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Iglesia de San FranciscoCity/Region: La Paz
People congregate in the plaza in front of this imposing church, a mixture of Spanish and mestizo architecture. Construction began in 1549 but it was only finished in the mid-18th century, the architecture emphasising natural forms. On Saturday mornings it is often possible to see colorful Indian wedding processions leading to and from the church. The Plaza San Francisco is also an interesting place to pass the time and watch Bolivian life go by.
The Witches' Market (Mercado
de Brujas)City/Region: La Paz
Situated in a maze of narrow alleyways is one of the more bizarre markets in the world. An unusual collection of merchandise is sold here, from herbs and remedies used in Aymara traditions to potions, charms, and dried llama foetuses. Stretching up and around it is the traditional market scene selling a huge variety of goods for everyday needs, as well as Andean art and handicrafts.
Address: Sagarnaga, Linares and Illampu streets
Museo de Coca (Coca Museum)City/Region: La Paz
This is a relatively new museum that describes the place of coca in the traditions and culture of the Bolivians. From as far back as they can remember, coca has been a part of their culture and has a place in legendary history when the gods and goddesses used the divine coca leaf to alleviate hunger, cold, fatigue and pain. At first the chewing of leaves was restricted to use in religious ceremonies and by upper-class families but the Spaniards soon became aware of its stimulating effects. They began to promote it widely among the Indian laborers to increase output and numb the senses against the hardships and anxieties they faced. The displays are very provocative and educational, and also include the use and exploitation of coca in the soft drink and pharmaceutical companies.
Address: 906 Linares Street
Phone Number: (2) 231 1998
Email Address: info@cocamuseum.com
Website: www.cocamuseum.com
Hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 6pm
Cooperative Mines of Cerro RicoCity/Region: Potosi
Entering the mines is like a step in to the past. It is a demanding, shocking yet memorable experience. Visitors can experience conditions much the same as when the Spanish used Andean peasants as slave labor to work the wealth from the mines. Guided tours lead groups along the narrow tunnels and up rickety ladders, stopping along the way to chat to the miners at work. Working conditions are primitive, shafts are poorly ventilated and safety provisions barely exist. The miners work by hand, chipping away at the rock and hewing out rough shafts in which to place their dynamite. An occasional blast shakes the tunnels and deafens the ears. Thousands of miners work their way through the mountain with no overall control or plan, chewing their way through bags of coca leaves to fend off hunger and exhaustion, in the hope of hitting a rare vein of silver.
Address: The mines are located in the outskirts of Potosi
Casa Real De MonedaCity/Region: Potosi
The Casa Real was the Royal Mint House used by the colonial Spanish to turn the silver from the mines into coins to be shipped back to Spain. This is one of Bolivia's best museums, explaining the history of silver production and its influence. Inside are restored presses and wooden minting machines, coins and coin stamps. It also has rooms containing religious art, many by indigenous Andeans, the country's first locomotive and Tiahuanaco artifacts.
Address: Calle Ayacucho
Phone Number: (2) 622 2777
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 12pm, 2.30pm to 6.30pm; Sunday 9am to 12pm. English tours available
Admission: Bs. 20
Salar de UyuniCity/Region: Potosi
Covering an area of 4,680 square miles (12,121 sq km), the Salar is the world's largest salt desert set at an elevation of 11,970ft (3,650m) and filled with an estimated 10 billion tons of salt. With picks and shovels the local people harvest the salt from the lake that once covered most of southwestern Bolivia. This region is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Bolivia, a photographer's delight. It is a surreal landscape combining salt pans, wind-eroded rock formations, and wandering llamas in a completely unspoilt region. In the middle is Isla de Pescadores, a landmass appearing as a mountain out of the white nothingness, covered in towering stands of cactus. Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde are other isolated marvels. One a fiery-red and the other a deep blue-green, these lakes are inhabited by flamingos and surrounded by extinct volcanoes. Nearby Sol de Mañana reeks with the smell of sulphurous gases from the geysers, fumaroles and bubbling mud pools. The village of Uyuni, to the south east of the Salar, is the best base from which to explore the area and tours can be arranged from here.
Transport: Uyuni is 6-7 hours by bus from Potosi
Hours: Tours usually leave at 10.30am
Admission: Tours are between US$60-100
Lake TiticacaCity/Region: La Paz
Regarded as the highest navigable lake at 12,580ft (3,825m), Lake Titicaca covers 3,861 square miles (10,000 sq km) and is shared by Bolivia and Peru. It has clear water, numerous islands and most importantly a place in Inca history. The Indian people who live in settlements around the lake hold it, and its two islands, Islas del Sol (Island of the Sun) and Islas de la Luna (Island of the Moon), in high regard for they are the mythical sites of the creation of the Inca people. According to legend, the Sun God sent his son and daughter to earth to improve the way of life of the Andean people, and so they descended onto Islas del Sol and founded the Inca Empire. The main town in the area and base for exploring the islands, is Copacabana. Boats depart everyday to the islands from where there are stunning views across the lake to the snow-capped peaks of the Andean range, most higher than 19,685ft (6,000m). The islands themselves are incredibly picturesque and the friendly local people have retained their traditional cultures and way of life. Fishermen sail by on handmade reed boats, llamas and alpacas are herded along the mountain paths to villages scattered on the hillsides. Of interest are a few Inca ruins, among them the Sun Temple and the Chincana complex on Islas del Sol, and Inca stairways. To spend a night on Islas del Sol in one of the pretty guesthouses, experiencing local hospitality, good food and a breathtaking sunset, is one of the highlights Lake Titicaca has to offer.
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