Potosi Disney Travel Agents Near Me

Overview

Introduction

The 16th-century silver-mining town of Potosi claims to be the world's highest city (15,380 ft/4,690 m). It merits at least a 24-hour stay.

Visit the Casa Nacional de Moneda, or mint. Take a look at the jarring entryway carving of a grinning Bacchus—which must be seen to be believed. Take note of the way the mint itself was constructed—some of its beams, made of a hardwood called quebracha, were hand-carried from the Gran Chaco region, more than 250 mi/400 km away.

Allow time to walk the narrow, winding streets and look at the beautiful colonial buildings. You can take a bus trip to the San Ildefonso Lake (an artificial lake built for silver mining) or to one of the nearby mines. You can even try your luck at the once-fabulous Cerro Rico, the largest silver mine in the world—nearly the entire mountain was found to be pure silver—and responsible for much of colonial-era Spain's enormous wealth. But take note: The cooperative-run mines are squalid Dickensian nightmares—miners work in dank, muddy corridors filled with noxious gases. Wear your worst clothes for the trip and bring a small something for the workers who toil there.
Tours can be arranged from Potosi to the Uyuni salt pans. 50 mi/80 km southwest of Sucre.

Overview

Introduction

Though an industrial center 225 mi/375 km north of Mexico City, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, has wonderfully preserved colonial architecture (churches and civil buildings) in the downtown section. It's also home to the National Museum of Masks, which displays examples of masks that play a large role in Mexican culture. Just outside of town is what may be the best science museum in the country, rivaling most in the U.S. for size and number of hands-on activities: the Laberinto Museum of Science and Arts. http://museolaberinto.com.

Some people love this town; others can't see what all the fuss is about. On Good Friday, San Luis has an annual Procession of Silence that is reminiscent of medieval Spain. The town also hosts arts and dance festivals in spring and summer.