Half-Day Potosí Active Mine Trip to Cerro Rico

3.7 (3 reviews) 3 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

3 reviews

3.7

Entering an active mine in Potosi — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Cerro Rico mine in Potosi — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Take a 3-hour tour to visit the local workers in the active mine of Cerro Rico (at 4,400m) and learn the history of Potosi. Discover the different galleries and interior levels of the mines and get a feel for the harsh working conditions. Experience the Potosi mines just like the local workers.

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At a glance

Duration: 3 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English, Spanish
Operated by: Bamba Travel

Ages: Adults (7–77 years)

What is included

Included

Included: English-speaking guide
Included: Transportation

Not included

Not included: Gifts for the miners (can be purchased before going to the mine)
Not included: Suggested tip for the guide ($10 Bs)
Not included: Food and drinks

Itinerary

Potosi

3 hours

Your trip will begin with a short sightseeing tour around Potosi and a stop at the Mining Market on your way up to "Cerro Rico". At the market you will be able to observe a wide range of materials and tools used by the miners in their daily jobs at the mine. Buy dynamite, alcohol and coca leaves to give as a present to the miners you will meet on your tour.
Cerro Rico

3 hours Admission included

Shortly before arriving to the mines, you will make a stop at a small storage room where you will put on work pants, jacket, boots, helmet and lamp to go into the mine as a security measure.

Inside them you can appreciate the system of miners’ work that has not suffered great changes after so much time of exploitation. The use of dynamite, air compressors and mechanical perforators have all been used in the mining process.

Your tour will take you through the different galleries and levels of the mines where you can see statues that the miners have built to represent their gods, such as the Uncle of the Mine. You will be able to view the mineral veins that are a group of rocks and chemical formations of minerals in the mine and other formations unique to Cerro Rico. Interact with the local workers, give them a small present as a token of your appreciation for their hard work and observe the humbling work they do here through different methods that are carried out numerous times a day.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Plaza 10 de Noviembre (In front of the Cathedral)

End point

Plaza 10 de Noviembre (In front of the Cathedral)

Using your ticket

Important: Please contact Bamba Experience at [email protected] to confirm your departure information at least 1 week prior to your first day of travel.

This operator requires you to contact them directly prior to this tour/activity.