractions.
The Catedral de Potosí, located at Plaza 10 de Noviembre, is one of the most important religious buildings and attractions in the city. The cathedral itself is already impressive, but the highlight is the tower, which you can climb for a panoramic view over Potosí. It is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city center and highly recommended if you want to see the main sights in Potosí Bolivia from a different perspective.
The colonial architecture of Potosí still tells the story of the immense wealth the city once had thanks to the silver mines of Cerro Rico. During a walk through the historic center, you will pass several places that make this golden era tangible. One of the most beautiful hidden gems is Casa de las Tres Portadas, a colonial house with three elegant doorways that, despite its modest size, is one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
The Pasaje de Siete Vueltas also lets you wander through narrow, winding streets full of history. Furthermore, the monumental Arco de Cobija and the lively Calle Quijarro are great examples of colonial urban development, as is the famous intersection Esquina de las Cuatro Portadas, where architecture and history come together. Finally, El Cabildo reflects the former administrative power of Potosí, a reminder of the time when the city was one of the richest and most important in the world.
The churches of Potosí clearly show how deeply religion was intertwined with the colonial past and are among the most important things to do in Potosí Bolivia. Apart from the cathedral on Plaza 10 de Noviembre, you will find several impressive churches spread throughout the historic center. The Torre de la Compañía de Jesús is a striking remnant of the former Jesuit church and remains a recognizable landmark in the city. The Iglesia de Santo Domingo is worth visiting for its sober, robust architecture and understated appearance.
One of the most photographed churches is the Iglesia de San Lorenzo de Carangas, known for its colorful façade and rich details, often the image you see in photos of Potosí. In addition, the Iglesia de La Merced is an elegant but relatively quiet church that receives fewer visitors.
The markets of Potosí offer a great insight into daily life. The Mercado Central is the best known, where locals do their daily shopping and you’ll find stalls with fresh produce, herbs, and simple street food dishes.
A much more unique experience is the Mercado Vicunas (at the end of Calle Bolívar), a local market where you also find unusual offering stalls with dried llama fetuses, amulets, and ritual items used in traditional ceremonies. These kinds of practices are seen more often in Bolivia, for example at the witch market in La Paz, although there it is much larger and more tourist-oriented. In Potosí, it feels rawer and more local, which makes it especially interesting if you are looking for authentic activities in Potosí and unique tips Potosí experiences.
Calle Padilla is a well-known street in the historic center of Potosí and a great example of the colonial atmosphere in the city. This narrow street winds past colorful façades, small shops, and local eateries where everyday life continues. It is not a major attraction, but it is a very atmospheric part of the city that fits perfectly into a walk along the main things to do in Potosí Bolivia.
One of the most impressive things to do in Potosí is a visit to the famous silver mines of Cerro Rico. Here you immediately see how strongly the city is still dependent on this mountain. Potosí has very little industry outside mining, meaning life still largely revolves around the mines. Every day, around 15,000 men enter the mountain, into a mine that is actually largely exhausted. The ore is still extracted and processed into a mix of zinc, lead, and silver, with miners being paid based on their production. For many, this is the only way to earn an income.
During a tour, you descend into the mine and get a clear picture of the conditions in which people still work today. Narrow, dark, and humid tunnels, limited space, and constant physical labor make it an intense and sometimes confronting experience. At the same time, it makes it clear how hard life is for the miners here, many of whom spend days underground to support their families.
If you also want to visit a mine, you can book a tour here, where you enter the mine under professional guidance. If you prefer to combine a mine visit with a city tour, this is an interesting tour.
What makes a mine tour especially meaningful are the encounters and stories along the way. Miners often speak openly about their daily lives, with a striking mix of hardship and pride. They talk about their families, small moments of happiness, and hopes for a better future for their children. Around the mine entrances, you will also find markets selling everything needed for work inside the mountain, from coca leaves to dynamite and alcohol, often also used as offerings to El Tío, the mythical protector of the underworld.
At the same time, it is important to emphasize that this tour is not for everyone. The conditions in the mines are extreme: narrow, cramped tunnels, heat, dust, and almost no daylight can be physically and mentally demanding. Seeing the working conditions can also be confronting. It is therefore an experience you should choose consciously, with respect for the people who work and live here every day.
