Sucre Bolivia. Sucre: “White City. Trains Potosi - Sucre

(Spanish: Río Pilcomayo), at an altitude of more than 2800 m above sea level. in the vast mountain valley of the eastern tip, being one of the highest mountain capitals in the world, it is often called “ Capital of American Tibet».

The occupied area is 1768 km², the population is more than 310 thousand people.

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Main industries: oil refining, woodworking, cement, textile, food, tobacco industries. An important component of Sucre's economy is the trade in grains and fruits, which are grown in the fertile river valley. Most of the population works on surrounding farms and small food processing plants. Today the city is a commercial center in the country's mountainous regions, which are inhabited by the Quechua Indians, famous for one of the most advanced weaving skills in South America.

6 km. from the center of Sucre the “Juan de Padilla Airport” (Spanish: Juana Azurduy de Padilla) is located at an altitude of almost 4 thousand meters above sea level. An extensive network of highways and railways makes the city a regional commercial center.

Most of the city is included in the UNESCO list as a cultural heritage site.

Historical reference

The city was founded by an emissary of the Spanish conquistador, Pedro de Ansures(Spanish: Pedro de Anzúrez) in 1538 on the site of the Indian settlement of Charcas (Spanish: Charcas), its original name was “Cuidad de la Plata de la Nueva Toledo” (which translated means “Silver city ​​of New Toledo"), or La Plata for short (Spanish: Ciudad de La Plata). The name of the city was explained by the fact that not far from it deposits of silver were discovered that seemed inexhaustible; it best reflects the enormous importance of silver in the development of the city. Later, in 1776, the city received the name Chuquisaca (Spanish Chuquisaca, in the Aymara language “silver mountain”).

During the Spanish expansion, the city existed solely thanks to silver mining in the nearby mines (Spanish: Potosí). Wealthy Spaniards, attracted by the comfortable high-mountain climate and the opportunity to enrich themselves by trading silver, willingly moved from the Old World to Sucre, in the mines of which Indian slave labor was mercilessly exploited. Ciudad de La Plata was considered a very prestigious place to live; it was not for nothing that wealthy locals used to say:

“I live in La Plata, but my mines are in Potosi.”

The Spaniards soon built churches and monasteries here - strongholds of Catholic expansion into the South American colonies. The conversion of the Indians to the Catholic faith was so successful that by 1609 La Plata became the center of an archbishopric. And today the city retains an important role in the life of the Catholic Church: today Sucre is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church in the country.

In 1781, rebels led by Túpac Katari (Spanish: Túpac Katari, 1750-1781) besieged La Paz, but the uprising was brutally suppressed.

On May 25, 1809, a rebellion arose in Chuquisaca, which became the beginning of the anti-Spanish struggle of Upper Peru (the name of Bolivia during the era of colonialism). In December 1824, a revolutionary army under the command of (Spanish: Antonio José de Sucre, 1795-1830) liberated Bolivia. It was here that the Declaration of Independence of Bolivia was signed on August 6, 1825, and the city was named Sucre in honor of the general - the national liberator. In 1839 it officially became the capital of the country. In general, Sucre is often called the “City of Three Names”.

In 1898, due to the depletion of silver in the mines, the city lost its political importance and the capital actually moved to La Paz, although Sucre retained its historical status as the constitutional Bolivian capital.

Until 1985, the standard of living in Sucre was considered one of the lowest among the capitals of the planet, which was contributed by extreme political instability, inflation and unemployment. Only after the 1985 elections, when the presidency was occupied by Hernan Siles Suazo(Spanish: Hernаn Siles Zuazo), the inflation rate decreased by almost 20%, and since 1988, economic growth has emerged in the capital (as well as in the country as a whole). But by 2000, the country was again overwhelmed by economic difficulties, and therefore in 2000 - 2002. Mass strikes swept through major cities, leading to a coup d'état in 2002.

The capital of Bolivia to this day remains in an environment of economic and internal political instability.

Population and religion

The urban population consists of Indians -, and, as well as mestizos and descendants of immigrants from European countries. Although the official language is Spanish, provincial residents mainly speak Aymara, Quechua and Guaraní.

More than 80% of believing local residents profess Catholicism.

Climate

The climate in the city is subtropical, mountainous, and mild: it is very rarely cold here and never too hot, the weather is quite stable throughout the year. Winter (June - August) is quite mild, with extremely rare frosts and little precipitation (rain), the average temperature in July is +13°C. January - February is a cool rainy period with maximum precipitation, the average temperature in January is +16°C. The warmest period of the year is spring and early summer (September to December).

The best time to visit Sucre is considered to be a mild, sunny spring with little rainfall.

Sights of Sucre

Lying in a mountain valley, surrounded by picturesque places, Sucre is one of the most attractive, beautiful and tranquil cities in Bolivia, as well as a symbol of the patriotism and courage of the Bolivian people. Despite the small size of the city, there are many well-preserved historical monuments and colonial architecture, thanks to which, as well as the clarity, beauty and cleanliness of the streets, streams of tourists flock here.

Bolivians often refer to their official capital as the "White City" (Spanish: La Ciudad Blanca), due to the abundance of white limestone colonial buildings in the historic center. Today, in the center, all buildings are still painted exclusively white; the owners do not think for a second about painting their houses in a different color. Magnificent white buildings with red tiled roofs, elegant arches, lacy balconies and colonial-style porticoes peacefully coexist with street markets selling fresh vegetables, fruits and confectionery.

In 1991, the old central district of Sucre was included in the UNESCO list as a historical heritage; many buildings here have not only architectural value, but also historical value.

While most Bolivian cities have preserved pre-Columbian culture, ancient traditions and customs of indigenous Indian tribes, the main difference between the capital is that Sucre is the cultural center of the state with the most pronounced Spanish traditions. The center of Sucre is the Plaza 25 de Mayo (Spanish: Plaza 25 de Mayo), surrounded by the Cathedral, the City Hall, a number of other colonial buildings, as well as banks, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. The square features a statue of José Antonio Sucre, general, associate of Simon Bolivar and 2nd president of independent Bolivia. The square is always filled with tourists, locals and boys offering to clean their shoes. It is very pleasant to sit on benches under palm trees and watch city life.

