Potosí

[[File:]] Potosí, at around 4,000 metres, is one of the world's highest large cities. It is located in the Potosí (department) | Potosí Department of Bolivia.

Potosí Halal Travel Guide

Potosi air - Aerial photo of Potosi

Potosí was founded in 1546 after the discovery of the rich silver deposits in the Cerro Rico. It soon became one of the wealthiest and largest cites in the Americas. The mines of the Cerro Rico are the richest mines in all of world history and may have produced 60,000 tons of silver. The name Potosi was adopted by San Luis de Potosi in Mexico to reflect their hopes for equal riches. It is reputed that at one time mules were shoed with silver due to the difficulty of getting supplies of iron to the city. Some of this wealth was used to build magnificent baroque churches (UNESCO listed sites) and monasteries. Hundreds of thousands of indigenous labourers and African slaves perished in mines in the three centuries of colonial rule. The miners were often below ground for weeks at a time. In 1800 the silver mines were depleted and tin became the major ore mined. Recently they are mining rare earths. All of this has led to a slow economic decline.

The wealthy history of Potosí is still reflected in the narrow streets, colonial mansions and the many churches, which make the city a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Travel to Potosí

Travel on a Bus in Potosí

There are 2 bus terminals in Potosí. The old terminal (Ex Terminal) GPS -19.57819,-65.76501 located on Av. Universitaria, a 30 minutes walk uphill to the downtown. Uyuni bound buses and shared taxi to Sucre leave from there. While the new terminal (Nueva Terminal) GPS -19.55791,-65.76153 (Bs. 2 to access the platforms) is located in the NE of the city and is accessible by a 30 min bus ride (Bs. 1.5) or taxi. Most long distance buses leave from there, as buses to Sucre.

• There are several daily buses from Oruro. About 6 hr.
• There are hourly connections with Sucre. 3.5 hr, Bs. 17.
• Morning and evening buses to Tupiza. From Tupiza at 09:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:30, 22:00, 23:00. 5-8 hr, Bs. 30. Expresso Tupiza (sometimes written as ExP) seems to be a slightly more expensive but reliable option for around Bs. 40. (from the new terminal).
• There are buses running from Uyuni at 10:00 and 18:00. 5-7 hr, Bs. 35.
• Morning and evening buses to and from Tarija with Expreso Tarija. 9-10 hr, Bs. 60.
• Buses to La Paz leave from the new terminal. 9 hr, Bs. 100 for cama.

By van/servis

Collective cabs that travel slightly quicker but more expensive than the buses can also be arranged to Sucre (Bs. 35) and Oruru (Bs. 120). These leave when full and are a godsend during bus strikes.

Best way to travel in Potosí by a Taxi

From Sucre it is worth hiring a cab for 2 or more people as the trip is faster and more comfortable than one on a collective cab or a bus, and the cab leaves at your schedule.

Buy a Flight ticket to and from Potosí

If arriving at Sucre airport and there are shared taxis that depart from the airport. Upon exiting the airport, look to your right and there is a taxi rank. The cost is Bs. 50 per person (as of November. 2014) or if you wish to hire the entire taxi (expreso) the cost is Bs. 200. The taxi will usually drop you off in Potosí's main plaza.

To return, taxis leave from the "ex-terminal". If you wish to return to the airport, you should negotiate with the driver, it will be between Bs. 40-50 pp.

How to get around in Potosí

Taxis are generally affordable and plentiful around Potosi. However, always check the price with the driver. Some charge per person which could get you into arguments when it comes time to pay. Bus from Centro area to Main bus Terminal costs 1Bs. Taxis from main bus terminal between 3-6 bs depending on your bargaining skills and the time of day.

What to see in Potosí

• Casa Nacional de Moneda - National Mint of Bolivia | -19.588611, -65.754167 - Entrance is Bs. 40 for foreigners and Bs. 10 for Bolivians Cl. Ayacocha s/n, is de former royal mint of Spain, which now houses one of the best museums in South America. A visit is by guided tour (English and French if there is enough demand) which takes about 2 hours. The museum has a collection of religious art, contempary art, local minerals, and excellently maintained artifacts covering several hundred years of technologies from it's time as the mint.

• Convento de Santa Teresa | Calle Chichas Bottom end of Calle Ayacucho - Bs 21 Tours (in Spanish only) give a good explanation of the life and work of the Carmelite nuns and their monastery. Very little flagellation (LP).

• Torre de la Compañia de Jesus - Calle Ayaucho Half a block from the square Opening from Monday to Saturday 08:00-20:00; Sunday 09:00-17:00 Bs. 10 Nice views of the surroundings from above.