Do you want to prepare well for this mine visit? Have a look in the next article about my visit to the mines of Potosí, where I explain what a tour includes and what to expect.
The Tarapaya hot springs are located about 45 minutes from Potosí and are easily accessible by taxi. These natural thermal baths are set in a deep canyon and surrounded by mountains, creating a striking landscape. There are several pools where you can bathe in warm, mineral-rich water, ranging from natural pools in the canyon to more developed bathing areas with basic facilities.
Although Tarapaya is often seen as a nice day trip from Potosí, it is important to take the extreme altitude of the region into account. The combination of altitude and hot water can make a visit physically quite intense. It is therefore important to take it slow and listen to your body, and for some travelers, honestly, it may be better to skip this trip.
Are you looking for more tours, things to do and activities in Potosí Bolivia? This is an overview.
In every country, I look for the most beautiful, special, and unique places to stay, especially boutique hotels. Besides price-quality ratio, atmosphere, style, interior, comfort, and a good location are important elements for choosing a hotel. In Potosí you will find few luxury boutique hotels, but mainly small, simple hotels that are well-maintained and comfortable.
A visit to Potosí requires some preparation, mainly because of the extreme altitude. The city is located at more than 4,000 meters, which makes it important to take it slow during the first days and give your body time to acclimatize. Symptoms such as headaches or fatigue are common here, especially when arriving directly from lower altitudes. Therefore, do not plan intensive activities in Potosí, such as a mine tour, on your first day.
The best time to visit Potosí is the dry season, from May to October. During this period, the days are often clear and sunny, which is ideal for exploring Potosí, its sights, and the surrounding area. However, keep in mind that it can get very cold, especially in the mornings and evenings, due to the altitude. Warm clothing is therefore essential, even during the day.
In the next travel guide you can read more about the best time to visit Bolivia.
Potosí is easily accessible from different parts of Bolivia and can be combined well with destinations such as Sucre and Uyuni. There are no domestic flights to Potosí itself, so overland transport is the only option. Through platforms such as Tickets Bolivia you can compare and book tickets with different bus companies, offering various comfort levels and prices.
From Sucre, the official capital, it is about a 3 to 4-hour bus ride on a paved road. If you have limited time in Bolivia, you could also choose to make a stop in Potosí on the way from Sucre to Uyuni. A good tour and service can be booked here.
From Uyuni, known for the impressive Uyuni salt flats, it takes about 4 to 5 hours to reach Potosí. A private transfer is the fastest option and can easily be booked here. If you want to visit the Uyuni salt flats from Potosí, you can book this tour, which takes you directly to the salt flats.
If you are coming from La Paz, you should expect a longer journey: buses usually take 10 to 12 hours, often as an overnight bus. Due to the altitude and winding roads, it is recommended to plan extra time and take it easy upon arrival.
My recommendation for a visit to Potosí is 2 to 3 days. This gives you enough time to explore the main sights at a relaxed pace. In one day, you can explore the historic center, including places like the Casa de la Moneda and the main square. On the second day, you have time to do a mine tour and experience the city at a slower pace.
Keep in mind that altitude plays a role: if you have just arrived, it can be helpful to plan an extra day for acclimatization. If you want to take it really easy or explore more of the surrounding area, 2 to 3 days is a good balance.
Are you making plans for a holiday to Bolivia or simply curious about what the country has to offer? In the next Bolivia travel guide you will find practical tips, inspiration for destinations and attractions, and useful advice to ensure your travel to Bolivia runs smoothly. I hope my articles inspire you to add Bolivia to your bucket list and help you make the most of your Bolivia trip.
Did you enjoy reading this article with tips and things to do in Potosi Bolivia? Let me take you on a journey along the most beautiful destinations and places to visit in Bolivia. In the next articles you will find my Bolivia travel guides with lots of inspiration and tips.
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Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
Are you interested in the world? Do you want to learn more about a country and its culture? Let me take you on a journey with Passport the World.
As a travel reporter, producer and tour guide, I have been traveling around the world for the last 20 years, looking for the most scenic places and stories that are worth sharing. In Passport the World, I am guiding you along scenic and cultural places, cities, art, viewpoints, hiking trails and unique experiences. To help you get the most out of your travels or to just get to know a country and culture better!
