Les Pérégrinations de Pierre

Next stop, Potosi in the Central Highlands region. Why Potosi? 2 reasons, a practical first, because it’s half way to Tupiza (from which I’ll head to the Salar of Uyuni) and an historical one. Potosi and its Cerro Rico is the place where Spain has derived most of its fortune (silver mining). It is said that between 1545 and 1825 the mines exploitation cost up to 8 million souls (indigenous and African slaves).

Created in 1545, Villa imperial de Carlos V, later renamed Potosí (after a Quechua word ´Potojsi´ meaning explosion) is studded which prime colonial buildings and churches witnesses of the past prosperity of the town. With almost 200,000 inhabitants, it used to be one of the largest cities in the world. It hosts the Casa de la Moneda where the coins of the Spanish Crown were minted.

The output of the mines slowed in the 19^th century triggering the decline of the city. The Cerro Rico is still exploited today by cooperatives of miners. Working conditions have not evolved much since the 16^th century. I did a tour in one of the mines… it was as close to hell as it can be… never again!!

Today Potosi is a lively city with busy streets and lots of food stalls!