Perhaps the most revered landmark of the city is the Casa de la Libertad (House of Liberty, built in 1621), also located on the main square, it was here that a fateful event for Bolivia took place: (1783-1830) the freedom of Bolivia was proclaimed. This building today houses the Casa de la Libertad Historical Museum, which houses the original of the first historical document - the Declaration of Independence.

The National Library has been preserved in Sucre, the building of which is the same age as the Republic of Bolivia.

Also important attractions are: the palace Palacio de La Glorieta(Spanish: Palacio de la Glorieta, XVII-XVIII centuries), where today the military academy is located; art Museum De La Recoleta(Spanish de La Recoleta) in the premises of a former convent built by Franciscan monks in 1601; Fort De La Glorieta(Spanish la Fortalezade de La Glorieta); De Charcas Museum (Spanish: el Museo de Charcas, Indian graphics and handmade furniture); Modern Art Museum(Spanish: el Museo de Arte Moderno); Museum of Ethnic Textiles(Spanish: Мuseo Еtnico de Los Textiles); Museum of Anthropology(Spanish: Museo de Anthropología) with a rich exhibition; Rosedal Park (Spanish: Parque Rosedal); beautiful city ​​theater building; Catedral Churches (Spanish: Iglesia Cathedral), San Francisco (Spanish: Iglesia San Francisco), La Merced (Spanish: Iglesia de la Merced), San Miguel (Spanish: Isglesia de Sant Miquel), Santa Minica (Spanish: Iglesia de Santa Monica), San Lesaro (Spanish: Isglesia de Sant Lesaro) and Santo Domingo (Spanish: Iglesia de Santo Domingo), as well as Cathedral and Chapel of Guadeloupe(Spanish: La Catedral y la Capilla de Guadalupe).

Among the attractions, the famous Bolivar Park (Spanish: Parque Simon Bolivar) should be highlighted, which amazes with small copies of famous world attractions, including famous buildings of Paris (Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, etc.).

If you come to Sucre at the end of August, you can get to the colorful Chutillos Carnival with traditional folk dances of the peoples of Latin America.

Women will certainly be very interested in visiting Inca Pallay (Spanish: Inca Pallay) - the weavers' quarter, where for little money you can buy original handmade fabric products with unique Indian patterns.

About 65 km from Sucre is one of the important attractions of the region - the small town of Tarabuco (Spanish: Tarabuco), the center of the culture of the Yampara Indians.

The main attraction of Tarabuco is the local colorful market, which every Sunday attracts not only local residents from surrounding villages, but also numerous visitors. At the Tarabuco market you can buy anything from traditional textiles, handicrafts, fresh vegetables, fruits and medicinal plants to coca leaves.

Every March in Tarabuco, the Pujllay festival (in Quechua, pujllay means “play,” “dance,” or “happiness”) is celebrated widely in Tarabuco. Representatives of different indigenous communities of the region gather here every year to hold a liturgy, they parade in colorful national clothes, dance, have fun and drink chicha (Spanish Chicha, corn liquor).

In March 2011, Bolivia nominated the Pujllay Festival in Tarabuco for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a site of important cultural heritage of humanity.

Once in Sucre, you can’t help but take advantage of the wonderful opportunity and take a hike in the mountains around Sucre, going along an ancient trail: past marvelous waterfalls, past the settlements of the Quechua Indians and the picturesque Maragua Crater (Spanish: Maragua Crater) to the hot thermal springs. In general, the Maragua Crater is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the vicinity of the city. This is not a volcanic crater, it was formed due to the movement of tectonic plates. More than 100 families live in the crater; children sell fossils of sea shells to tourists, of which there are a lot here.

Interesting to visit Valley Dinosaur Mark(10 km north of Sucre). There is a large cement plant here. In 1994, while expanding the quarry, workers discovered a huge vertical rock with dinosaur footprints. The place was called “Cal Orko” (Spanish Cal Orko), here is the largest local accumulation of dinosaur tracks on the planet: a slab of hardened limestone 1.2 km long and 80 meters high has more than 6 thousand dinosaur tracks and fossilized remains of plants and animals, which date back 68 million years ago and belong to the Jurassic period of the Mesozoic era.

Curious facts

• Sucre is also called the “chocolate” capital of Bolivia; there are countless cafes and shops where you will be offered all kinds of chocolate products.
• The Church of San Miguel (Spanish: La Iglesia de San Miguel) was for centuries the starting point for Catholic missionaries heading to Argentina and Paraguay. It is the oldest active church in South America.
• Potosí (Spanish: Potosí), located 164 km from Sucre among barren mountains at an altitude of almost 4100 m above sea level, is considered the “highest” city in the world.
• The rebels notified the population about the beginning of revolutionary actions in 1809 in La Plata (present-day Sucre) using the bell of the Basilica of San Francisco (Spanish: Basílica de San Francisco). The bell was rung so furiously that it cracked. Since then, the bell has not been used, but it became a symbol of the Bolivian revolution and today is one of the most revered relics in the city.
• In addition to the listed names, Sucre is the owner of another name - “Athens of South America”.
• Guests arriving here are strongly recommended to drink coca tea for speedy acclimatization in high altitude conditions.
• On October 16, 2014, he won a convincing victory in the presidential elections of Bolivia (Spanish: Juan Evo Morales Ayma, born October 26, 1959), gaining more than 60% of the votes. Now Morales will hold a leadership position for another 5 years, becoming the first politician in the history of the state to be re-elected for the 3rd (!) presidential term.

Although all government authorities are located in La Paz.

Sucre was founded in 1538, then it was called Chuquisaca. After gaining independence from Spain, this city was renamed in honor of one of the leaders of the war - General Antonio Jose De Sucre. In those days, the city gained great popularity due to its numerous silver deposits.

Sucre is located in central Bolivia. It is located in a mountain valley at an altitude of 2750 m above sea level, at the foot of the Eastern Cordillera. The majority of Indians live in this city (more than 55%), mainly Quechua, Aipari and Guarani. Mestizos make up about 30% of the population, and Europeans even less - less than 15%. Despite the overwhelming majority of Indian peoples, the official language of Sucre is Spanish. But everywhere you can hear conversations in the indigenous languages ​​of the Indian peoples.

