Before you go

Your trip to Potosí.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Potosí – Potosí Destination Sucre and Potosí Capital

How to get there

Aeropuerto Capitán Nicolás Rojas (POI) Potosí · 5 km
Terminal de Buses de Potosí 3 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before buying. The most used airport is Sucre's, about 155 km away; Potosí's airport has irregular flights. From Sucre, buses and shared taxis take about 3 hours; from Uyuni, about 4; from La Paz, 8 to 9 hours. Buses arrive at the Terminal de Buses, 3 km from the center.

How many days

One to two days: one for the Casa Nacional de Moneda, Plaza 10 de Noviembre and the Cathedral; another for the Convento de Santa Teresa, the churches and the viewpoints of Cerro Rico. The first day should be light because of the altitude.

When to go

The dry season usually runs from May to October, with clear skies and very cold nights, below zero. From December to March it usually rains in the afternoon. In August, the Ch'utillos festival, of Saint Bartholomew, features dances and parades through the city.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The center is explored on foot, along slopes, and taxis and minibuses connect the center to the terminal. At altitude, walk slowly uphill.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Potosí

Morning
Casa Nacional de Moneda
Take the guided tour of the Casa Nacional de Moneda, with the minting machines and the Mascarón in the courtyard.
Afternoon
Plaza 10 de Noviembre
Have lunch in the center and walk through Plaza 10 de Noviembre, with the Cathedral, and climb the tower of the Compañía de Jesús.
Late afternoon
Santa Teresa
Visit the Convento de Santa Teresa and see Cerro Rico at the end of the street, in the low light.
Evening
Dinner
Dinner in the center: try the kalapurca, a soup served with a hot stone. Bring warm clothes.

2 days in Potosí

Day 1

Morning
Arrival
Arrival from Sucre and a light morning, because of the altitude.
Afternoon
Casa Nacional de Moneda
Guided visit to the Casa Nacional de Moneda.
Late afternoon
Plaza 10 de Noviembre
Square, Cathedral and the streets with wooden balconies.
Evening
Dinner
Dinner in the centre.

Day 2

Morning
Santa Teresa
Convent and museum of Santa Teresa.
Afternoon
Churches and tower
Façade of San Lorenzo and the tower of the Compañía de Jesús, with a view of the Cerro Rico.
Late afternoon
Viewpoint
See the Cerro Rico from the tower's viewpoint or from the higher parts of the central streets.
Evening
Departure
Continue to Uyuni or return to Sucre.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

What is the altitude of Potosí?

About 4,000 meters. Many travelers feel the altitude during the first days. Take it easy on the first day, walk slowly on the slopes, and talk with your doctor before the trip.

What is the Cerro Rico?

It's the silver mountain next to the city, over 4,700 meters high, mined since 1545. The silver taken from it sustained the Spanish empire for more than two centuries.

Is it cold in Potosí?

Yes — at night year-round. From May to August the early mornings drop well below zero. Bring layered clothes, a hat and gloves.

What to eat in Potosí?

Kalapurca, a corn soup served with a hot stone; salteñas; and tawa tawas, fried dough pastries with honey common at festivals.

Back to Potosí

Your trip to Potosí.

How to get there

How many days

When to go

Do you need a car?

An order that works

Frequently asked questions

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