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Sucre: Bolivia's Constitutional Capital in Photos

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The constitutional capital of Bolivia is Sucre, though the power of government has since shifted to La Paz, which most people now think of as the country's capital.

The Supreme Court is still located in Sucre, and unlike La Paz, Sucre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I wasted no time departing Potosí after my silver mine tour.

I and a few others from the hostel shared a private taxi for the journey, which lasted two to three hours.

A beautiful example of republican architecture, the Chuquisaca Governorship Palace was the initial Palace of Government when it was completed in 1896.
A beautiful example of republican architecture, the Chuquisaca Governorship Palace was the initial Palace of Government completed in 1896.

More so than any other city in South America to date, Sucre reminded me of Medellín, Colombia.

At an elevation of 2,810 meters, it's quite a bit higher, and with only 300,000 people, it's smaller, but the feeling of a city surrounded by the mountains was the same.

I was hoping the lower elevation would alleviate the problem in my fingertips, but I had to go lower still, so I only spent a few nights before hopping a flight to Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

The Metropolitan Cathedral, built from 1559 to 1712, is so large, it's hard to capture in a single photo
The Metropolitan Cathedral, built from 1559 to 1712, is so large, it's hard to capture in a single photo.
Statue of Mariscal Jose Antonio Sucre, the first president of Bolivia
Statue of Mariscal Jose Antonio Sucre, the first president of Bolivia, in Plaza 25 de Mayo. The park's name recognizes the date Bolivians began to declare their independence from Spain in 1809.
This building marks one of the corners of Plaza 25 de Mayo
This building marks one of the corners of Plaza 25 de Mayo.
Another well-preserved building (this one is not located in Plaza 25 de Mayo)
Another well-preserved building (this one is not located in Plaza 25 de Mayo).
Spicy chicken in red pepper sauce, with rice and potatoes
My first dinner in Sucre was at Pueblo Chico restaurant. I ordered the spicy chicken in red pepper sauce, with rice and potatoes.
La Recoleta Monastery
La Recoleta Monastery, founded in 1601. I was informed it was too dangerous to visit the top of the hill seen in the background.
Detailed view of the entrance to La Recoleta. There's a museum inside the monastery.
Detailed view of the entrance to La Recoleta. There's a museum inside the monastery.
The view of Sucre from Mirador Cafe
The view of Sucre from Mirador Cafe.
My colorful lunch at the Mirador Cafe. I believe it's chicken smothered in cheese and surrounded by vegetables.
My colorful lunch at the Mirador Cafe. I believe it's chicken smothered in cheese and surrounded by vegetables.
Dinosaur footprints
Dinosaur footprints can be seen running straight up this quarry wall at the Parque Creatico outside of Sucre.
Observation deck and air traffic control tower at Sucre's Lajas Tambo Airport
Observation deck and air traffic control tower at Sucre's Lajas Tambo Airport.
My Aerocon flight from Sucre to Santa Cruz de la Sierra
My Aerocon flight from Sucre to Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
A final look back at the Sucre airport
A final look back at the Sucre airport.

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UNESCO

The Historic City of Sucre became a World Heritage Site in 1991.

Click here for the complete list of UNESCO sites Dave has visited during his travels.

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About Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 68 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Comments

  1. Backpacking Panda says

    I loved Sucre. I stayed there for 2 and a half weeks, studing spanish and volunteering. It is such a nice beautiful city, with awesome people and great restaurants! And the zebras that help you cross the streets are so cute...(=

  2. Jeanette Todd says

    Basing on the pictures it does reminds of Medellin, Colombia. You have taken great photos of the city. Thanks for sharing it.

  3. Fabio Nodari says

    Wow..Greap pics Dave!!