Sucre's favorable location and its perfectly preserved architectural monuments make the city truly the most beautiful in Bolivia. It is not for nothing that UNESCO included it on the World Heritage List. Old Sucre is entirely built of limestone, which is why it is often called White city. Luxurious white buildings, their tiled roofs, balconies, colonial-style arches alternate with small streets where local women sell fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as incredibly delicious confectionery.

The city's economy is based mainly on trade in fruits and grains, which are grown near the city. The population of Sucre works in small agricultural enterprises. Some enterprises in the wood processing, oil refining, food, textile and tobacco industries are also located here. Its favorable location makes this city the trading center of the entire region.

As a rule, tourists in Sucre prefer to visit various architectural monuments and majestic Catholic cathedrals. The best entertainment for the whole family is a visit to the unique Dinosaur Park, which is located near Sucre. Here you can see the largest collection of traces of these prehistoric animals in the world.

Climate and weather

Sucre is located in a subtropical climate zone. The average annual temperature does not exceed +15 °C. The coldest months are May - July. At this time, the average daily air temperature can reach +13 °C. This period is considered dry. Precipitation falls mainly in summer, that is, from December to February. At this time the air warms up to +27 °C.

The best time to visit Sucre is late spring or early autumn. At this time, the air temperature is most acceptable for human adaptation, and the amount of precipitation is minimal. This means nothing will stop you from enjoying all the beauties of this stunning city.

Nature

Sucre, located in a mountain valley, is famous for its picturesque surroundings. Landscapes of the river valley Pilcomayo, where the official capital of Bolivia is located, are so stunning that when you see them you get the impression that you are at the end of the world. The numerous mountain peaks of the Cordillera Central surrounding this town give the area a special flavor.

Sucre is surrounded by dense, humid forests, as well as numerous fields with cereals grown on them.

Attractions

In 1991, thanks to its numerous architectural monuments, Sucre was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. One of the most famous attractions not only of the city, but throughout Bolivia, is the famous Casa de Libertad. It was in this building that Bolivia's independence from the Spanish Crown was declared many years ago. Today Casa de Libertad is a State Museum that exhibits the most important documents, seals and other objects from the early years of independent Bolivia. Almost the entire central part of Sucre is occupied by the famous residence of the Spanish kings - the palace Palacio de la Glorietta. Its construction began in the 16th century. It was conceived as a residence for the governor, who was supposed to govern this region.

If you're in Sucre, be sure to visit the ancient church San Miguel: It was this building that was long considered the starting point for Jesuits and missionaries to neighboring countries. Interestingly, San Miguel is today the oldest active church on the entire continent. Its main feature is the unique painted walls, frescoes and mosaics that were painted by the student Rafael - Viti.

Recently, Sucre has acquired another very interesting attraction - Dinosaur wall. This is a huge monument with a length of more than one kilometer. On the wall there are approximately 5,000 footprints of dinosaurs, which more than 68 million years ago came to this place to quench their thirst. At the end of the twentieth century, an entire archaeological park was built on the territory adjacent to the wall, which presents life-size models of all representatives of the Cretaceous period that lived in this territory.

Nutrition

On the territory of Sucre there is a huge number of different restaurants and cafes, as well as small street eateries that offer their visitors dishes of both national cuisine and masterpieces from other countries.

The most attractive both in price and in terms of the range offered is the Chinese-Bolivian restaurant Bei Jing. Chinese chefs prepare classic Bolivian dishes here. It is believed that only true Chinese know a lot about cooking, and it doesn’t matter where they do it - in their homeland or in Bolivia. Despite the characteristic Chinese name of the restaurant, dishes of this cuisine are not served here. The most popular in this restaurant are milanesa And pollo. These are chicken chops and whole pieces of chicken cooked over an open fire. All dishes in this establishment come with a triple side dish - French fries, rice and pasta. The cost of such a hearty dinner for two is approximately $10.

Accommodation

Sucre boasts numerous high-quality hotels and inns that meet all existing international standards. That is why many of them have the coveted four or five stars.

Most hotels are pleased to offer their visitors not only spacious and comfortable rooms with a full range of all necessary services, but also excellent restaurants, bars, sports and gyms. In some hotels you can pamper yourself in wonderful spas.

One of the famous hotels among foreign tourists is Hotel De Su Merced. It is especially popular due to its convenient location. The hotel is located in the heart of Sucre, close to the Cathedral, the National Library and the Palace of Liberty. The rooms have satellite TV, wireless Internet and even a safe.

Entertainment and relaxation

Of course, most tourists go to Sucre to visit all the unique architectural monuments located here. Each building located in this city is a true masterpiece of colonial culture.

Sucre is home to one of the most luxurious opera houses in South America. People from all over the continent come to see his famous productions.

Lovers of a relaxing holiday can take wonderful walks through the famous park Bolivar, where copies of the most remarkable buildings and structures around the world are located. Among the copies are the famous Eiffel Tower in Paris and St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow.

Stunningly beautiful city park Rosedal You can visit with small children. They will be delighted with the numerous rides.

Some travel agencies organize unforgettable excursions to one of the silver mines. The sight of a huge underground tunnel, the walls of which are completely covered with small particles of silver, will leave a very strong impression.

The most common type of holiday in Sucre is visiting the famous Dinosaur Park. There is no such spectacle in any other country in the world. On an area of ​​several square kilometers there are models of dinosaurs that once lived in this area. In addition, you can see here traces of extinct animals that have survived to this day. Who knows, maybe the descendants of these unique animals have been preserved in the depths of the dense local forests.

Sucre boasts some pretty fun nightlife. There are a large number of night bars and clubs here.

Purchases

Having a full-fledged supermarket in a Bolivian city is very rare. There is exactly such an establishment in Sucre. Moreover, this supermarket is located in a small shopping center, which also houses a small cinema.

In the supermarket you can buy all the necessary food products. Prices here are reasonable. Of course, if you buy the same product at the local market, it will cost you much less, but the store will provide you with a really good quality product. It is worth noting that in this store you can pay not only in cash, but also with a plastic card.

You can buy some souvenir to remember the beautiful Sucre in almost any store on the city streets. Here you can find both traditional Indian crafts and completely original things, such as items of clothing hand-sewn by representatives of the Indian tribe.

