Potosi

Travel Guide

Potosi which includes a park and a city
Potosi showing a city
Potosi featuring interior views
Potosi showing a city
Potosi featuring a city as well as an individual male

Delve into Bolivia’s colonial history in a UNESCO-protected city that sprawls across the country’s mineral-rich central highlands.

See the impact of industrial and mining history on Potosi, a city with architecture and museums that demonstrate the lasting legacy of colonialism. Visit mining complexes and learn about industry in Bolivia. The city’s numerous churches add to the appeal of this little-explored city and show the impact of religion on the region.

Potosi’s history has been shaped by its natural resources. See traces of the city’s silver-mining boom, which began in the mid-16th century and led to a population explosion. Colonists moved here after discovering silver and left an indelible mark on the city. Look for beautifully preserved colonial buildings in the lively streets of the city center.

Explore Cerro RicoOpens in a new window, or “Rich Hill,” the source of Potosi’s historic wealth. Ex-miners from the city will take you on a tour of the mines, which are still active today. Take adequate safety precautions when choosing a tour operator.

Discover how this silver was turned into money in the Royal Mint. Follow the story of one of the world’s oldest currencies. Admire the historic building before exploring the museum on a guided tour.

Choose one of the many religious sites in the city to visit. The Compania de JesusOpens in a new window church features a bell tower with intricately detailed carving. Climb the tower for panoramic views of the city.

The Convent of St. Francis and the Convent of St. Teresa both feature extensive collections of religious artwork in their museums. Search in the narrow streets for small chapels and other historic churches, each with their own unique appeal.

Potosi sits at an elevation of 13,290 feet (4,050 meters) in the mountains toward the south of Bolivia. Pack warm clothing when visiting, especially if coming in the dry months between April and October.

Take a bus or train into Potosi from Uyuni, Sucre or La Paz. Alternatively, fly into Captain Nicolas Rojas Airport from Cochabamba for views of the city surrounded by the highland plains, with Cerro Rico looming in the background.

VIRREYES HOTEL
VIRREYES HOTEL
3 out of 5
PLAZA 25 DE MAYO, 41, Potosi, Departamento de Potosí
Fully refundable
The price is P2,433 per night from Jun 14 to Jun 15
P2,433
P3,267 total
Jun 14 - Jun 15
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Potosi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Iglesia de la Merced and Plaza Principal are ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9 reviews)
"Hotel historico en un lugar muy cerca de las atracciones turisticas. Muy buena atención"

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2025

VIRREYES HOTEL
Hotel Santa Teresa
Hotel Santa Teresa
3 out of 5
Cll. Ayacucho, 43, Potosi, Potosi
The price is P3,003 per night from Jun 7 to Jun 8
P3,003
P3,003 total
Jun 7 - Jun 8
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Potosi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Santa Teresa Convent Museum and Arco de Cobija ...
Terrible experience and I paid for it. Literally.
"I told the managers I had already paid. They refused to even listen and some only Spanish. None if my credit cards worked as I turned to give whatever they wanted so I could catch my bus. I had to jog to the western union, pay the high commission, pay well over the total I was even first word by ..."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2025

Hotel Santa Teresa
Hotel Casa Grande F&J
Hotel Casa Grande F&J
3 out of 5
221 Oruro, Potosi, Departamento de Potosí
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Potosi. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Chapel of Our Lady of Jerusalem and Church ...
"Lo que no me gustó del hotel es que no hay agua caliente las 24 horas, hay que solicitar que habiliten cada vez que se use. Hay un horario para agua caliente, siendo un lugar turístico y frío no debería haber esa limitante."

Reviewed on May 27, 2024

Hotel Casa Grande F&J
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
THE LITTLE HOUSE APARTHOTEL
THE LITTLE HOUSE APARTHOTEL
2 out of 5
Colón, 84, Uyuni, Departamento de Potosí
Stay at this aparthotel in Uyuni. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and housekeeping. Popular attractions Archaeology and Anthropology Museum of the Southern ...
THE LITTLE HOUSE APARTHOTEL
Casa-Hotel Bicentenario
Casa-Hotel Bicentenario
3 out of 5
Av. Ostria Gutierrez, Sucre, Departamento de Chuquisaca
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Sucre. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and tour/ticket assistance. Popular attractions Ethnographic and Folklore Museum ...
Casa-Hotel Bicentenario
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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