Trifter

The landlocked country of Bolivia in South America is famous for Lake Titicaca which is the highest navigable lake in the world. The country also has four of the highest cities in the world.

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Image via Wikipedia

Potosi, Cerro Rico Mine and Dollar Signs

Potosi is 13,045 above sea level and is the world’s second highest city, coming behind Wenchuan, China, which is built at a height of 16,730. Potosi is a bleak looking mining city which sits below the Cerro Rico silver mine. The town was founded in 1546 to house workers from the mine and the infrastructure developed from there.

In his book Don Quixote, Cervantes mentions the wealth of Potosi and it has been suggested that the mint mark of Potosi ‘PTSI’ is the origin of the American dollar sign. All four letters when superimposed, give a $ sign.

During the 1600’s the country was under the rule of Spain and there was a labour shortage at the mines. An order was made to allow Potosi to import up to 2000 African slaves per year to work in the mines as there were too few indigenous Indians left.

By 1800 the silver in the mines was very much depleted and mining concentrated on tin and lead.

This is quite a bleak city in comparison with La Paz and Sucre but still has some historical interest.

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Oruro Devil Dances and Silver Mines

Oruro is 12,146 feet above sea level and was founded in 1606. It too is based on silver mining but the mines were soon exhausted and for a few years, La Salvadora tin mine supplied most of the world’s tin until that too ran out.

The city is best known today for its carnival which brings in many tourists and is known as a major folklore event in South America because of its traditional ‘devil dances’.

Image by Phillie Casablanca via Flickr

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Image by NeilsPhotography via Flickr

La Paz Capital of Bolivia

La Paz is built in a kind of bowl below the mountains. These mountains tower around it and the only direction it can grow in is up the slopes.

The city was founded in 1548 by the Spanish Conquistadors on the site of an ancient native settlement. It was not until 1825 that La Paz and the rest of Bolivia broke free from Spanish rule.

La Paz is the world’s highest capital city and it has the highest football ground, golf course, and aircraft landing strip. The city is very close to the ancient site of Tiahuanacu and Lake Titicaca and has many ancient and natural sites of its own. Tiwanaku Square in front of the football stadium and various other market places and squares make the city interesting and intriguing. Carnivals are a feature throughout the year in La Paz.

Image via Wikipedia

Image via Wikipedia

Sucre: Fabrics, Architecture and Dinosaur Footprints

Sucre is south east of La Paz and stands at 9,301 feet above sea level against a majestic and beautiful background of mountains. Its beautiful colonial architecture has led to it being listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Although the city is still high up, its slightly lower altitude gives it a warmer all year climate than La Paz, Potosi, or Oruro, so it tends to be a more popular base for visitors to Bolivia.

This city too was founded by the Spaniards in 1538 and many of its building go back to the days of the Conquistadors. It too was part of the huge silver mining operations in Bolivia.

Apart from architecture, Sucre has some unique attractions including the ‘Dinosaur Tracks’ where you can actually see preserved dinosaur footprints, a fabulous textile and art museum, and even a miniature Eiffel Tower. Tourism is a thriving industry here and visitors come all year round.