Transport

The status of the capital of the state gave impetus to the development of various types of transport in Sucre. Buses, minibuses and taxis travel along the city streets. The price for one bus ride is about $1. Taxi services will cost more, but the level of comfort here is much higher. For a trip around the city for one hour, a taxi driver may charge you about $5.

A special feature of Sucre roads is poor soil stability during heavy rainfall. At this time, there is a great danger of cars falling underground.

Rail transport links Sucre with other major cities in Bolivia. The difficult terrain on which the city is located prevents the construction of a railway throughout the city. Only a few branches are located in the west and east of Sucre. Using one of them you can take a unique trip to the famous salt lake Uyuni.

Not far from Sucre there is a large international airport, which allows you to connect the capital of Bolivia with other countries by air. Air carriers are represented mainly by private companies. And this significantly affects the cost of the flight. For example, to travel by air from Sucre to La Paz, you need to pay as much as $125.

Connection

Communications in Sucre, as in Bolivia in general, are excellent. Several mobile operators have coverage not only throughout the city, but also in suburban areas. Some of them support roaming of European major cellular companies.

City telephone communications are provided by numerous street telephones, from which you can call any country in the world. At the same time, you need to pay about $1 per minute for such a call. If you use a hotel phone number, the cost of the call will be $1.3.

The Internet connection in Sucre also has a wide coverage area. Numerous Internet cafes provide wireless Internet services. The connection speed is quite decent. True, the cost of half an hour of using the Internet is approximately $3.

Safety

Sucre is considered one of the safest cities in Bolivia. When visiting this city, do not forget about the basic rules of being in public places. It is in places with large crowds of people that unpleasant incidents of fraud and theft often occur.

Before arriving in the country, you should definitely get several required preventive vaccinations.

Business climate

Recently, Sucre has begun to increasingly attract foreign tourists, so running a hotel business in this city is becoming quite relevant. At the same time, local authorities do not prohibit foreign citizens from carrying out any such activities. On the contrary, they are trying to help attract numerous investments into the city's economy.

Real estate

The real estate market in Sucre is one of the most expensive in Bolivia. In a prestigious area, the cost of an average apartment of 100 m2 is about $100,000, while in suburban areas, luxurious mansions with adjacent land of a couple of hectares will cost only $50,000.

Legally, there are no difficulties in completing such a purchase in Sucre. On the contrary, when foreign citizens purchase real estate, local authorities provide a unique opportunity to obtain Bolivian citizenship without any problems.

Be sure to wash food purchased from local street stores thoroughly before eating.

When communicating with local residents, and especially with Indian tribes, remember to treat them with great respect. Photography and videotaping here is only permitted with the permission of local authorities.

When traveling through the city streets of Sucre in a rented car, you should be especially careful. Local residents often simply ignore existing traffic rules, so it is better to pay a few dollars and hire a personal driver.

The city of Sucre is the official capital of Bolivia. Pleasant historical city with colonial architecture.

After the dirty, shabby La Paz, overrun by merchants and various suspicious characters, the city of Sucre seemed to us simply incredibly clean and beautiful.

It was pleasant to walk here: it was warm, the sun was shining, the altitude was only about 2900 meters above sea level, there was no wind, and the sidewalks were not cluttered with dirty Indian traders and their rotten vegetables. It's like it's not in Bolivia!

There are many white buildings, which is why Sucre is nicknamed the White City (Spanish: La Ciudad Blanca).

In 1991, the old central district of Sucre was included in the UNESCO list of historical heritage.

In Spanish and English: Sucre. Stress on the first syllable.

The word "sucre" is translated from Spanish as "sugar", but the city is named so not because of sugar, but in honor of Antonio José de Sucre - Grand Marshal of Peru, one of the leaders of the struggle for the independence of the Spanish colonies in Latin America in 1810-1826, President of Bolivia in 1826-1828, national hero of Bolivia and Ecuador.

Currency: Boliviano. Mostly cash is used; cards are rarely accepted.

The city of Sucre is the capital of Bolivia according to the country's constitution, but most government institutions are located in La Paz.

Population: 300 thousand people.

What to see in Sucre: main attractions

central square called Plaza 25 Mayo: there are some nice buildings here.

Did you notice the star? Only the hammer and sickle are missing :)

I really liked it Museum of Ethnography and Folklore(Etnografia y Folklore). It is free, open Mon-Fri 9:30-12:30, 14:30-18:30, Sat 9:30-12:30. There were amazing ceremonial masks, a photo exhibition of Indian feather products, paintings depicting various birds, an ethnographic hall: (how people lived, utensils, etc.) Visiting time - less than half an hour;) It’s a pity that photography was not allowed, only in the courtyard .

We accidentally came across corridor with historical comics at the Hostal Colonial on the main square.

Templo de San Francisco: ceilings!

Natural History Museum(Historia Natural) is wonderful! It is free, open Mon-Fri 9-12:30, 14:30-18:30, Sat 9:30-12. It is not located where it is on the Mapsme map, but on San Alberto street between Aniceto Acre and España, the entrance to the courtyard under the Spanish Lessons sign. You can take pictures. Lots of interesting skeletons and stuffed animals. Skeleton of a snake, Siamese twins, shark jaw, skeleton of a stingray and turtle, dinosaurs, fossils. Lots of stuffed animals, birds, fish, lizards, snakes, insects. We really enjoyed:)

Skeleton of a snake.

Siamese twins.

Shark jaw.

Turtle shell.

Some kind of scary prehistoric beast.

All sorts of stuffed animals.

And this is generally a terrible miracle! Its diameter is 4-5 centimeters, it was in the section of all marine life. Imagine, you are swimming, and such a meat grinder meets you. Brrrrrrr!

Or this “bunny”.

War Museum(Militar). 10 bolivianos ($1.5), photos allowed. Open Mon-Fri 8:30-12, 14:30-18, Sat 8:30-12. All sorts of military weapons, an airplane, a complete military history of Bolivia in Spanish, military uniforms, navy, etc. If you don’t have time, then you can skip it.

