15-Nights Treasures of Peru & Bolivia - National Geographic Journeys

Potosi

The 16th-century silver-mining town of Potosi claims to be the world's highest city (15,380 ft/4,690 m). It merits at least a 24-hour stay.

Visit the Casa Nacional de Moneda, or mint. Take a look at the jarring entryway carving of a grinning Bacchus—which must be seen to be believed. Take note of the way the mint itself was constructed—some of its beams, made of a hardwood called quebracha, were hand-carried from the Gran Chaco region, more than 250 mi/400 km away.

Allow time to walk the narrow, winding streets and look at the beautiful colonial buildings. You can take a bus trip to the San Ildefonso Lake (an artificial lake built for silver mining) or to one of the nearby mines. You can even try your luck at the once-fabulous Cerro Rico, the largest silver mine in the world—nearly the entire mountain was found to be pure silver—and responsible for much of colonial-era Spain's enormous wealth. But take note: The cooperative-run mines are squalid Dickensian nightmares—miners work in dank, muddy corridors filled with noxious gases. Wear your worst clothes for the trip and bring a small something for the workers who toil there.
Tours can be arranged from Potosi to the Uyuni salt pans. 50 mi/80 km southwest of Sucre.

Sucre

The country's constitutional capital, Sucre is located in a scenic valley at an elevation of 8,900 ft/2,700 m. It is home to the Supreme Court of Bolivia and three universities.

Sucre is one of the most relaxing and pleasant cities in Bolivia—the architecture has a European flavor, and the region has a delightful climate. It offers several interesting sights, among them the Cathedral and Chapel of Guadalupe, the Casa de la Libertad (colonial artifacts related to Bolivian independence), university museums and Immaculada Convent (shop there for handicrafts). In fact, the entire city is eye candy: By law, all of the houses and structures in the central area must be painted solid white, and the contrast of colorfully clad native peoples against a pure white backdrop is a sight to be seen. Also see the ruins of Calle-Calle in the Zudanez neighborhood.

But the real highlight is a day trip to nearby Tarabuco for the colorful Sunday carnival. Amerindians from throughout the area go to town to dance and have a good time. The clothing and singing are fabulous. Sucre is 260 mi/420 km southeast of La Paz.

Aguas Calientes (Peru)

Urubamba

La Paz, Bolivia

Uyuni

Copacabana, Bolivia

The lakeside town of Copacabana is one of our favorites—it is among the friendliest, cleanest and prettiest places in the country. Copacabana has several cathedrals, one of which contains the nearly 500-year-old silver- and gold-encased Virgen de la Candelaria, which is reputed to have healing powers. The cathedral that houses the Virgin is a fantastic combination of styles: An airy Moorish-style courtyard encloses the colonial church, whose doors are decorated with hand-carved wooden panels depicting biblical scenes in a definite Bolivian style.

On the entrance road to Copacabana, just before entering the town, is La Horca del Inca, ruins not usually seen by tourists. (There's a huge celebration there on 5 August.) In the late afternoon, climb the hill known as Cerro Calvario and watch the sun set across the lake. The walk up takes less than an hour, including short rests at all of the 14 stations of the cross that mark the path. Treat yourself to a trucha (the ruby-colored local trout) for dinner after the descent.

Cuzco

Lima