Department of Potosí

— The Department

What is Potosí?

The Department of Potosí is Bolivia's third-largest department (118,218 km²) and the most important for international tourism. Here you'll find the Salar de Uyuni — the world's largest natural mirror and South America's most photographed destination — alongside Laguna Colorada, the Dalí Desert, Sol de Mañana geysers and the Villa Imperial de Potosí, the world's highest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Potosí's history is written in silver. Cerro Rico, discovered in 1545, financed the Spanish Empire for nearly 300 years and was the largest city in the Western Hemisphere in the 17th century. Today, its mines remain active and offer one of Bolivia's most powerful tours.

The department's southeast holds Bolivia's most extreme altiplano: at 4,000–5,000m above sea level, colours are unreal — red, white, green and blue lakes; pink flamingos; bubbling geysers at dawn. This is the Bolivia on every magazine cover.

— Ecosystems

Potosí's ecosystems

— Destinations

What to see in Potosí

— Love Bolivia Routes

Routes through Potosí

— Getting there

How to reach Potosí

— When to visit

Best time for Potosí

Potosí has two distinct seasons. The dry season (May–October) is best for the southwest circuit, but the Salar mirror effect requires the rainy season (January–March).

— People & culture

Identity & traditions

— Gastronomy

What to eat in Potosí

Potosí's gastronomy is altiplano and mining — hearty, rich in llama and pork, and deeply Quechua in its ingredients and techniques.

Real photography from our routes. No stock images. Hover to explore.

— FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Still have questions? Drop us a line — we answer every question personally.

— Neighbouring departments