On this map we see that Bolivia used to have access to the sea, but then this territory was seized by Chile. Now the Bolivians do not miss the opportunity to cry that if they had access to the sea, they would be so bad, but the bad Chileans do not give them the sea, and the poor Bolivians do not develop because of this.

The Chileans told us that they built at their own expense a special road from Bolivia to a seaport specially designated for Bolivians, but the Bolivians do not use this property. It’s easier to whine and blame the Chileans for everything.

WITH Recoleta observation deck there is a view of the whole city.

Recoleta is a pleasant place in itself.

Main Cemetery of Sucre(Cementerio) is a very beautiful place. Family crypts and "high-rise buildings", as in. At the entrance you can rent a staircase for those who have someone buried on the upper floors.

Many cells have locks. Theft?

Entrance Mon-Fri 8-11:30, 14-17:30, Sat-Sun 8-17:30. You can leave later.

More photos from Sucre

Phone booths in the shape of dinosaurs.

And this is sold on the market, in half the butcher shops. I don’t even want to think what they are preparing from this.

Excursions in Sucre

There are no Russian-speaking guides in Sucre.

Video from Sucre: dance festival for city day

On the last day there was a dance festival - the procession of dancers lasted from six in the morning until two in the morning, music thundered, very similar to, but with even cooler costumes.

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Accommodation in Sucre

All the main attractions are located in the center, so it is also better to stay in the center.

There are also more than 200 Airbnb accommodations, ranging from cheap rooms to luxury apartments and houses with a pool. Prices from $10.

If you haven't signed up for Airbnb yet:

We lived there by couchsurfing; out of two dozen applications, only one host responded. He lives in a 250-year-old house, it’s like a museum there :) We talked with his whole family :)

We cooked borscht together. Bolivia generally has such a cuisine that when a local family tried borscht, my mother ran to write down the recipe, and my aunt offered to cook it for the New Year. Everyone really liked it :) In general, Sucre has excellent vegetables and fruits, good meat, but the locals prefer to eat grilled chicken or fried chicken in oil, with French fries.

The father of our host turned out to be a geologist, and at the word “crater” about Maragua he was very indignant and gave us a long lecture on why it is not a crater :) Why you shouldn’t go to Maragua, we will write separately;) Maragua is a valley, where there are some dinosaur tracks.

How to get to Sucre

Flights to Sucre

Sucre Airport is called Sucre Airport (IATA code: SRE), but there are few flights there.

Do not confuse it with Ecuador's Mariscal Sucre Airport (Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre, IATA code: UIO)!

How to find cheap flights

To find cheap flights, I usually compare prices using several aggregators. They all have the same principle - they search for tickets in the databases of hundreds of airlines, but their databases may differ, so the price will be better in one or the other - check everything at once.

• - incredibly flexible search, and there is a guarantee of a connection, even if you are flying low-cost airlines and the first flight is delayed!
• - the best prices for tickets from Russia and Kazakhstan, a convenient calendar of low prices.
• - there are good prices for tickets from Ukraine.

By the way, KIWI gives 20 euro coupons for air tickets to new users, but they can only be received by email. If anyone needs it, I can send you an invitation.

Calendar of low prices for air tickets:

Buses in Sucre

It is cheaper to get to Sucre from other cities in Bolivia by bus:

• Potosi 4 hours,
• La Paz or Cochabamba 12h,
• Santa Cruz 14h,

For long distances it is better to travel by night bus, but keep in mind that it can be VERY cold at night (!), you need to dress warmly and take a blanket or sleeping bag with you, especially if it is October-November, and not December-February.

It is best to buy bus tickets at the bus terminal: prices from different companies can be compared, and you don’t have to overpay travel agents.

Trains Potosi - Sucre

The train journey from Potosi to Sucre will take 8 hours - it will be faster to travel by bus.

Where is Sucre on the map of Bolivia

The city of Sucre is located in southern Bolivia, in the department of Chuquisaca.

Distance Sucre - La Paz 700 km, Sucre - Uyuni 360 km.

Weather and climate in Sucre

The temperature here is pleasant all year round: an average of 14-17 °C. There is little precipitation and the air is dry: from May to September there is a dry season, from November to March it can rain, but not much, not like in the tropics.

Our review of our holiday in Sucre, Bolivia

We liked it here: a beautiful pleasant city, interesting museums, Sucre is worth a visit during your trip to Bolivia.

Sucre (Spanish: Sucre) is the main city. It is also the capital of the departments of Chuquisaca and Oropesa. Tourists often ask which city is the capital of Bolivia - or Sucre. We answer: the first is the capital de facto, and the second is de jure, that is, officially.

The city of Sucre is located in the Altiplano mountain valley (in its eastern part), at an altitude of 2800 m above sea level. Sucre is one of the highest capitals in the world and covers an area of ​​1768 square meters. km, and the city is inhabited by about 310 thousand people.

In Sucre, industries such as food, tobacco, wood and oil refining are developed at a fairly high level. In addition, trade in vegetables, fruits and cereals grown in the river valley makes a significant contribution to the development of the economy of Sucre and all of Bolivia.

Citizens and religion

The city of Sucre was founded in 1538 by the emissary Pedro de Ansures on the site of the former Indian village of Charcas. The indigenous population of the city is the Indians of the Quechua, Aymara and Guarani tribes, but there are also a lot of mestizos (mixed races) and people from Europe in Sucre. The official language of Sucre is Spanish, but you can often hear Indian dialects, especially in remote areas of the city.

During the Middle Ages, the indigenous population was brutally exploited in the silver mines and forced to convert to Catholicism. By 1609, most of the city's inhabitants had converted to the Catholic faith, and Sucre became the center of an archbishopric. Today, more than 80% of the population consider themselves Catholics, and the city is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church in Bolivia.

Climate in Sucre

The climate in the capital of Bolivia, Sucre, is mild and subtropical. There are no sudden changes in temperature, and the amount of precipitation throughout the year is moderate. In winter (June - August), the air temperature here does not drop below +13°C, and the most comfortable time to visit the city of Sucre is the period from September to December: the amount of precipitation at this time is minimal, there is no heat and there are many sunny days. This also applies in general.

Sights of the capital Sucre

Sucre is one of the quietest and most picturesque cities in Bolivia. Despite its rather modest size, the city contains many cultural and historical monuments. The main architectural highlight of Sucre is that all the buildings in the historical center of the capital of Bolivia are white - some are built of white limestone, and some are specially painted white, which is why locals call their capital the “White City”.

