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Potosi, Bolivia
Potosi was once among the largest and wealthiest cities in the world, fueled by the seemingly inexhaustible silver deposits of Cerro Rico — the mountain that looms over the city like a constant reminder of both fortune and suffering. The colonial center reflects this wealth, with ornate Baroque churches and grand buildings that tell the story of the Spanish Empire's silver capital. The Casa Nacional de la Moneda (National Mint) is one of the most important colonial buildings in South America, now a museum spanning history, art, and the minting process. The historic center around the Plaza 10 de Noviembre preserves colonial architecture against the backdrop of the iconic mountain. Mine tours in Cerro Rico, where miners still work in horrific conditions, provide a stark counterpoint to the colonial splendor and are among the most confronting experiences available in South American tourism.
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At 4,090 meters, Potosi is extremely high — altitude sickness is almost guaranteed without prior acclimatization. Walk very slowly, avoid exertion on your first day, and drink coca tea constantly.
April through October is the dry season with clear skies, though temperatures can drop well below freezing at night even in summer months.