Potosí Adventures: Top Outdoor Activities You’ll Really Enjoy

Potosí, Bolivia is that kind of place that has a storied history and rugged charm all mixed into one location. Once famed for its massive silver deposits which, too it’s almost, fueled the Spanish Empire, Potosí continues to offer a different sort of treasure to travelers who make their way to the high-altitude city nowadays, which is a wealth of outdoor activities. We’re talking stuff to get your blood pumping, and landscapes that just might stick with you way, way after you’ve moved on. Think awesome adventures rather than fancy hotels.

If you’re thinking about paying a visit, or are already putting together your travel plans, here’s what I found out after spending some time there, about some must-try outdoor experiences which, arguably, can make your visit seriously memorable.

Cerro Rico Mine Tour

You can’t, like your, chat about Potosí without mentioning Cerro Rico. This huge mountain looms over the city not just visually, yet also historically. Cerro Rico was the epicenter of the Spanish colonial silver rush which, I mean, fueled empires and resulted in conditions that were very brutal for indigenous miners. Tours of the mines are widely available, yet, very, you really need to think about the ethical implications before heading down. It is what it is, you’ll find quite a few travelers avoid the tours altogether since they can contribute to what is, arguably, the continuation of unsafe and exploitative labor practices.

For those who, at the end of the day, decide to proceed, these tours are actually, like, intense. First, you’re suited up in protective gear – think boots, a helmet, and a lamp since, honestly, it’s dark and cramped. So you wiggle through narrow tunnels with working miners. It’s basically hot, dusty, and super eye-opening. Is that, you’ll have a peek at what it’s actually like to work in such conditions, so the experience is, kind of, sombering.

Things to Think About:

Respect for the Miners: If you decide to take a tour, showing respect for the miners which, basically, includes things such as bringing gifts such as coca leaves, water or small tools actually goes a long way.
Tour Operator Ethics: Seek out tour groups who, as a matter of fact, are committed to ethical tourism practices. Look for those which, often, contribute a portion of their proceeds back to the mining community or ensure fair wages.
Physical Preparedness: This really isn’t that kind of tour for everyone. It is pretty physically taxing since you’re going to be spending several hours walking in confined spaces at altitude. Make certain you’re medically cleared and equipped.

Read our full review: Cerro Rico Mine Tour Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Mine Tour)

Exploring the City’s Architectural Treasures

Beyond the mines, Potosí has an enormous amount of colonial charm. Did you know the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage site? It is. I’d say you should give yourself the chance to walk the old streets, so you could admire the buildings that seem like, still stuck in time. If walls could speak, right?

The Casa de la Moneda, or the National Mint, really sticks out. So this enormous building shows Potosí’s history as a very important hub for silver production. Nowadays it is actually a museum, showing you the way coins were made back when. I mean, machinery and everything. Another spot, arguably, is the Iglesia de San Lorenzo with that stunning baroque facade. This really shows the blending of indigenous and Spanish design during the colonial times.

Wandering around, basically, allows you to admire smaller details as well like carved wooden balconies or colorful doorways which, arguably, makes Potosí special. Things aren’t picture perfect and that’s its charm. You, know?

Things to think about:

Wear Comfortable Shoes: Streets can be uneven and involve quite a bit of walking, which, actually, isn’t so good for wearing fancy shoes, I promise.
Hire a Local Guide: It can add so much insight. A guide can offer some info on the history of Potosí’s and it’s buildings, and so, I believe, will enrich your experience and take you back to the time where its culture changed.
Look Upwards: Be sure to notice the architecture above ground level!

Read our full review: Architectural Tours Potosi Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Architectural Tours)

Hiking to Laguna de Kari Kari

For an experience which, honestly, shows off the landscape of the area, consider a trip up to Laguna de Kari Kari. Located a short ride from Potosí, so it’s very easy to reach for day trip enthusiasts, that site provides scenic hiking opportunities with amazing views.

