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Potosi Bolivia
About three hundred years ago, Potosi, Bolivia was one of the richest cities in the world. Silver extraction from the mines in Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain) made Potosi a booming city and one of the most populous cities in the world. It was once considered "the place to live," where ornate cathedrals and mansions were built and the roads were said to be made of silver and where some of the wealthiest and most respected people in the world lived. Yes, it was a colonial masterpiece. Today things have changed for the city of Potosi, it is now one of the poorest cities in South America, where you'll find poor local miners scraping away inside the hazardous conditions of the mines of Cerro Rico, for whatever silver is left. Potosi has a sad past, fueled by the greed of the Spaniards, indigenous people were forced to labor day and night inside the extreme conditions of the mines. Millions of people have died working in these mines. Its been said that enough silver was extracted from Cerro Rico to build a bridge from Potosi to Spain and enough people have died to build a bridge of bones back.In 1987, UNESCO declared the city of Potosi a "World Heritage Site" in recognition for its rich history and its wealth of colonial architecture. The city is an absolute must for enthusiast of colonial religious architecture and many historic churches. The altitude really hits you when you first arrive in Potosi. The city is said to be the highest city in the world, sitting at an exhausting elevation of 13,454 feet (4090 meters) above sea level. You'll find yourself struggling for breath if haven't acclimatized to the altitude. Though Potosi has a sad history it is fascinating to explore the remains of city that once was considered the "the place to live."
Things to do & seeI recommend going on a city tour of Potosi, so that you learn about it's history, culture and other important details of the city. Many travel agencies in Potosi offer a city tour.Here are some sights to see and things to do in Potosi: 
Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain): You can take a mine tour through this historic mountain in Potosi. These tours are not for wimps, conditions in the mine are rough, where tunnels are narrow and steep and you have to navigate through a series of tunnels and shafts. You can watch poor local miners hard at work and see some dynamite explosions. 
Casa Nacional de la Moneda (National House of the Mint) is located near Plaza 10 de Noviembre. This huge building, now a museum, dates back to 1572 and is where the silver from Cerro Ricco was minted into coins. It is considered one of the best museum in South America. A strange statue of a grinning face hangs over the courtyard in the museum, which is kind of fitting Museum and Convent of San Francisco is on Calle Tarija, and was built in 1547, making it Bolivia's oldest church. Nuns take you on a tour of the museum that features a collection of historic artwork. 
Tarapaya Lake Hot Springs sits on top of an extinct volcano caldera, and which is warmed by a hot spring underneath. The lake was once a bathing site for the Incas. You can also go here for a quick dip to warm up. BEWARE though, signs warn swimmers of the treacherous currents that the hot springs produce and there has been stories of people being dragged down and disappearing. To get there you can take a micro from Potosi to the lake, which is about 30 minutes from Potosi, on the road to Oruro.
Getting There & AwayBy BusFrom La Paz there are daily overnight buses that leave to Potosi, the journey takes about 10-12 hours and a normal bus ride cost about $7 (55Bs). You also have the option of taking a more comfortable bus, where seats recline for about $10 (80Bs). There are daily departures to and from Sucre that run all day and is about a 3 hour ride, costing about $3 (24Bs). Another option is if your traveling in a group of 2-4 people you can take a taxi from Sucre that will cost about $20 (160Bs), covering everyone. Daily departures to and from Cochabamba take 12 hours, costing about $7 (55Bs). There are also daily departures to and from Uyuni. The route is very scenic and takes 6 hours costing about $4 (30Bs). By Air Getting AroundMicros or minibuses provide routes between the bus terminal or the city center to the mines of Cerro Rico. A ride will cost about $0.15 cents (1.50Bs).Taxis from the bus terminal to the city center or to the mines of Cerro Rico should cost no more than $1 (8Bs). Hotels & AccommodationsBelow is a list of some hotels to stay at in the city of Potosi.HI-Hotel Jerusalem is on Calle Oruro #143. Room rates are $15-$20/night with a private bath and breakfast included in price. Hotel is set in a colonial building and the breakfast room on top offers great views of the city and its famous Cerro Rico mountain. Hotel also has a travel agency. Casona Potosi Hotel is located on Chuquisaca #460. Hotel is set in a 18th century old colonial building located only one block from the main Plaza. It is a good budget option, the hotel offers mixed dorms for $5/per night, as well as private rooms for $10-$15/night. Hostal Colonial located on Calle Hoyas #8, near the main plaza. Hotel is set in a well-kept colonial building. Room rates are about $33-$48/night depending on the room type and breakfast is included in rate. Hotel Cima Argentum locted on Avenida Villazon #239. It is the nicest hotel in Potosi. Room rates are: $35 single, $46 double, $52 apartment for 2 people, $60 apartment for 3 people, and $85 apartment for 4 people Places to EatCafe Internet Candelaria on Calle Ayacucho #5, serves breakfast and coffee. For lunch they serve healthy specials such as vegetarian type food. Restaurant has internet booths upstairs.Restaurant Mirador on Calle Bolivar #701, offers the typical local Bolivian food. Restaurant has great views of the city. Sumaj Orko on Quijarro #46, menu offers large portions of meat, salad, soup and dessert at a cheap price. Restaurant is popular among travelers. San Marcos Cafe Restaurant & Museum on Calle La Paz and Betanzos, menu offers a wide variety of food, such as meats, pasta, chicken, soup and llama meat, which is a must try. Building also houses a museum where you can see historic tools that were used in the silver mines. _________________________________________________________________ Have A Story About Your Visit to Potosi?Tell everyone your story through the mine tours in Potosi. Share a hotel or restaurant that you think is a hidden gem or you had an awful experience at. Whatever it is, the floor is yours!! Go ahead Blog Away!
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