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Bolivia trip - View over the roof-tops

Springtime in the white city

Sucre Bolivia trip

Sucre is the laid-back, often sunny and compact capital of Bolivia. The charming colonial posada you'll stay at during your Bolivia trip is a great place to rest up during an intense Bolivia trip.

You won't be the first traveller to be surprised to hear that Sucre, not La Paz, is Bolivia's capital. Despite the altitude, 2800m, the colonial college town has a wonderful climate because it is located in a sheltered valley. Don't be fooled by the old-fashioned appearance of the houses and colonial churches: Sucre has a youthful and energetic atmosphere. The city squares are surrounded by lovely old trees; an ideal meeting place for students to meet up for a chat. You'll spend two nights in a traditional posada on your Bolivia trip. Try to plan your trip so that you're in Sucre on a Sunday so that you can visit the Tarabuco market. It's about two hours away from Sucre in the middle of the countryside. The locals browse through the market wearing beautiful traditional, colourful clothing.

Inspired? Take a look at our other bite-sized Bolivia tours and longer Peru holidays.

Duration

3 days/ 2 nights

Accommodation

2 nights in a double occupancy room in a centrally located posada (see our photos here).
Accommodation category 3.

Price

£68 per person - based on 2 people sharing

Includes

Accommodation with breakfast

Transport

You'll arrange your own transport

Excludes

Other meals, excursions/ entrance fees, optional trip to Tarabuco Market on Sunday

Day 1: Arrival - Bolivia trip

Your arrival time in Sucre depends on which direction you're coming from. When you arrive at the bus station or at airport in Sucre, you'll easily arrange your own taxi cab to take you to your hotel in the city centre. We'll make reservations for you to stay at traditional posada with a sunny courtyard. Try to take it easy on your first day of this Bolivia trip. Even though Sucre is relatively lower than the rest of Bolivia, its altitude is still high compared to the UK. 

In the afternoon you'll have time to go for a walk through Sucre's narrow streets and to enjoy the friendly ambience. The city's white buildings are the reason the city is known as "La Ciudad Blanca". Sucre's old city is considered the best preserved Spanish colonial city in South America; there's quite a lot to see and do in the city. There are many museums, a lively central plaza, shops and restaurants.
Bolivia trip - Young girl
Bolivia trip - San Felipe

 

During this Bolivia trip, we recommend that you visit El Monasterio Recoleta, a Franciscan monastery where you can tour through the monastery halls and gardens. The patio with orange trees is a delightfully quiet spot where you can let your impressions sink in. There's also a 1400 year old giant cedar tree. According to old folklore, if you walk around the tree to the left a marriage will take place. Supposedly if you walk around the tree to your right, all your wishes will come true. It's up to you to decide which side you prefer.

If you climb the towers of the church and the San Felipe de Neri convent, you're guaranteed beautiful photos. The view from the monastery terrace out across the city's rooftops and white church towers at sunset is also spectacular. 

In this Bolivian city you'll also find a small piece of the Netherlands. The Dutchman Gert, has a popular bar near the square. It's a source of information and inspiration and you won't be able to miss it.

Day 2: Tarabuco Sunday Market

If your Bolivia trip includes a Sunday, leave the city and head into the countryside to visit the Tarabuco market. The town is located at an altitude of 3200m, about a 30 minute drive on a dusty road to the southeast of Sucre. We can arrange transport to this market; just let us know if you're interested on your quote request form. Tarabuco is known for its colourful market that's only held Sundays. Local Indians dressed in traditional clothing come in to sell their goods. It's a crowded market, so keep a close eye on your wallet and camera. Very few tourists know about the market, so you'll definitely stand out. Once you've selected a few souvenirs, the best thing to do is to find a chair on a terrace along the square. Take in the scene unfolding before you: you'll see mothers with long braids with a child on their backs, a child on her back and shy children might approach you and ask if you want to buy a braided bracelet. You'll also see men carrying enormous bags of rice or potatoes and women in faded skirts pulling their fully laden donkeys. It's the essence of Bolivia.
Bolivia trip - Tarabuco Market
Bolivia trip - Horse riding

Day 3: Departure - End of your Bolivia trip

After breakfast you can continue travelling via Potosi for our Potosi to Uyuni  Searching in the silver mines tour, to Uyuni or you'll continue travelling with our Santa Cruz Bolivia travel module.

It may be worth your while on your Bolivia trip to book an additional night in Sucre. It will give you an opportunity to explore the area surrounding the city as well. Lace up your hiking boots and check out one of the options for hiking day trips. This will give you an opportunity to visit Niñu Mayu, Bolivia's Jurassic Park filled with dinosaur tracks.

You'll also have the opportunity to go horseback riding through the surroundings. Hop on the saddle for a morning tour past historic haciendas and breathtaking vistas. This excursion can be booked on location at your hotel.

Bolivia trip accommodation (Click to enlarge)

 

Click here for the Quote Request Form

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Bolivia tours


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