Potosí

Bolivia, South America

Potosí, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famed for its rich silver mining history and stunning colonial architecture. The Cerro Rico mountain offers guided tours of historic mines, while the charming streets are dotted with vibrant colonial buildings and museums. Experience the city's unique blend of culture, history, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Don't miss a visit to the Casa de la Moneda to learn about Bolivia's currency history, and sample local cuisine at lively markets.

Quick facts

Target stay

3-4 days

Type

City

Vibe

History

Airport

Capitan Nicolas Rojas

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

9 Best Things to Do in Potosí

1

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Adults only

Visit the Cerro Rico Mine

Explore the historic silver mine and its rich history.

Booking required
2

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Wander the Plaza 10 de Noviembre

Stroll through Potosí’s main square, vibrant with life.

No booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Tour the Museo Casa de la Moneda

Discover the history of coin minting in Bolivia.

No booking required
4

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Taste local cuisine at Mercado Central

Savor traditional Bolivian dishes in a bustling market.

No booking required
5

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore the San Francisco Church

Admire the stunning architecture of this colonial church.

No booking required
6

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Convento de San Francisco

Experience the serene beauty of this historic convent.

No booking required
7

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Climb to the Torre de la Compañía

Get panoramic views from this iconic tower.

No booking required
8

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Potosí Mint Museum

Learn about the history of Bolivia's minting process.

No booking required
9

Est. 2 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Attend a local festival

Experience vibrant local culture during festivals.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Not safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Medium

LGBTQ+ safety score

0 (#54 globally)

Cost

Cheap

Currency

Boliviano

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Spanish

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Salteñas

Baked pastry filled with meat and veggies. (National dish)

Pique a lo Macho

Beef dish with peppers and fried eggs.

Silpancho

Breaded beef served with rice and potatoes.

Chairo

Hearty soup with meat and vegetables.

Anticuchos

Grilled skewers of marinated meat.

Phrases to learn

English

Spanish

Hello

Hola

(Oh-lah)

Yes/No

Si / No

(See / No)

Thank you

Gracias

(Grah-thee-ahs)

Excuse me

Perdón

(Per-dohn)

How much?

¿Cuánto?

(Kwan-toh)