The hike up, too it’s almost, offers various scenes that, seemingly, make your adventure more worthwhile, passing through rugged mountain terrain and very open plateaus which, naturally, makes hiking even more scenic as you go higher. Once you make it to the Laguna, which, in a way, gives a really peaceful spot with panoramic views. It’s more than the typical scenery of most popular sites you will go to.

That being said, consider the altitude! Potosí sits at roughly 4,000 meters (about 13,000 feet), and this climb takes you a bit higher still. Give yourself time to adjust and sip on plenty of water. Also pack layers as, just a little, conditions change rapidly. Arguably, one minute it could be warm, next freezing.

Things to consider:

Acclimatize: This, actually, needs emphasizing again. Give yourself time to acclimatize to Potosí’s altitude first prior hiking towards Laguna de Kari Kari, because, in the end, your health is all that matters, alright?
Go with a Guide: Getting a local guide means so much, as they will have vast knowledge regarding the terrain, weather and local wildlife, that makes sure you are safe for the journey.
Pack Essentials: At least bring water, snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. You might like your high quality camera too.

Read our full review: Laguna de Kari Kari hike Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Laguna Hike)

Hot Springs at Tarapaya

Following several days of exploring and also adventure, imagine you are relaxing inside warm, hot springs. A trip to Termas de Tarapaya, just outside Potosí, arguably, gives a fantastic way of taking things easier and appreciating what’s going on around you.

Termas de Tarapaya, too it’s almost, offers what someone said was ‘eye candy’. This crater-shaped pool sits below an amazing red rock formation which, seemingly, enhances its beauty. The water is supposedly heated by volcanic activity underneath which, as a matter of fact, some folks say it might hold therapeutic properties which, naturally, provides an incredible and calm experience.

Be mindful since it’s a touristy area, therefore, arguably, facilities are more set up here than many of the other locations so far. Also, it’s worth keeping in mind which, clearly, the water tends to be warmer as opposed to hot – so think relaxing, and think rejuvenation, so you’re making a point of thinking about enjoying your trip, which is what I want you to do.

Things to take into account:

Go Early: Reaching here earlier during day may have a good reason since the thermal baths become quite busy after noon! It might give more quiet and comfortable experience.
Bring Supplies: Just to confirm, ensure that you have your towel, swimming outfits, and some other needs just for a stress-free stay there!
Respect Local Customs: Follow all of their rules regarding appropriate bathing habits. Make sure they can be considered acceptable by individuals visiting.

Read our full review: Termas de Tarapaya Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Tarapaya Hot Springs)

Mountain Biking Around Potosí

For thrill-seekers wanting another thing to check out that mixes views with what is, basically, an adrenaline rush, think about hitting a mountain bike trip in Potosí. So, some companies out there can show you awesome tracks designed to match all abilities; it does bring excitement to anyone wishing for it!

Routes normally pass along, yet sometimes traverse rough terrains, offering great views to people passing by mining settlements as well remote landscapes far removed urban areas for unique feel which, admittedly, offers both the adrenaline rush or some great photograph memories after everything has wound down! Very memorable which, at the end of the day, is probably why someone tries things in the first place!

Assure everyone brings with them appropriate safety tools or cycling attires plus sufficient protection considering some of this can definitely, possibly, involve extremely high elevations! That, often, allows a cyclist or thrill adventurer while cycling!

What things must considered.

Rent Good Bikes: Select those offering excellent equipment in an effort that makes things as secure as possible especially given tricky landscape
Experienced Guide Useful: These individuals, actually, assist cyclists discover the terrain comfortably because they have mastered routes so there’s reduced opportunities someone becoming stranded!
Confirm Bike Condition: It often involves analyzing brake quality because bikes should be operating excellently throughout an activity because that can definitely minimize possibilities any untoward thing occurring along a specific riding path.

Read our full review: Mountain Biking Potosi Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Bike Tours)