The worlds highest city…'of its size', is what Potosi claims, which at 4,000 odd meters is high, but what does of its size imply?! Is there a higher city that is slightly bigger or smaller somewhere, I also thought size wasn't important! Anyway, we caught the bus out of Uyuni up to Potosi, which took about 3 hours longer than it was meant to. Wasn't really expecting much from the city but we thought we'd stop off on the way through. Potosi was once famed for its silver mine which made it one of the wealthiest places in South America, however the supplies have long been mined empty. A few locals still try to find silver (among other things) in what sound appalling conditions risking their lives, but like anything different or of any interest to a tourist you can go visit them! Small dark enclosed spaces, 40 degrees heat and toxic dust didn't make it that appealing to us so we didn't go, even if they do try and add more interest to the proceedings by letting you buy and set off dynamite! Not sure if it's the search for silver or the actual silver that comes from tourism that makes people subject themselves to working in such conditions… the request for a donation to the miners fund and for medicines seem to suggest the later!! We spent the day wandering around the town and exploring its old colonial buildings, before moving on the following day.
Wanderlust for Life
Adventure travel around the world