Top Things to do in Potosi Department
What to do and see in Potosi Department, Potosi Department: The Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day
Discover the best top things to do in Potosi Department, Bolivia including Cerro Rico, Santa Teresa Convent Museum - Convento Museo Santa Teresa, Casa Nacional de la Moneda, Koala Bolivia, Big Deal Tours.
Restaurants in Potosi Department
1. Cerro Rico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 710 reviews
This silver mining site dates back to the Spanish colonial era.
Reviewed By Juanito_Hayburg - El Paso, United States
My first time going to the Southernmost community in the Americas [turn around point: Puerto WilliamsCHILE] was incorporated into my overall “Tierra del Fuego” odyssey, which began when my wife dropped me off in Centro ElPasoTX-USA and I Gimpwalked across Puente Santa Fe into magnificent Mexico! The red-eye from CJS took me to MEX then onto LIM, from where I made my way to Pto. WilliamsCHILE by various means. My intention was to primarily stay at/close to sea level until moving Northward, when I would ascend to the Altiplano/acclimatize to AMS (usually takes me about 24-hours) and remain at altitude for a month or so, primarily to explore beautiful Bolivia. So, by the time I arrived in Potosí, I needed a decent night’s sleep to complete acclimating and the highly recommended KOALA DEN HOSTEL was the place for me, arriving by taxi/colectivo 07MAR2020. Unfortunately, it has no grab bars/handrails/ramps at the entrance and the risers on the steps are quite steep—any traveller more disabled than me (I use a stick) would not stay here. Fortunately, JULIO (a former miner) was in charge and welcomed me into the Den, quickly assigning me to a bottom bunk in the dorm. I had great doubts I’d be able to stay, but Julio & the best brekkie I think I’ve ever had at a hostel convinced me otherwise. Featured prominently was a poster advertising the KOALA MINE TOUR, and, though I’m a bit claustrophobic, I was intrigued and realized that this was THE reason I came here: to explore/understand the essence of Potosí. I committed myself to going, and am so glad I did because the tour is far more than spending two hours in an enclosed space! On 08MAR2020, Ayer the great brekkie, we [I & three others(Christine & Anthony, Hong Kong; Ahmedeo, SpanishItalian) we’re escorted to the bus & great guide RONALD, who gave expert commentary (in English) throughout the 4-5 hour session. Despite my inability to continue far into the diminishing tunnel space—claustrophobia not withstanding—my great problem was not being able to bend my body enough to avoid continuous contact with the rock-hard overhead (good thing hard hats were provided!), and had to backtrack the 15-20 minutes progress, I felt immense satisfaction with the entire experience. So will you! I highly recommend this and it certainly has my coveted “iWheel of Approval!”
2. Santa Teresa Convent Museum - Convento Museo Santa Teresa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
A three-hour tour takes you into the daily lives of the nuns who inhabited this convent beginning in 1691 and shows you galleries filled with art, antiques and hand-painted porcelain dishes.
Reviewed By TheBirdSpokane
Joined a very informative (spanish) tour that lasted for a good 1.5 hours. Fascinating convent. Beautifully restored. Lots of history. The nuns now live in a building next door. You can by coffee and sweets that they make in the cafe downstairs and there is also a gift shop.
3. Casa Nacional de la Moneda
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 619 reviews
At one time a mint that converted mined silver into coins, this comprehensive museum houses 20 galleries that cover everything in Potosi’s history, from Bolivian weapons to archaeology and, of course, the minting process.
Reviewed By CSohlenkamp - Cuernavaca, Mexico
Potosi was among the richest and largest cities of the Americas at some point in history. This museum helps to explain its history including the importance of the Cerro Rico for the Spanish colony. Our guide was phantastic, the expositions and especially some of the original machines used for coin making are extraordinary.
4. Koala Bolivia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 179 reviews
5. Big Deal Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
