POTOSI

Once considered to be the richest city in the world with a population exceeding 200,000 in the 15th Century, (double that of London at the time), Potosi is without doubt one of Bolivia’s most intriguing cities. The City became so wealthy from silver extraction that its very name was associated with anything of large expense eg, '...it is worth a Potosi!', or '...it will cost you a Potosi!'  
 The City was recognized by UNESCO as a Cultural World Heritage Site in 1987.
Whilst many Spanish Cities of the same period have pasted, almost entirely, into a modern age, Potosi is virtually the same as it was during its colonial rule making it a living museum and well worth a visit.

CERRO RICO

The City is dominated by Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain). The mountain is home to a large network of mining tunnels still in use today. According to official records, the Spanish are said to have mined approximately 45,000 tons of pure silver from the mountain during their occupation. Locally it is said that they mined enough silver to build a bridge from Potosi to Spain! The mine is still in use today as a co-operative and it is also possible to visit them on this tour.

CASA REAL DE LA MONEDA (COLONIAL TREASURY)

Constructed in 1753 this is possibly one of the most important and best preserved colonial mints in the world. The rooms echo the opulence and affluence of the time, constructed and carved from the finest wood and adorned with fascinating art works and textiles from all through the ages. However the principle attraction of the museum is the mint and the vast exhibition of colonial coins. The museum is divided into four sections which include: The Gallery, with over one hundred colonial paintings, The Machine Room, which is home to all the wooden machines used to make the silver ingots and a large collection of coin dies, The Archeology and Textile museum, Colonial Archives room. This a fascinating section of the tour which will help you to get a broad picture of the history of Potosi and the Cerro Rico Mountain.

POTOSÍ

DAY 1
Departure from La Paz at night

DAY 2
Breakfast, visits the museum of the Casa de la Moneda "House of Coins". Lunch. You will visit to Cerro Rico "Rich Hill" and the working cooperative mine, where the original silver during colonial times was extracted by the indigenous Indians under the control of the Spanish. Dinner and Return to La Paz or Sucre

TRANSPORT:    La Paz - Potosí - La Paz (Public bus)
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch and dinner
GUIDE: Cultural
Entrance Fee: "Casa De La Moneda" and "Cerro Rico"

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