1 Day itinerary in Bolivia, South America
Potosi Active Mine Day Trip
Embark on an unforgettable journey down the depths of Potosi's iconic silver mines with this exhilarating adventure tour. Experience the vibrant culture of Bolivian miners, witness traditional mining techniques up close, and explore the labyrinthine tunnels of Cerro Rico. Dive into the rich history ... Read More
By Yecid Walberto
Overview
Physical Difficulty
Average
Recommended Age
Everyone
Operated in
English
GUIDANCE
On Some Day Trips
starting point
Potosi
trip type
Private
trip attributes
Nature & Widlife
Nature & Wildlife
Start/End
Night
Highlights
Get equipped in actual safety gear to explore an active mine
View minerals and other unique geological formations
Buy dynamite, alcohol, and coca leaves as gifts to the miners
Get equipped in actual safety gear to explore an active mine
View minerals and other unique geological formations
Buy dynamite, alcohol, and coca leaves as gifts to the miners
Itinerary
Accommodation Categories
Day 1
Day 1 : Potosi, Bolivia
Your trip will begin with a short sightseeing tour around Potosi and a stop at the Mining Market on your way up to "Cerro Rico". At the market you will be able to observe a wide range of materials and tools used by the miners in their daily jobs at the mine. Buy dynamite, alcohol and coca leaves to give as a present to the miners you will meet on your tour.
Shortly before arriving to the mines, you will make a stop at a small storage room where you will put on work pants, jacket, boots, helmet and lamp to go into the mine as a security measure. The mines that are visited all are located in the heart of Potosi's historical Cerro Rico and they are concessions that the state carries out to the legally established mining cooperatives. Inside them you can appreciate the system of miners’ work that has not suffered great changes after so much time of exploitation. The use of dynamite, air compressors and mechanical perforators have all been used in the mining process.
Your tour will take you through the different galleries and interior levels of the mines where you can see statues that the miners have built to represent their gods, such as the Uncle of the Mine. You will be able to view the mineral veins that are a group of rocks and chemical formations of minerals in the mine and other formations unique to Cerro Rico. Interact with the local workers, give them a small present as a token of your appreciation for their hard work and observe the humbling work they do here through different methods that are carried out numerous times a day.
What’s Included
Transport
- All transportation as per itinerary
Activities
- Potosi Active Mine
Extras
- Entrance fees
- Necessary equipment for the mine tour (helmet, gum boots, trousers, jacket and torch)
Not Included
- Gifts for the miners (can be purchased before going to the mine)
- Suggested tip for the guide
- Meals and drinks
- Personal Expenses
Travel that Makes a Difference
By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.
Let’s regenerate the planet together
We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.
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