This itinerary is a journey into the lavish past of the Spanish Crown, when silver was send by the boatload from the New World.
Originally named La Plata, then renamed Chuquisaca under Spanish rule until the independence of Bolivia, the city of Sucre is by itself a résumé of the colonial history of the country. “The White City” today resembles a quiet provincial town. Its architectural wealth is relatively untouched, and bears witness to a time when the mine owners of Potosi enjoyed its pleasant climate.
Let’s not forget that the wealth of the Empire was provided by Potosi. Millions of Indians, working as slaves, extracted the mineral from the famous Cerro Rico. It is estimated that 8 million Indians died there in horrifying conditions!
At its peak, Potosi was more populated than London or Paris. The city counted thirty-six churches of inestimable wealth, theatres and numerous bourgeois palaces. Potosi, an industrial mining town with harsh climate, boasts therefore an incredibly rich patrimony.
Finally, we finish our trip by passing through Uyuni or Tupiza, both gateways to the desolated areas of Lipez.

Departure from the hotel for a private transfer to the airport 2 hours before flight time. Flight La Paz-Sucre (50 minutes, time variable depending on the departure day). Pick up and transfer to the hotel.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel ***.

3-4-hour horseback ride.
Level: easy/16 km, 4-hour mountain bike ride 1 hour walk.
Meeting at 9 a.m. in the hall of the hotel. We start our ascent above town before descending in the Quatalla Valley where we find the 7 waterfalls.
We abandon our mounts (horses or mountain bikes) for a walk along the river. We can also climb to the highest waterfall or swim in the pool of the first one (always full even during the low season).
After we fully enjoy this wonderful area, we return to Sucre on horseback or mountain bike.
Cold lunch (included). Dinner open Hotel ***.

We meet in the hotel hall at 9 a.m. for a guided visit of the colonial city registered as a World Heritage city by UNESCO. Amongst others: ethnographic textile museum (ASUR), Casa de la Libertad (closed on Sunday afternoons and Mondays), Recoleta convent, cathedral and San Felipe Nery monastery…
Departure from the hotel at 4 p.m. with our private vehicle. We cross the peculiar Río Pilcomayo Bridge (further south, this river separates Argentina and Paraguay). We then leave the Chuquisaca Valleys for the high plateau of Potosí (el. 4100 m.a.s.l.) where we arrive at the end of the day (3-hour; paved road).
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel ***.

We dedicate this day to the discovery of Potosi, nominated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
At 9 a.m., we meet in the hotel lobby to visit the mines of Cerro Rico where we see miners at work. In the afternoon, we visit the Casa de la Moneda (closed Sunday afternoons and Mondays), where the Spanish minted the coins for the crown until the 19th century.
Lunch and dinner open. Hotel **.

Departure from the hotel at 9 a.m. in a private 4WD. We cross the Frailes Mountain range to reach the town of Uyuni (5 to 6 hours of dirt track). Afternoon open.
Lunch on the road (included). Dinner open (bar-restaurant La Loco recommended). Hotel ***.

Departure from hotel at 9 a.m. in our private 4WD. We cross the Chichas region known for its local fermented corn beer of the same name. Then, we skirt the Frailes Mountain range before arriving in the pleasant town of Tupiza. Red rocks and cacti alternate with lush valleys and prolific orchards (about 6 hours).
Lunch on the road (included). Dinner open. Hotel **.