One of the Coldest Regions in Bolivia

Sitting at 3,900 meters above sea level, the village of Potosí is located in the south-eastern part of the country, one of the coldest regions in Bolivia.

From the Viceroyalty of Peru to the Viceroyalty of Río de la Plata

Potosí was founded by Spanish conquerors on November 21, 1561. It first belonged to the “Viceroyalty of Peru” until 1776, after which it was incorporated by the Spanish crown into the new “Viceroyalty of Río de la Plata”.

The Richest City in the Viceroyalty

During colonial times, Potosí became famous for its spectacular silver mines: it was, in fact, the richest city in the Viceroyalty, so rich that to this day a very lucrative business is still said to be “worth a Potosí”. The success of its mines collapsed in the 20th century, and the mining industry was hit so hard that hundreds of thousands of people were forced to leave the city.

World Heritage Site Since 1987

Thanks to its elegant architecture and historical integrity, Potosí was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It’s well worth visiting its churches and colonial buildings: among the most famous are the Cathedral, with its distinctive Gothic style, the Monasterio de Santa Teresa, and the historic Casa de la Moneda, the first mint in the Americas.

Potosí’s most famous site remains the Cerro Rico mine: once extraordinarily rich in silver, it remains the symbol of the city and is still in operation today. The city is surrounded by lagoons, hot springs, volcanoes, thermal springs and sulfur mines, thanks to its proximity to the famous Salar de Uyuni.

Every year, in August, the festival of San Bartolomé draws Bolivian and international visitors, with traditional dancers creating a very welcoming atmosphere.