Potosi, Bolivia: Best Neighborhoods For Your Stay

When it comes to where to stay in Potosi, there are a variety of options to suit different budgets and preferences. The city's diverse areas cater to travellers interested in mining history, local life away from tourist spots, and proximity to cultural and historical sites. Here are some recommended places to stay in Potosi:

- Historic Centre: Ideal for those keen on exploring cultural and historical sites within walking distance.

- Around Plaza 10 de Noviembre: Centrally located, offering convenience and easy access to shops, eateries, and major attractions.

- Cerro Rico Area: Accommodations near Cerro Rico may provide unique experiences for travellers interested in mining history.

- San Bernardo District: Located a bit further from the centre, this area might offer a quieter stay and a glimpse into local life away from tourist spots.

- Hostal Colonial Potosi: Beautiful place to stay with mountain views and a perfect location.

- Hotel Museo Cayara: On the expensive side, this hotel is set in an old hacienda, offering a unique and romantic stay.

- Virreyes Hotel: Simple, clean, and affordable.

- Hotel Santa Teresa: Located in the ancient city, this 160-year-old remodelled house offers panoramic views, a sky bar, and an on-site restaurant.

- Hostal Eucalyptus: Good value with a fun rooftop, spotless cheery rooms, and a helpful staff.

Historic Centre

The Historic Centre of Potosi is ideal for travellers who want to explore the city's cultural and historical sites without travelling far. The area boasts colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, churches, plazas, and towers.

The city centre is awash with colonial architecture, with some buildings being propped up by wooden stilts and others being restored to their former glory. The Plaza 10 de Noviembre is the heart of Potosi, surrounded by stunning colonial architecture, including the Cathedral of Potosi. The square is also home to shops, eateries, and major attractions.

The Casa Nacional de la Moneda, a historic mint showcasing colonial artifacts, is located a short distance from the Plaza 10 de Noviembre. The museum details the city's silver production and displays impressive coinage machinery.

The Torre de la Compañía de Jesús, the remaining part of a Jesuit church, is home to the Potosi tourism office. For a small fee, visitors can climb the ornate bell tower and enjoy unobstructed views of the city.

The Iglesia La Merced is another must-see destination in the Historic Centre. This church offers milkshakes in its small cafe and boasts breathtaking views of the raw power of Cerro Rico.

The Convento de San Francisco, a former convent, offers guided tours in Spanish that showcase religious art and catacombs with human bones. Visitors can also access the viewpoint on the roof.

The Catedral de la Ciudad de Potosí, also known as the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, is an impressive colonial building with an opulent stone facade. Tours are offered in Spanish, and visitors can explore the crypt and climb up into one of the bell towers.

The Hostal Colonial Potosi is a beautiful place to stay in the Historic Centre, offering mountain views and a perfect location. The Hotel Museo Cayara is another excellent option, although it is on the more expensive side. For a simpler and cheaper option, the Virreyes Hotel provides clean and comfortable rooms.

Around Plaza 10 de Noviembre

Staying in the area around Plaza 10 de Noviembre offers the convenience of being centrally located, with shops, eateries and major attractions close by.

The area is home to the cathedral, which is housed in the Catedral de la Ciudad de Potosí, a building with an opulent stone facade. The cathedral is located on the Plaza 10 de Noviembre itself, and tours are available.

The adjacent square, Plaza 6 de Agosto, is named after the date that Bolivia was declared an independent state on 6 August 1825. The square contains monuments commemorating Potosi's tragic history.

Accommodation options in the area include:

• Hostal Patrimonio – set in a charming colonial-style building, with rooms featuring free Wi-Fi and plasma TVs. It also has a terrace and a sauna, and free parking is provided.
• VIRREYES HOTEL – located within 300 metres of the cathedral and the Plaza 10 de Noviembre, this hotel features accommodation with a terrace and free WiFi.
• Hotel Coloso – located within 300 metres of the cathedral and 400 metres of Plaza 10 de Noviembre, this hotel provides accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a restaurant and a bar.
• Hotel Santa Mónica – located within 300 metres of the cathedral, this hotel has a number of amenities including a terrace, a restaurant and a bar.

Cerro Rico Area

The Cerro Rico area is a great choice for travellers interested in mining history and the mountain's significance to Potosi. The silver mountain, Cerro Rico, is the reason for Potosi's historical importance. It was the major supplier of silver for the Spanish Empire until Guanajuato in Mexico surpassed it in the 18th century. The silver was taken by llama and mule train to the Pacific coast, shipped north to Panama City, and carried by mule train across the isthmus of Panama to be sent to Spain. The Cerro Rico mines are still operational and continue to be an important mining centre.

The Casa Nacional de la Moneda, a historic mint showcasing colonial artefacts, including impressive coinage machinery and exhibits detailing the city's silver production, is a must-see. The Casa de la Moneda is one of the best-preserved colonial buildings in the city. The Cerro Rico mines are also a popular tourist attraction, with many companies offering tours. However, it is important to choose a reputable and ethical tour company, as the working conditions in the mines are still harsh and dangerous.

Accommodation options near Cerro Rico:

• Hotel Museo Cayara: On the more expensive side, this hotel is located in an old hacienda, making it a perfect romantic getaway.
• Cima Argentum: This hotel's name pays tribute to the city's silver mining tradition, with its name translating from Latin as "silver peak". It offers free breakfast and free parking.
• Eucalyptus Hostal: A budget option with clean and brightly decorated rooms, hot showers, and a great view of the city from the roof terrace.
• Hotel Santa Teresa: For a more luxurious stay, this hotel offers spectacular views of the Cerro Rico hill and is located close to all the interesting attractions in the city.

When visiting Potosi, it is important to keep in mind the high altitude of the city, which can cause altitude sickness. The weather in Potosi can also be very cold, so make sure to pack warm clothes.

San Bernardo District

The San Bernardo District is a little removed from the centre of Potosi, Bolivia, but it might offer a quieter stay and a glimpse into local life away from the tourist spots.

There are many accommodation options in Potosi for any budget, and the city's diverse areas ensure there's something suitable for every traveller's preferences.

• Hostal Colonial Potosi – a beautiful place to stay with beautiful mountain views and in a perfect location.
• Hotel Museo Cayara – on the more expensive side, but a beautiful hotel in an old hacienda (perfect for a romantic stay).
• Virreyes Hotel – simple, but clean and cheap.
• Los Faroles Hostal – newly refurbished and family-run. The rooms are comfortable and breakfast is delicious.
• Eucalyptus Guest House – a covered roof terrace offers views over the whole town. Reviews consistently mention how comfortable the beds are, and there is always plenty of hot water.

Hostal Colonial Potosi

The hotel provides a range of amenities to make your stay enjoyable, including free Wi-Fi, a delicious breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. The rooms are equipped with comfortable beds, heating facilities, and modern bathrooms with excellent water pressure and hot water.

Whether you're a couple, family, or solo traveller, Hostal Colonial Potosi offers a great value and a peaceful retreat in the historic city of Potosi.

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