The main attractions of the capital of Bolivia, Sucre, are:

No less interesting places to visit in Sucre are castle, as well as museums such as Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Anthropology, Museum of Ethnic Textiles, and churches: , San Lesaro, San Miguel and many others.

Attractions in the vicinity of Sucre

If you are lucky enough to get to Sucre, then take some time to explore its surroundings, and we assure you that you will find a lot of interesting and exciting things there:

Meals and accommodation in Sucre

The city of Sucre has a good selection of accommodation options. Most often these are 2-3 star hotels (Sermal Hotel, Casas Kolping, Hotel Kronos). The choice of 4-star hotels is also quite good (Villa Antigua, San Marino Royal, Mi Pueblo Samary Hotel Boutique), and there are also many guest houses and hostels. For little money you can find a cozy room with all the necessary amenities.

There are cafes, bars and restaurants both at hotels and as independent establishments. Restaurants often serve local dishes, but if desired, you can also find European and Asian cuisine. Please note that it is not necessary to leave a tip in some restaurants, since a service charge is already included in the bill.

Shopping in Sucre

In Sucre there is a small shopping center with cinemas, a supermarket and boutiques, but for souvenirs and alpaca wool products it is better to go to the market, where the choice is richer and you can get a good price reduction. By the way, prices in Bolivia are quite reasonable, and the cost is even lower than in neighboring Peru.

How to get to Sucre?

There is Juana Azurduy de Padilla Airport not far from Sucre, but there are few flights here and prices are high. By land, Sucre can be reached from almost all major cities in Bolivia by intercity buses. So, the journey from and will take 4 hours, from – 8 hours, from and – 12 hours. For long journeys, we recommend choosing night flights, but it is worth considering that the nights here can be cold, so warm clothes or a blanket will not be superfluous along the way.

Curious facts about the capital of Bolivia Sucre

What else is worth knowing about Sucre:

• Sucre is not only the official capital of Bolivia, but also a chocolate city. The city produces and sells the best chocolate in the country, and in shops, cafes and markets you will be offered a variety of chocolate products;
• another name for Sucre is “Athens of South America”;
• Coca tea is not only a local treat, but also an excellent assistant for acclimatization in a high-mountainous village.

Sucre is the most sophisticated South American city I've ever been to. Snow-white houses, red tiled roofs, proud straight streets, European-style squares, magnificent churches with incredibly beautiful altars. All this struck me to the core. And most importantly: there is life in Sucre, it is not an open-air museum of colonial history. There is a real bustling life here, smiling locals, students, volunteers from different parts of the world, travelers with backpacks are everywhere.

I spent several months in Sucre studying Spanish. This is a fairly popular option among foreigners. There are a lot of good schools here that are almost free by Western standards. Oddly enough, there is never a dull moment in this seemingly small and very peaceful town. There are a huge number of interesting museums, colorful festivals, and several dozen cozy cafes in former colonial mansions, where you can always spend a languid and pleasant day with a good book.

How to get there

It is not possible to get to Sucre directly. Moreover, in principle, you can fly to Bolivia from Russia with only two transfers. you can check prices and schedule. I wrote more about the most convenient and economical methods in. From other cities in South America and from La Paz, the largest Bolivian city, planes and buses travel to Sucre. There is no railway to Sucre due to its hilly nature.

By plane

Sucre has a small but modern airport, Alcantari International Airport. It opened in 2016 30 kilometers south of the city. So far, the airport serves 4 airlines: Amazonas, Boliviana, EcoJet and TAM. The main cities from where you can fly to the official capital of Bolivia: La Paz, Cochabamba, Tarija, Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

From the airport to the city center

Collectivo minibuses are on duty at the airport 24 hours a day, and for 1 USD they will take you to the historical center of Sucre. Travel time is 40 minutes. The second option is to take a taxi, which are also located right outside the airport. In this case, the trip will cost 5 USD.

By bus

The bus is the most popular and inexpensive way to travel around South America. It is most convenient to come to Sucre from cities such as La Paz, Oruro, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Tarija. The ticket price is symbolic by our standards: from 2 USD to 7 USD depending on the distance. I described all the nuances of moving around Bolivia by bus in. In Sucre, a bus from any city arrives at a station, which is located 2 km from the city. A taxi to the center costs 1 USD. Travel time is no more than 15 minutes.

By car

I categorically do not recommend taking a car to travel long distances between cities in Bolivia. The roads are in terrible condition, there are no traffic rules, local drivers drive as best they can. It is easier, more convenient and safer to use the bus.

Clue:

Sucre - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 7

Kazan 7

Samara 8

Yekaterinburg 9

Novosibirsk 11

Vladivostok 14

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Sucre is a city with an amazing, in our understanding, climate. The weather here is practically the same all year round, from +15°С to +18°С during the day, from +8°С to +11°С at night. Three degrees is the maximum temperature fluctuation during the year. There is no rainy season or dry season either. Wind and rain can occur both in June and February. The sun is also distributed evenly between months. On average, a third of the month is cloudy, the rest of the days are sunny. That is, there is absolutely no difference in which month to visit this wonderful city. Housing prices are always the same, the tourist flow is also uniform.

I am not a fan of heat or extreme cold, so I am delighted with the climate of Sucre: always fresh, often a little windy, many sunny days (but never exhausting stuffiness), moderate rainfall. According to my feelings, it is eternal spring in Sucre!

Sucre - weather by month

Clue:

Sucre - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

In Sucre, you don’t have to waste time choosing an area. All hotels and hostels are located in the historical center of the city. So, even if you don't want to, you have to live in it.

In European capitals, many people avoid the Old Town as a place to stay because, although it is usually remarkably beautiful, it is overcrowded with tourists. And in some places it even turned into a fair with bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. But not Europe. There are significantly fewer tourists here. The historical center has a quiet, unhurried atmosphere of a cozy colonial city. So don't be afraid of noise.

I recommend staying in an old colonial mansion converted into a hotel. They make up half of the offerings in the city.

What are the prices for holidays?

