8th May 2024
One of the largest silver deposit systems in the world
After Tupiza, I made my way to Potosí, one of the highest cities in the world, sitting at around 4,000 meters above sea level.
This time, though, I felt great. No headaches, no dizziness, just the relief of being fully acclimatized after days of adapting to altitude.
Potosí itself was a fascinating place. Once one of the richest cities on Earth during colonial times, it’s famous for Cerro Rico (“Rich Mountain”), a silver-rich mountain that fueled the Spanish Empire’s wealth for centuries. It has a heavy, complex history... the wealth extracted from it came at an immense human cost, with thousands of indigenous people and enslaved Africans forced to work in its mines.
Today, the city carries that history in its streets and museums. Its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and intense altitude give it a unique charm.
This time, though, I felt great. No headaches, no dizziness, just the relief of being fully acclimatized after days of adapting to altitude.
Potosí itself was a fascinating place. Once one of the richest cities on Earth during colonial times, it’s famous for Cerro Rico (“Rich Mountain”), a silver-rich mountain that fueled the Spanish Empire’s wealth for centuries. It has a heavy, complex history... the wealth extracted from it came at an immense human cost, with thousands of indigenous people and enslaved Africans forced to work in its mines.
Today, the city carries that history in its streets and museums. Its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and intense altitude give it a unique charm.
