Sucre, Bolivia: Packing For A Month-Long Adventure

Sucre, Bolivia is a charming city with a rich history, stunning scenery, and a laid-back atmosphere. Located in the Bolivian highlands, it offers travellers a unique mix of cultural experiences and outdoor adventures. When packing for a month in Sucre, it's important to consider the city's high altitude of 2800 meters above sea level and its year-round spring-like climate. Here are some essential items to include in your luggage:

- Warm layers, such as a fleece jacket, for the cool mornings and evenings, and altitude-induced temperature changes.

- Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for exploring the city and surrounding areas.

- A sun hat and sunscreen to protect yourself from the strong Bolivian sun.

- Reusable water bottles to stay hydrated during your explorations.

- A lightweight bag for day trips to nearby villages and markets.

- A good book to enjoy during relaxing moments in the city's picturesque plazas and parks.

- Basic Spanish phrases or a language guide, as English is not widely spoken in Bolivia.

- Local currency, Bolivianos, for purchasing souvenirs and trying the delicious local cuisine.

- Any necessary travel documents, such as your passport, visa, and travel insurance information.

Pack for the weather

Sucre, Bolivia's capital city, enjoys a spring-like climate all year round. However, the temperature can drop during the winter, and nights and mornings can be chilly. So, when packing for a month in Sucre, it's important to be prepared for a range of weather conditions.

Firstly, make sure to pack a fleece jacket. This will come in handy during the cooler mornings and evenings. It's also a good idea to bring a pair of jeans, which are perfect for those chillier days. However, don't forget to pack some shorts too, as the days in Sucre can be hot, especially in summer.

The sun can be strong in Bolivia, so don't forget to pack sunscreen to protect your skin. A hat and sunglasses can also provide extra protection from the sun. If you plan on doing any outdoor activities or hiking, it's important to have the right gear. This includes good hiking shoes, layers for varying temperatures, and a raincoat in case of unexpected showers.

Finally, it's worth noting that the weather in Sucre can impact the WiFi speed. So, if you're relying on a stable internet connection, be prepared for potential interruptions or slower speeds during bad weather.

Bring a water purifier

While Sucre is a beautiful city, known for its charming whitewashed buildings and colonial heritage, tap water in Bolivia is generally unsafe for consumption. The water in Bolivia is extremely high in heavy metals due to mining operations, and many smaller communities suffer from gastrointestinal illnesses as a result of a lack of clean water.

To ensure you have access to clean drinking water during your month-long stay in Sucre, it is highly recommended that you bring a water purifier. A popular option for travellers is the SteriPen, which is a handheld device that uses ultraviolet light to purify water. It is lightweight, portable, and can be used to treat water from any source, making it ideal for travel.

Another option is to bring water purification tablets or drops, which can be used to treat a larger volume of water at once. These are typically iodine or chlorine-based and can be purchased at most outdoor or travel stores.

If you are unable to bring a water purifier or purification tablets, boiling water for 5-10 minutes is a simple and effective way to kill bacteria. However, this may not be practical for a large volume of water or if you are staying in a hotel or accommodation without access to a stove or kettle.

In addition to purifying your drinking water, it is recommended to use purified or bottled water for brushing your teeth, as accidental ingestion of tap water can still cause health issues. It is also advisable to avoid ice cubes and raw foods that may have been washed with tap water, such as salads.

By taking these precautions and investing in a reliable water purifier, you can help ensure that you have a safe and healthy trip to Sucre, Bolivia.

Pack for the activities you plan to do

Sucre, Bolivia's capital city, is a charming, laid-back place with plenty to do. Here's a packing list tailored to some of the activities you might get up to during your month-long stay.

Exploring the City

For wandering the streets and markets of Sucre, you'll want comfortable walking shoes and clothing that's appropriate for the local culture. A sun hat and sunglasses will protect you from the strong South American sun, and don't forget sunscreen! The weather in Sucre is pleasant all year round, but it can be chilly in the mornings and evenings, so a light jacket or fleece is a good idea.

Visiting Museums and Churches

Many of Sucre's museums and churches, such as the Museo Casa de la Libertad, the Museum of Indigenous Art, and the San Francisco Church, charge a small entrance fee, so make sure you have some cash with you. Some churches, like the Santa Clara Convent, charge a small fee for taking photos, so bring some extra Bolivianos if you plan to snap some pictures.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities

If you plan to take advantage of the many hiking opportunities in the surrounding mountains, you'll need suitable clothing and footwear. It's also worth packing a tent and camping equipment if you plan to camp overnight. Don't forget to bring water purification tablets or a filter straw, as drinking water can be hard to come by in some areas.

Learning Spanish

If you're planning to take Spanish lessons during your stay, you might want to bring a notepad and pen to take notes. It could also be useful to download a Spanish translation app on your phone.

