Bolivia’s Silver City

Perched at more than 14,000 feet (4,000 meters) in the Andes, Potosí is Bolivia’s silver city, am intriguing blend of indigenous and Spanish colonial cultures that leaves you breathless, both figuratively and literally given its altitude.

Founded in 1545 — only half a century after Columbus first set foot in the New World — Potosí produced around 60 percent of world silver during the latter half of the 16^th century and was the location of one of a dozen royal mints that produced coins and silver ingots for the realm.

The legacy is on display at the meticulously preserved Casa Nacional de Moneda de Bolivia, a museum in the sprawling colonial-era mint building that features silver treasures and early coins (including one that inspired the U.S. Dollar sign ($) — and historic machines that smelted the silver and pressed the coins (like the one invented by Leonardo da Vinci). For a small fee you can also press your own silver coin.

The mountain looming high above Potosí is the legendary Cerro Rico, location of the single most important mine in the Americas during the Spanish occupation. Underground tours of the working silver mine are offered daily — safety helmet, rubber boots and jumpsuit are provided by the tour companies.

But not before a visit to the nearby Mercado Minero (Miner’s Market) to purchase cigarettes, coca leaves and a tiny bottle of 90-proof alcohol as an offering for the devilish Lord of the Underground shrine deep inside the mine.

Hidalgo Tours can make all the arrangements for your transformation to Potosí and whatever activities you want to undertake.

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