Bolivia, Potosi

One of our trip highlights was visiting the cooperative mines in Potosi.

We did an English speaking tour with Andes Salt Expeditions who were excellent.
We payed 50 bolivianos each.

We started the trip being issued overalls, a hard hat and electric light.
You then visit the miners market where you need to buy dynamite, coca leaves, alcohol and cigarettes to give to the miners. Don't be shy, buy what you can as they really appreciate the gifts.
We were then taken up near the mine entrance and watched a dynamite explosion- cool!
The guide, an ex-miner then takes you through the mine where you get to watch miners at work and see the conditions they work under. All the stuff bought from the miners market is pooled together and given out during the trip. It can be very cold at the entrance but very hot inside the mine so plan your clothing accordingly.
We bought bandanas from the local market which was good to keep out the dust. You can also get flimsy dust masks from the miners market.

We also visited the Museo & Convento de Santa Teresa, a restored convent. You need to take a guided tour which was good but long.

We also visited the Casa Real de la Moneda, the old Potosi Royal Mint. Had a very interesting but also long guided tour.

Had bad food at Cherry's Salon de Te on Padilla.

Cafe Candelaria opposite the Casa de la Moneda had good breakfasts and cozy internet upstairs.

We went to a peña at Cafe-Restaurant Potocchi which was Ok but nothing special.

We had a fantastic meal at Sumac Orcko on Quijarro. Huge portion of pique macho with llama meat, more than enough for 2.

The best way to get to Sucre is by shared taxi. We went to the Sucre bus station and were mobbed by taxi drivers. We payed 25 bolivianos each for the 3 hour ride to a hotel in Sucre.