On Day 6 in Bolivia, we explored Potosi, in some ways the most consequential city in Bolivia. To quote from the Wilderness Travel summary: "Founded in 1545, Potosí (13, 315') was once the epicenter of Spanish colonial presence in the southern Bolivian highlands. On Cerro Rico, the stark red hill that dominates the city, the Spanish mined enough silver to help finance the extravagant ventures of its monarchy for almost three centuries. By the end of the 18th century, Potosí was the richest city in Latin America."
The photos below show Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain), the grubby and dangerous environment of the remaining mining operations, and - at the end - the devil Tio, to whom the miners make offerings of drinks, cigarettes, and coca.
The photos below show Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain), the grubby and dangerous environment of the remaining mining operations, and - at the end - the devil Tio, to whom the miners make offerings of drinks, cigarettes, and coca.
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