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Polaroid of the Week: The Crumbling Grandeur of Potosí, Bolivia

Polaroid of the Week: The Crumbling Grandeur of Potosí, BoliviaAfter an unforgettable entry into Bolivia via the stunning Salar de Uyuni salt flats, we found Uyuni—the tour's endpoint—underwhelming. After a restorative night with a hot shower and ample sleep, we boarded the bus to Potosí, our first true destination in the country.

Potosí, a colonial gem, was once among the world's richest cities, fueled by the silver-laden 'Cerro Rico' (Rich Hill). Though pure silver is depleted, miners still endure hazardous conditions daily, inhaling silica dust and asbestos to extract remaining minerals.

Our primary goal was to tour the mine firsthand—details of that intense experience coming soon (rest assured, we emerged safely).

We wandered the altitude-challenging streets (Potosí sits at 4,090 meters or 13,420 feet), paused in the picturesque central plaza, admired ornate wooden balconies on colonial homes, and ascended church towers for panoramic views. It's clear why this historic city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, perched dramatically beneath the clouds.

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