Located in the Southern highlands of Bolivia at an elevation of 2760m, Sucre is known as the ‘White City’ for its abundance of white-coloured colonial buildings. Sucre, founded in the 16th century, wears its colonial past proudly. It is considered the historical heart of Bolivia. Cobblestone streets lined with whitewashed buildings and ornate churches can be found in this beautiful city. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, La Paz, Sucre is the constitutional and official capital of Bolivia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This enchanting city offers a unique blend of colonial architecture, indigenous traditions, and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages travelers to explore its hidden treasures.
Plaza de Armas 25 de Mayo
At the heart of the historical center of Sucre lies the Plaza de Armas de 25 Mayo. This plaza is centrally located and is a great place to start your discovery of Sucre. Within and surrounding the plaza are many lively markets, cafes, and restaurants. Furthermore, various important tourist sites such as ‘Casa de la Liberdad’, the location where Bolivia’s Independence was declared in 1825, are in close walking distance.
Casa de la Libertad
The Casa de la Libertad (Freedom House) is considered of the one the most important historical sites in Bolivia. In this very place the Declaration of Independence was signed on August 6, 1825. Thus, the Casa de la libertad was the birthplace of the modern-day Bolivia. Bolivia first constitution and its new laws, drawn up by the liberator Simon Bolivar, were ratified in this building.
Now a museum open to the public, English and French speaking guides are available.
Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00 to 12:30 and 14:30 to 18:30
Sunday: 9:00 to 12:00
Monday: Closed
Entrance Cost: 10bs Bolivian Citizens, 15 bs Foreigners and an additional 10bs to take photos.
Iglesia de San Felipe de Neri
Arguably Sucre’s best church to visit, this imposing neoclassical style church was constructed in 1800 by stone obtained from the nearby Churuquella hill. Inside the church contains many neoclassical paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Spectacular views of the white city can be had be making your way to the rooftop terrace. It’s also a great photo opportunity.
The entrance can be found in the adjacent María Auxiliadora School. Cost 17bs.
Hours:
Monday to Friday: 15:00 to 18:00
Saturday: 09:00 to 18:00
Sunday: Closed
Treasure Museum
If gemstones, mining and jewelry are of interest to you, then the Treasure Museum (Museo de Tesoro) is a must visit. Housing the bicolour ametrine gemstone known as Bolivianite, this gemstone is found exclusively in Bolivia. Discover much about Bolivia’s mining history and the everyday lives of its workers. Furthermore, marvel at the intricate Bolivian jewelry designs and techniques from pre-Columbian times to the present day. Located in the Plaza de Armas 25 de Mayo, it is close to the central tourist district and is well worth a visit.
Hours:
Monday to Sunday: 0900 to 1230 and 1500 to 1830.
Cost: 30bs
Museo Colonial Charcas
Established in a beautifully preserved colonial building, this museum offers an enriching journey through Bolivia’s past, focusing particularly on the historic Charcas region, which played a pivotal role in the country’s development.
The museum’s collection is a captivating blend of archaeological artifacts, colonial art, and historical documents. Visitors are greeted by an array of pre-Columbian relics that provide insight into the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the area.
One of the museum’s highlights is its collection of colonial-era artworks and artifacts, which vividly illustrate the cultural and religious shifts that occurred during the Spanish colonization. Visitors can admire beautiful religious paintings, ornate silverwork, and period clothing that reflect the blending of European and indigenous traditions.
I highly recommend that you visit the Museo Colonial Charcas during your time in Sucre!
Hours:
Monday to Friday: 0900 to 1230 and 1430 to 1830
Saturday: 0930 to 12:00
Sunday: Closed
Plaza Pedro de Anzurez
Overlooking the white city of Sucre, the Plaza Pedro de Anzurez offers fantastic views and is highly recommended to visit. Sit, relax, take photos and enjoy the view that this plaza offers. Nearby there is nice cafe called Time & Coffee if you need to recharge. Also, the Museo de la Recoleta is adjacent to the plaza and worth a short visit.
Cementerio General
The General Cemetary of Sucre was founded in 1894 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site as of 2004. Located not far from the city centre of Sucre, the General Cemetary is a showcase of many important historical political figures. Due to its significant heritage value, personal guides are available for a small charge to provide in depth insights into the political and cultural history of Bolivia.
The Cemetary offers a beautiful natural environment intertwined with the national history of Bolivia and its significant characters. It is well worth a visit whilst you are in Sucre. Highly recommended.
Glorieta Castle
Situated on the outskirts of Sucre, Glorieta Castle is a peculiar and fascinating National Monument of Bolivia. Constructed by the Urioste – Argandoña family between 1893 and 1897, the Castle consists of a mixed architectural design. This includes Arabic, Byzantine and Russian architectural influences.
Tours are available and you are free roam around the castle independently if you so desire. There is also a tower you can climb to get a total perspective of the Castle and its surroundings.
Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 0900-1700
Sunday: Closed
Cost: 15bs for Foreigners
Parque Cretacico
Dinosaur lovers will rejoice at Parque Cretacico, which is one of Bolivia’s most popular tourist destinations. Its principal attraction is the 5000 pre-historic dinosaur footprints of 8 different species of dinosaurs. Tours and available from 12pm and 1pm each day, where a guide will take you down to the dinosaur footprint wall and give insights to the origins of these footprints. Safety equipment is provided.
Located adjacent to the footprint wall, the Dinosaur themed park offers life-like replicas of dinosaurs in a typical habitat from the pre-historic past. Also, a small museum offers further information about Bolivia’s prehistoric past accompanied with an audio guide and an interesting presentation in an audiovisual room.
Hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 0900 to 1700
Weekends and Monday: 1000 to 1800
Cost: 30 bs for Foreigners
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