The incredible city of Potosi has a brave and painful history, a story of silver and death. This majestic colonial city started a tremendous growth by the time the Spaniards found out there were tons of silver in its famous Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain), beside the city of Potosi. Its wealth was such that many thought that this was the place that inspired the legend of "el Dorado". It grew so fast that about 80 years after its foundation in 1545 the city had 160.000 inhabitants and was one of the biggest in the world.
Potosi is a stunning colonial city located at an incredible height of 4000 meters in Bolivia. Backpacking in Bolivia is just amazing and Potosi is a main spot when traveling in Bolivia.
The city of Potosi has great architectural inheritance from the time Spaniards and you can´t help falling in love with the city at every step of your visit. There are many historical attractions as the Casa de la Moneda (National Mint), with a great museum, and marvelous churches as the gothic styled Potosi Cathedral, San Francisco, San Lorenzo, La Merced and many others. Take a bus from La Paz or Sucre and you´ll never forget this travel experience in Bolivia.
And of course, the main attraction of Potosi is the unique Cerro Rico, which still preserves mining activity, though it is much more limited. It has hundreds of cooperative mines which can be visited by taking a tour in Potosi. It may be a little impressive, as mine workers have really hard working conditions, but it is a once in a life experience.
Backpacking in Bolivia couldn´t be easier: Ride with Green Toad Bus and feel the magic of traveling fun and safe.