Sucre is one of the most expensive cities in Bolivia because it is popular with tourists and international students. But all the same, prices there are cheaper than, say, Uruguayan or Argentinean ones. Eg:

• The price of a double room in a 3-star hotel in the historical center of the city is 20 USD.
• Lunch/dinner at an inexpensive restaurant - 6 USD.
• The average price of a ticket to the museum is 3 USD.
• One trip on city public transport - 1 USD.
• A pint of local beer in a pub - 1 USD.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Boliviano Rub, $b

Main attractions. What to see

All the main attractions of Sucre are related to its colonial history. The Spaniards built magnificent palaces and mansions here at one time. Today they house hotels, museums and government buildings. Almost everything is open to the public. In general, I advise you to just walk around the city without the obligatory checkboxes and maps. The historical center is very compact and understandable, it is impossible to get lost, you will still come out to the main square.

Top 5

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Everything is incredibly religious. Sucre is no exception. There are dozens of ancient and beautiful Catholic churches in the city. I will list the main ones:

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are a lot of museums in Sucre. After all, this is not only the official, but also the cultural capital of Sucre. My favorite museums in the city:

Tourist streets

It is difficult to identify the main tourist streets in Sucre. The layout of the historical center is as follows: in the center is the May 25 Square, it makes sense to orientate yourself towards it; all the most significant and beautiful streets run parallel and perpendicular to the square. Among them are: Calle Arenales, Calle Bolivar, Calle Audiencia. And everyone else deserves no less attention. The heart of the city was built up at one time; there are no central avenues. All streets are equally beautiful.

What really surprised me: the straightness of the streets, no chaos, everything is very orderly, all the streets intersect each other at a perfectly right angle, which is a huge rarity for old cities. Local residents said that Sucre was developed immediately after the “silver rush” and is the result of wealth generated by the silver trade. Let's say the neighboring city is completely different: poorly planned, with crooked alleys. It was just built earlier.

Another interesting detail: absolutely all the houses on the streets of the Old Town are snow-white. Sucre is called the White City (Ciudad Blanca) in South America. This was originally an aesthetic idea of ​​the Spanish colonialists, which local residents continue to support with pleasure. When I walked along the streets of Sucre, I was invariably overtaken by the feeling of Spanish cities. The South American Indian flavor gives them even more charm. When you walk along the wonderful streets of the historical center, keep in mind that they were all built at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries.

What to see in 1 day

Sucre is a small town. If you don’t travel around the area, one day is enough to explore it. Here is, in my opinion, the optimal program:

What to see in the area

Food. What to try

I wrote in detail about the national cuisine of Bolivia in. All of the dishes listed in it can be found in Sucre restaurants. Perhaps most of all, the city is famous for its fried salteñas pies and chocolate. So I advise you to try them first.

A huge advantage of Sucre compared to small Bolivian towns is the presence of international restaurants. Here you can find Italian, Mexican, Arabic, French cuisine. And everything is delicious. I generally remember Sucre as a city with excellent food.

Sucre became a real gastronomic outlet for me during my trip to South America. Many international students live here and therefore restaurants with cuisine from a variety of countries are constantly opening. Moreover, they are most often located in the incredibly nice courtyards of colonial houses, with trees and fountains. In Spanish, courtyard is "patio". I recommend paying special attention to restaurants that have this easy-to-remember word in their names.

Budget

Mid-level

Expensive

• La Taverne– an excellent authentic restaurant offering delicious food and a cozy atmosphere. In general, in Sucre it is not so easy to find “haute” cuisine with unusual sauces and presentation. La Taverne is one of those places. For my taste, this is where the best steaks in all of Bolivia are prepared. La Taverne also has wonderful and very varied cocktails. Address: Aniceto Arce No. 35.
• La Posada Restaurante- an establishment with a gigantic menu and the largest wine list in Sucre. The prices are twice the average, but completely justified: the service is excellent, the food is delicious, the interiors are beautiful and not vulgar, which is often the case in Bolivia. Address: Audiencia 92.
• Pueblo Chico– a fun place with great food right in the central square. I warn you: the portions here are huge. You can take one for two. Sometimes you have to wait a long time for food; Pueblo chico is an extremely popular place among locals. But you won’t be bored; life on May 25 Square is in full swing at any time of the day or night. Address: Plaza 25 de Mayo No 46.

Holidays

There are a lot of holidays in Sucre. There are Indian tribal festivals, there are Spanish and Catholic ones. I was in Sucre in winter and the locals celebrated something weekly. They say the situation is the same in summer. I'll tell you about the main events of Sucre:

• Christmas (Navidad)– I arrived in Sucre exactly on Christmas Eve, December 24, and this day is very much etched in my memory. In the evening, it seems that all the families of the city came out in incredibly elegant dresses to the main square of the city (May 25 Square). There was a tree made of lanterns on it. Along the way, in small towns, I saw Christmas trees made from Sprite bottles. A stage was installed in front of the Cathedral on which children's Christmas performances were performed. The most important thing is that in the hands of each family there was a small cradle with a doll imitating the newborn baby Jesus. And baby Jesus wore an Indian cap. Always, without exception. This greatly amused and touched me. Everyone congratulated each other and wished Feliz Navidad (Merry Christmas), then, at midnight, the main event took place: the midnight hour mass. Admission to it is free. So, if you find yourself in Sucre on Christmas, don’t be shy and come to the main Cathedral by 12 midnight. After the mass, everyone left for family dinners. I had local friends in Sucre and was invited to one of them. I’ll say right away: despite strong Catholic roots, there is no turkey on local tables at Christmas, it is not customary. The main Bolivian Christmas dish is called picaña. This is hot chicken or meat soup with potatoes and corn. For dessert they eat turron, a local pastille. On December 25th, everyone has picnics and visits with guests. The conclusion is this: Christmas in Sucre is perhaps not the most spectacular, but a very kind holiday, which I wholeheartedly advise you to visit.

Safety. What to watch out for

Sucre is a quiet and nice city. Here you can safely walk the streets without fear of thieves and strange-looking companies that are often found in less prosperous places in South America. I feel absolutely safe in Sucre and have never heard from anyone about any unpleasant incidents in this wonderful town.

