Weekend in Potosí

Franciscan convent with a small museum of religious art and colonial relics. Entry is free but a donation of 5 bolivianos is suggested. The cloister garden is open to wander.

Tip: Ask the caretaker to unlock the upper balcony—it has a great view of Cerro Rico. Avoid Sunday afternoon when it's closed for mass.

Covered market with food stalls, handicrafts, and a vegetable section. No entry fee. Good for cheap local lunches like salteñas or api (corn drink) for under 10 bolivianos.

Tip: The second floor has a comedor (food court) with the cheapest set meals in town—around 12 bolivianos. Go before 1pm for the freshest produce and fewer crowds.

Main square with a central fountain, benches, and colonial arcades. Locals gather here in the evenings. Good spot for people-watching and free Wifi from the nearby municipal building.

Tip: Best light for photos is late afternoon when the cathedral facade glows. Avoid sitting near the fountain after 6pm—it gets crowded with street vendors selling cheap snacks.

The mountain that made Potosí famous. You can hike the lower slopes for panoramic city views without paying a guide. The summit is not accessible without a miner-led tour, but the viewpoint at the bas

Tip: Go early morning before 9am to avoid afternoon clouds rolling in. The path starts behind the main market.

Historic mint where colonial silver coins were struck. The main exhibition costs 20 bolivianos but the courtyard and outer rooms with old machinery are free to enter after 12pm on weekdays.

Tip: The free section includes the original coin presses and a small workshop. Steer clear of the paid guided tour if you're on a tight budget.