Potosi

Potosí is a city in southwestern Bolivia, the capital of the Potosí Department and the municipal seat of Tomás Frías Province. It lies high in the Andes at roughly 4,090 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest major settlements in the world. The city sits at the foot of Cerro Rico, a mountain that holds a vast silver ore deposit.

Discovery of massive silver deposits in the Cerro Rico in the mid-16th century led to rapid growth. Potosí was founded in 1545 as a mining town, and Cerro Rico became one of the most productive silver mines in the world, supplying a large portion of the silver coinage that funded the Spanish Empire. The mining relied on indigenous labor under the mita system, and conditions in the mines were harsh.

Many historic buildings from the colonial era survive in the city center, including churches, houses, and the Casa de la Moneda (The Mint), established in 1572. The Mint produced vast quantities of coins, and its facilities now host a museum and exhibits on coin production and mining history.

Today, Potosí remains an administrative and commercial center for the region. Mining continues on a smaller scale, alongside services, education, and tourism. Visitors can explore the well-preserved streets and architecturally important sites, and some operators offer guided tours of the Cerro Rico mines, with safety considerations.

Climate is cold and dry year-round due to the altitude, with large diurnal temperature variation. The city’s high-altitude setting and historical mining heritage make it a frequent destination for visitors interested in colonial history and Andean mining culture.