Bolivia – Sucre

Sucre is Bolivia’s most beautiful city (so far) and the symbolic heart of the nation as it was here that independence was proclaimed. A glorious ensemble of white colonial buildings with cozy interior patios. The city was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1991. Also, I actually learned that it’s Bolivia’s capital! I always thought it was La Paz..

Sucre is a university city, with quite a large student population, so peak hour occurs just before and after school hours, with the streets being particularly busy at these times. A lot of tourist visit Sucre to take Spanish lessons as they are pretty cheap (about 30 bolivianos an hour) and soak in the peaceful surroundings. It’s also a perfect place to take lessons as the Bolivians are regarded as having one of the clearest and most neutral Spanish accents in Latin America.

There isn’t that much to visit in the city itself but a lot to do around, as well as just getting lost in the narrow little streets. I highly recommend passing by at least a few days!

Also, Sucre is pretty cheap! You can eat, sleep, buy souvenirs for way less than a lot of different Bolivian cities. Good argument!

Casa de la Libertad

This museum is where the Bolivian declaration of independence was signed on August 6, 1825. It has been designated a national memorial and is considered the birthplace of the nation. He entrance fee includes a guided tour (French, English, Spanish) that lasts for about 1 hour. It’s very interesting and you learn a lot about Bolivia’s history.

Casa de la Libertad Website

Plaza 25 de Mayo, 11

Tue-Sat 9am-12pm, 2:30pm-6:30pm

Sun 9am-12pm

 

Mercado Central

While the fruits are a less incredible than in Peru, this market has good quality ingredients. And it’s the cleanest and more organized market I’ve seen so far in South America!

Junin 366

Mon-Sun 6am-6pm

Mirador Recoleta

Walk up to the point of view to have a nice view over the city. You can also have a bite just under it in a nice little restaurant with a terrasse over viewing the city (25 bolivianos for a sandwich).

I stayed at the Beehive Hostel. It was well situated and cozy. There is a little interior garden that is quite nice. The breakfast is good too (you can choose between a big bowl of fruit, fruit with oatmeal or vegetable omelette). They also offer Spanish lessons (35 bolivianos/hour). Great location but no real hot water in the shower..

Beehive Website

62 bolivianos a night
Calle Avaroa 607