Things to do

When I arrived in Sucre, I was very surprised by the number of foreign students on the streets. It seems that there are no famous universities in the city, and the atmosphere in the city is completely student-like! It turned out that Sucre is the center of volunteer and language programs in South America. So, if you like the city for its climate and general atmosphere, but don’t want to sit idle, you can stay for at least a week, at least for a year for a good purpose: learn Spanish in a native country or, conversely, pass on your knowledge and work as a teacher or teacher at school for housing and food. There are a lot of such offers in Sucre. The most famous international schools in Sucre: Fox Language Academy and Fenix ​​school.

If you don’t have much time in the city and you won’t be able to go to a language school or volunteer, and you don’t want to go to churches and museums, then I advise you to visit the Main Cemetery of Sucre. Do not be surprised! In North and South America, cemeteries are the most popular attraction. They are indicated on all maps and guidebooks and are incredibly well maintained. Personally, my visit to the cemetery in Sucre was very memorable. This is a majestic and impressive place with statues, family crypts, alleys, shady trees. This was a real surprise for me! Address: Plaza Pedro Anzures. Free admission.

Shopping and shops

For groceries, vegetables and fruits, fish and meat, I recommend going to the Central Market (Mercado Central), it is located right in the Old Town and is simply outstanding in its color. Bolivian women in colored ponchos sell dozens of varieties of potatoes, corn and some completely unknown jellies, fruits and juices. Many (almost all) do not speak English and will have to explain themselves on their fingers, but this makes it even more interesting.

If you love vegetarian products and healthy food, I recommend the wonderful Drogueria Natural shop right on May 25 Square. There is something here that is sometimes impossible to find in South America: soy milk, quinoa, dark refined rice, dried fruits, muesli. The store is closed on Sundays.

The main city supermarket is called Pompeya and is also located on the main square on May 25th. I always went there. Prices here, according to my observations, are lower than in other stores. There are no complaints about the quality of the goods either.

Bars. Where to go

Bolivians are passionate about beer. In the country it is produced only in large bottles (from 0.6 l); there is no demand for small ones. But the country is poor and there is no “drinking” culture as such here. Everyone just sits in the courtyard or on the curbs. A typical Bolivian bar is a small room with torn walls, tables with flowered oilcloth and a small TV with football or music videos.

Sucre is an exception. Firstly, this is still the capital. Secondly, there are many students here from all over the world. In general, white people in South America are called “gringos.” And all the pubs in Sucre are designed specifically for gringos. There is no local Indian flavor in them, but there is a great desire to be like classic Western pubs. Most often the result is very pretty.

All the main pubs are located on the streets leading from the main square of 25 May. They are always crowded. Students love to have fun, and there are a lot of tourists in Sucre. The only night when it is not customary to go to pubs is from Sunday to Monday.

The main drinking establishments in Sucre:

• The Red Lion English Pub. Address: Bolivar 490.
• Alaska. Address: Calle Arce 415.
• Menfis. Address: Bolivar 650.

Clubs and nightlife

There are not many nightclubs in Sucre. There are too many pubs, coffee shops, and restaurants, and dance clubs are literally “cat crying.” The ones I know:

• Stigma. Address: Calle Bolivar.
• KulturBerlin. Address: Calle Avaroa 334.
• Tabaco´s Soul. Address: Calle San Alberto.

On weekdays, all clubs are closed, maximum activity is on the nights from Friday to Saturday and from Saturday to Sunday. Almost all establishments open at 20:00, but there is no point in coming before 22:00. They close no earlier than seven in the morning. For South Americans, face control is quite strict. But all foreigners are allowed in. Moreover, there is no need to pay for entry. The average price for a cocktail at the Sucre dance club is 3 USD.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

I wrote in detail about what you can bring from Bolivia in. But in addition to the listed goods, Sucre has its own unique products!

For example, the city is famous for its wonderful tapestries, which are sold in the market and in shops. Locals say some of them can take up to a year to make. The variety of colors and symbols depicted on tapestries is enormous and depends on which tribe the item was made from. The best tapestries, in my opinion, are sold in the Inca Pallay store and in the Ethnographic Museum. Price from 20 USD. You can also buy bags, scarves, and ponchos here. Everything is made by hand by local craftsmen.

Sucre is also famous for its chocolates. My favorites are Para Ti and Taboada. If you don’t have time or forget to buy them in stores, keep in mind that they are also sold at the airport and bus station. Price from 3 USD per package.

How to get around the city

The only and, accordingly, incredibly popular type of public transport in Sucre is minibuses (“micros”). If you don't like rushing, cramped, fun buses, you can take a taxi. There are no more options.

Taxi. What features exist

There are a lot of taxis in the city. They can be caught with a traditional hand movement or called by telephone. Call service numbers are usually written on the machines themselves. The cost of the trip is from 1 USD. You cannot pay with cards.

Buses

The starting point of almost all “micro” Sucre is the central market. Just like in Russian cities. On the windshield is the bus number (sometimes a letter) and a sign with the route. All in clear Latin letters. Let's say, micros 7 will take you to Ricoletta, and micros A will take you to the bus station. The money for the ticket should be given not to the driver, but to a colorful young man who leans out of the bus the whole way, whistling and shouting the names of the stations. The cost of the trip depends on the distance, but never exceeds 1 USD.

Transport rental

Personally, I would never decide to rent a car in Sucre. The roads around are too bad and the drivers are impudent. However, there are many such offers in the city, because in the surrounding area there are iconic sights for Bolivia. In Sucre itself there is absolutely no need for a car; it is more convenient to cover all distances on foot.

You can rent a car in Sucre after reaching 23 years of age if you have an international license and a credit card (or a cash deposit of 1000 USD). The driver must have at least two years of experience.

Price per day from 40 USD to 130 USD depending on the brand of car and rental duration. Each kilometer covered is additionally paid – about 0.2 USD. You can rent a car for a week at once, it comes out a little cheaper - on average 400 USD. Here you can compare offers from different rental companies.

Sucre can be a little boring for small children. After all, the city is more about history, churches and architecture. There are no amusement parks or attractions here. And, to be honest, I didn’t see any playgrounds. But teenagers may be interested: in Sucre there are many nice young people from different countries, there is an opportunity to attend Spanish classes or participate in one of the many volunteer projects.