Dining Out

Dining out in Sucre is very affordable, with hearty meals costing as little as $3 in local restaurants. However, if you want to treat yourself to a nice evening at a place like La Taverne, you might want to bring some smarter clothing options.

Interacting with the Local Culture

As Sucre is not a typical tourist destination, English is not widely spoken. Learning some basic Spanish phrases before you go will make interacting with locals and navigating your surroundings much easier.

Bring a small medical kit

When packing for a month in Sucre, Bolivia, it is important to consider the health risks specific to that area and pack a small medical kit. Here are some essential items to include:

Basic Medications:

• Pain and fever relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin.
• Anti-nausea medication or motion sickness pills.
• Anti-diarrhea medication (e.g. loperamide tablets).
• Antihistamines for allergies.
• Antacid medicine for upset stomach.
• Cough and cold medicines.
• Antibiotics, if prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Any prescription medications you regularly take, preferably in their original containers.

First Aid Supplies:

• Band-Aids/plasters in various sizes.
• Gauze rolls and pads (2-inch and 4-inch) to dress larger cuts and scrapes.
• Crepe or elastic bandages to wrap and secure injuries.
• Surgical tape to secure gauze or bandages.
• Butterfly bandages to tape the edges of minor cuts.
• Triangular bandage for arm slings and wrapping injuries.
• Safety pins to fasten splints and bandages.
• Antiseptic wipes to disinfect wounds.
• Antibacterial hand wipes or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser (at least 60% alcohol).
• Disposable gloves to protect your hands when treating wounds.
• Thermometer (non-mercury, glass-free) to check for fevers.
• Calamine lotion for insect bites and poison ivy irritation.
• Hydrocortisone cream for rash relief.

Other Essentials:

• Insect repellent (with DEET or picaridin).
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and aloe gel for sunburns.
• Condoms for safe sex and their alternative uses (e.g. emergency water carriers).
• Medical alert bracelet, especially if you have chronic conditions.
• Copies of prescriptions, immunisation records, and other important health documents.
• A list of hospitals or clinics in Sucre, including emergency services.
• Contact information for your healthcare provider(s) back home.

Pack for the culture

Sucre is a city steeped in history and culture. It was founded in the 1500s by Spanish colonials and was the first capital of Bolivia. The city's name has changed over the centuries from La Plata, to Charcas, and then to Chuquisaca. Today, the region is predominantly Quechua, with some Aymara communities and influences.

The city is known for its well-preserved whitewashed colonial buildings, with narrow streets and a grid system that reflect the Andalusian culture embodied in the architecture. The city's nickname, 'La Ciudad Blanca' or 'The White City', reflects this. As such, it is a good idea to bring clothes that will keep you cool while wandering the streets and exploring the sights.

The climate is subtropical highland, with cool temperatures all year round, so bring layers. Mornings and evenings can be chilly, so a fleece jacket is a good idea, and don't forget to pack sunscreen and a sun hat for the daytime.

The city is home to many religious buildings, including the 16th-century churches of San Lázaro, San Francisco, and Santo Domingo. The Basilica of Saint Francisco is particularly significant as the site where the bell that started the Bolivian independence movement was rung. It is also home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the Universidad de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca, founded in 1624. As such, comfortable walking shoes are a must, and modest clothing is respectful when visiting religious sites.

The local people are known for wearing traditional dress. Women wear polleras, which are long, colourful skirts, and men wear ponchos and woollen waistcoats. You may wish to buy some traditional clothing to blend in with the locals and keep you warm in the evenings.

The local markets are a great place to buy souvenirs and support local artisans. The Mercado Central, the main farmer's market, is a great place to experience local culture and buy local delicacies, fresh produce, and handmade goods. You can also buy second-hand clothing here, but international sizes can be hard to find.

The local currency is Boliviano, and it is recommended to bring US dollars to exchange, as ATMs and credit cards are not always reliable. It is not advisable to rely on credit or debit cards when travelling in Bolivia, and it is best to avoid carrying them with you.

In terms of food, you can find hearty meals for as little as $3 in local restaurants, and three courses with wine in one of the more expensive places for around $25. There are also two supermarkets where you can buy a range of local and international goods.

There is plenty to keep you entertained in Sucre, from museums about Bolivian traditions and customs to cinemas and bars screening Bolivian films. There is also a lively student population, so you can expect a laid-back party vibe.

Overall, when packing for a month in Sucre, bring layers for the cool temperatures, sun protection for the strong South American sun, and comfortable walking shoes to explore the city's rich cultural and historical sites. Don't forget to pack respectful clothing for visiting religious sites, and leave room in your suitcase to buy some traditional Bolivian clothing to blend in with the locals.

Frequently asked questions