Potosi Mines (71625784) - Miners at work

Best things to do in Potosí

• Mining tour There are many tour agencies in Potosí offering this tour, shop around before buying. The price is around Bs. 80-130 - A visit to Potosí cannot be mentioned without a visit to one of the cooperative mines. It is a kind of poverty tourism that many visitors are eager to embrace. It's a shocking experience as the methods of working haven't changed much since the colonial times. Working conditions are terrible: most miners die of silicosis in their forties. Still, many people don't have another choice and around 10,000 people work in the mines. A tour starts with a visit to the miners' market to buy gifts for the miners like coca leaves, drinks, cigarettes or dynamite. You will then visit an ore refinery plant where the miners sell whatever deposits they manage to collect. Then you head to the mines, where a typical visit will have you walking and crawling through it for about 2~3 hr. You can talk, take photographs and share your gifts with the miners.
  Taking a tour of one of the cooperative mines is still a good way to get a sense of the social price paid for the mineral wealth of the few. The dust is supposed to contain silicon that leads to silicosis (wear a disposable mask!) among the miners. Water dropping from the walls and ceiling is said to contain arsenic and cyanide. You can see asbestos fibers in the rock walls. Many of the mine props are snapped and on my tour in 2003 there was a minor ceiling cave-in that forced us to wait a bit before being able to exit the mine. One very interesting aspect of the mine was the little side chamber near the entrance to the mine that contained a statue of "El Tio," a diabolic figure that the miners make offerings to. They say that God may rule aboveground, but that El Tio is in charge down below.
  Btw. they don't do explosions just for tourists, but for the sake of the mine. People with claustrophobic tendencies, be wary, Silver Mine Tours 28/01/10, takes you deep into the guts of this rabbit warren of a mine. It seems the safety aspect is very low, actually totally missing.

Halal Restaurants in Potosí

• The cheapest meals can be found in the Mercado Central.

• Sky Room - Mirador | Calle Bolivar 701, 3rd floor ☎ +591 622 0138 - 4 course lunch Bs. 15 Nice view of Cerro Rico

• Doña Eugenia, Corner of Ortega and Santa Cruz (near the cemetery), to try the famous Kalapurka soup (spicy soup served hot with a volcanic rock). It is a Potosí institution. Take a cab.
• Sumaj Orcko, Cl. Cobija 34, serves big plates (Bs. 30-35), also a good place for lunch (Bs. 15).
• Chifa Rosa, Cl. Cobija 38, affordable but not special chinese food.
• Pasteleria Cherrys, Padillo 8, for pastels and breakfast.

• El Meson | Cnr Tarija & Linares - Upmarket restaurant with great food at reasonable prices, start with the great house salad for 12B

• Cine de Universidad, Bolivar 893, for Hollywood movies. Spanish only.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Potosí

Potosí - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Potosí, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Potosí. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Potosí and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Potosí. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Potosí. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inPotosí: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Potosí.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Potosí: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Potosí, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Potosí.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Potosí, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Potosí, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Potosí and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Potosí, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Potosí, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Potosí without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Potosí is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Potosí.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Potosí is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Potosí, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Potosí Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Potosí

eHalal Group Potosí is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Potosí. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Potosí.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Potosí ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Potosí. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Potosí, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Potosí are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

• Hostal More - 19.5806499, -65.7627375 Bs. 50 pp - Clean with shared bathroom and great views. Has rooms for up to 4 people.

• Koala Den ktour@ Junín 56 4 blocks from the square ☎ +591 2 6226467 - Has heating in the rooms! Book exchange, fast Internet with Wi-Fi. Dorm bed with excellent breakfast including eggs and fruit! Bs. 60-70 (dorm with 6-8 beds). Also doubles and triples. Has highly recommended tours of the silver mines even though they are a bit more expensive than other tour companies. Has a great view of the mountain from the rooftop, be careful when climbing the water tank though.

• Residencial Felcar, Av Serrudo esq. Bustillos 345, (02)6224966. Another favorite spot by travellers. It has a nice, sunny patio and hot showers from 8am to 10pm. Some of the singles are tiny. Single Bs. 25.
• Hotel Jerusalem with stunning vistas over Potosi from breakfast room and from roof top.

• Carlos Hostal V Calle Linares No 42 ☎ +591 2 6231010 - from Bs. 80 - Here is a great new hostel in the heart of Centro Potosi. Great beds, fast wifi, warm showers, and a great lounging area.

• Sky Hacienda Hotel - Mosoj Llajta In between Potosi and Sucre ☎ +591 72888044 - from $95 Check-in: 13.00 / Check-out: 12.00 An architecturally unique hotel situated above the Yotala valley, surrounded by 360 degree panoramic views of the mountains.

Stay Safe

Potosi is relatively safe. But, like most other places in Bolivia it is advised not to walk alone at night outside the main Plaza.

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