The Potosí Active Mine Trip to Cerro Rico offers an immersive glimpse into the rich mining heritage of one of the highest cities in the world. During this 3-hour tour, you’ll navigate the intricate tunnels and experience the challenging conditions faced by miners. With a personal guide, you’ll learn about the historical significance of the area and have the opportunity to interact with the miners themselves. But what awaits you beyond the mine’s entrance?
Key Points
- Explore the historic Cerro Rico mine in Potosi, one of the highest cities in the world at 13,420 feet (4,090 meters).
- Witness the harsh working conditions of miners as you tour the intricate mine network and observe their manual labor using rudimentary tools.
- Interact directly with hardworking miners and learn about their culture, including the statues and shrines they pray to for protection and fortune.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by miners by purchasing traditional gifts like dynamite, alcohol, and coca leaves for them.
- Conclude the tour with a sightseeing visit of Potosi, gaining insights into the city’s rich mining heritage.
Tour Overview
The private 3-hour tour of the Cerro Rico mine in Potosi provides travelers with the opportunity to explore one of the highest cities in the world at 13,420 feet (4,090 meters).
The tour includes a brief sightseeing tour of Potosi and a visit to a traditional mining market to see the tools and materials used by miners.
Travelers will observe the harsh working conditions of miners in the galleries and chambers of Cerro Rico and receive undivided attention from a personal guide throughout the experience.
Looking for more options in Potosi? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Details
Visitors meet at Plaza 10 de Noviembre, in front of the Cathedral, to begin the tour.
After donning protective clothing and a lamp, they descend into the depths of Cerro Rico mine.
Donning protective gear, visitors descend into the depths of the historic Cerro Rico mine.
The exploration includes:
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Listening to historical commentary from the guide as they navigate the mine’s interior.
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Observing statues miners pray to for protection and unique mineral formations.
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Interacting with the hardworking miners and gaining insight into their harsh working conditions.
The tour concludes back at the Plaza 10 de Noviembre, providing an immersive experience into the legendary Potosí mining heritage.
Protective Gear and Mine Exploration
Donning protective gear, visitors descend into the depths of Cerro Rico mine. A hard hat, boots, and a personal lamp are essential for navigating the dimly lit galleries and chambers.
Miners’ statues line the tunnel walls, and workers pray to them for protection. Visitors observe the harsh conditions as they explore the mine’s intricate network. They witness the manual labor, witnessing miners chipping away at the rock face.
The air is thick with dust, and the sounds of pickaxes echoing through the tunnels create an immersive experience. Visitors gain a newfound appreciation for the arduous work miners undertake daily.
Interacting With Miners and Observing Conditions
As visitors delve deeper into the mine, they’ve the opportunity to directly interact with the hardworking miners.
The experience offers a glimpse into the harsh realities miners face daily:
The experience offers a glimpse into the harsh realities miners face daily: physical labor, spiritual practices, and stimulants to combat fatigue.
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Observe the miners’ physical labor, often using rudimentary tools in cramped, dimly-lit spaces.
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See the statues and shrines they pray to for protection and good fortune.
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Witness the miners’ interactions, including the sharing of coca leaves, a stimulant used to combat fatigue.
This firsthand exposure provides a sobering understanding of the challenging conditions miners endure to earn a living in the Cerro Rico mine.
Gifts for Miners
Travelers can purchase gifts for the miners before descending into the Cerro Rico mine. Typical offerings include dynamite, alcohol, and coca leaves.
These items are important for the miners, who rely on them to endure the arduous and dangerous conditions underground. Dynamite helps break up the rock, while alcohol and coca leaves provide a stimulant and numbing effect to cope with the extreme physical demands.
Purchasing these gifts is encouraged, as it shows respect and support for the miners and their perilous work. The tour guide can facilitate these purchases before the mine exploration begins.
Pricing and Inclusions
The tour price starts from $56.00 per person and includes transportation and an English-speaking guide.
Additional inclusions are:
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Gifts for miners (dynamite, alcohol, coca leaves) can be purchased before the mine visit.
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A suggested tip for the guide is $10 Bs.
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Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Confirmation is received at the time of booking.
However, the minimum age for the tour is 7 years old, and it isn’t wheelchair accessible or suitable for individuals with heart problems or serious medical conditions.
The maximum group size is 15 travelers.
Considerations and Feedback
While the tour offers an immersive glimpse into the harsh realities of mining in Potosí, travelers should consider a few important factors.
The tour’s accessibility is limited, as it’s not suitable for those with heart conditions or mobility issues. Previous customers have reported booking difficulties and last-minute changes, leading to frustration.
Plus, travelers should budget for optional gifts for miners, which can add to the overall cost.
Sum Up
The Potosí Active Mine Trip to Cerro Rico offers a unique and immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the historical mining heritage of Potosí. Travelers will navigate the challenging underground tunnels, interact with miners, and offer gifts to support their arduous work. This 3-hour tour provides a firsthand glimpse into the realities faced by miners, making it a thought-provoking and educational adventure for those interested in the region’s rich mining history.