Tomás Frías Province

The silver capital on the Andean plateau, where the World Heritage site of Potosí and Cerro Rico witness the wealth and suffering of the colonial era.

Tomás Frías Province is located on the southern plateau of Bolivia, with its capital Potosí sitting at an altitude of about 4,000 meters, making it one of the highest cities in the world. The silver mines of Cerro Rico once supported the wealth of the Spanish Empire, and the city is now listed as a World Heritage Site. The National Mint Museum (Casa Nacional de la Moneda) is a must-visit, while the Santa Teresa Convent, San Lorenzo Church, San Francisco Church, and Plaza 10 de Noviembre showcase colonial-era architecture. Nearby attractions include the Ojo del Inca thermal lake and the Karikari lakes. The dry season from May to October is the most suitable time to visit, though visitors should be mindful of altitude sickness. It is typically reached by bus or car from Sucre or Uyuni.

Destinations

• Potosí City

Itineraries

• Bolivia Classic Highlands Panorama – From La Paz to Isla del Sol, then via the White City and Silver City to Uyuni and the high-altitude lagoons