20 Things To Do in Sucre Bolivia: Exploring the White City

Dinosaur prints? Check. Stunning colonial architecture? Check. Awe-inspiring natural wonders? Check. The list goes on. Welcome to the charming city that is Sucre Bolivia! 

Sucre, a city in central south Bolivia, sits amidst Churuquella and Sica Sica, 9,219 feet (2,810 meters) above sea level. Also known as the White City, Sucre boasts Spanish-style buildings. Influenced by Spanish colonialism, the city’s architecture blends local and European styles from the 16th to 19th centuries, like Renaissance, Mudejar, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical.

Sucre, Bolivia’s constitutional capital, earned UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status in 1930. Noteworthy attractions include the Neo-Classical Plaza de Mayo, 16th-century churches, white stucco buildings, bell towers, and Spanish-style courtyards. Sucre’s charm lies in its vibrant streets, tranquil ambiance, and remarkable architecture, making it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.

Discover the best places to explore in Sucre, Bolivia, as we delve into its captivating offerings in this article.

Best Things To Do in Sucre Bolivia – Sights

1. Simon Bolivar Park

Simon Bolivar Park is a perfect place to relax while surrounded by nature. The park is located only a few minutes away from the main square. Once here, you will instantly notice a mini-Eiffel Tower with a few people enjoying the view from the top. There is an artificial lake for boating and many water fountains to experience. 

2. Parque Cretacico 

Parque Cretacico is for dinosaur lovers. It has the largest collection of dinosaur footprints in the world. Over 5,000 footprints are embedded in a huge wall. The best way to explore the park is to take a footprint tour at midday when the sun shines brightly on the wall. 

A Sucre city tour with a visit to Parque Cretacico costs 850 Bolivian bolivianos (123 US dollars)).

3. Sucre Cemetery 

A cemetery is a place very few people are attracted to, but the one in Sucre is definitely worth the visit. A walk through this place feels more like a walk in a garden than a final resting place. There are plenty of statues and mausoleums to see. 

4. Plaza 25 de Mayo

Plaza 25 de Mayo is the main area of the city. We’ve spent over a week in Sucre, Bolivia, and Plaza 25 de Mayo was our first impression of the city. It is surrounded by plenty of historical buildings that you can explore by going on a walking tour of the city. The Plaza is quite close to some amazing restaurants and parks, which you will discover along the way.

5. San Felipe de Neri 

The best view of the white colonial architecture can only be experienced at San Felipe de Neri. The ticket is only around 10 BOB ($1.50), allowing you to take pictures and climb to the roof for a better view. To enter the convent, head southwest from Plaza de Mayo and reach the small gate with the sign “Museo San Felipe.” 

6. El Castillo de la Glorieta

El Castillo de La Glorieta is an ancient castle that perfectly reflects historical architectural styles, such as Moorish, Gothic, Byzantine, etc. The princess and prince who once owned the castle were the only local Bolivians with royal titles. You can enter the building for only 21 BOB ($3). 

7. Del Tesoro Museum

Del Tesoro is a great place to learn about the mining history of Bolivia. The museum is filled with precious stones and metals such as gold and silver. Adults can enter for only 28BOB ($4), whereas the ticket price for children is only 10 BOB ($1.50).

8. Casa de la Libertad Museum

Casa de la Libertad is located on the town’s main square. The museum was the site of most events leading to the country’s independence. Nowadays, it is full of artifacts, such as portraits of Antonio Jose de Sucre, Jose Ballivian, and Simon Bolivar. 

Best Things To Do in Sucre Bolivia – Activities

9. Learn Some Spanish

Sucre offers some great learning opportunities to its tourists. Many people prefer to learn Spanish here as it’s inexpensive compared to other places. You can start a lesson for only 34 BOB ($5) per hour. Moreover, the Spanish variant spoken in Bolivia is easier to understand than in other countries.

10. Attend a Cooking Class

If you are touring a great culinary destination such as Sucre, attending a cooking class to learn some local recipes is a must. Bolivia has some delicious dishes, such as Saltenas, Sopa de Mani, and Mondongo. You can get the best services at La Boca del Sapo. 

11. Explore the Central Market

The central market in Sucre is a perfect place to try some traditional food. We highly recommend trying the Food Stop Siete Lunares. It offers some of the most delicious chorizo rolls in town.

We went to the Mercado Central (central market) daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s super easy and quick to eat, they have plenty of choice, and the menu varies slightly from place to place. Learn Spanish or install a translator app on your phone before heading there. We almost ate pig brains and intestines because that was the day’s menu (Menu del Dia). Luckily, after some negotiations, we could also get a well-filled chicken soup.

12. Recoleta Mirador 

Recoleta Mirador offers the best view of the city. You can see the city’s impressive white buildings with red tile roofs from here. The best way to experience this place is to reserve a table at Café Gourmet Mirador just before sunset and enjoy the view with some great Italian food. 

13. Las Siete Cascadas Hike

La Siete Cascadas is a hike that offers a view of stunning waterfalls. Many tour agencies, such as Condor Trekkers, offer hiking opportunities with safety guarantees. However, you can also choose to go without any tour, which would take around 45 minutes from the starting point to reach the first waterfall.

We hiked without a guide and didn’t continue until after the 3rd waterfall. We visited in the dry season, so the waterfalls weren’t impressive. Still, the hike was worth it, with beautiful mountains surrounding us. 

We had read about some issues with safety from other platforms online, luckily, we didn’t encounter any issues. We were almost alone and left our big, flashy camera at home for our peace of mind. 

14. Maragua Crater Hike

Maragua Crater offers panoramic views of multi-colored rocks of a crater and much more. The best part is that you can also find accommodation in the village of Maragua. You can book a tour that will allow you to experience the Maragua crater, a tour of stunning mountains and colorful landscapes. 

15. Experience Pitantorilla and Yotala

Pitantorilla is located on the southern side of the city. On 30^th August every year, a festival called Santa Rosa takes place in Yotala. People from different parts of the world explore the city as they celebrate the Festival of the Virgen of Santa Rosa, a cultural event to honor the region’s patron saint. 

Traveling 6.2 miles (10 km) east of Yotala, you’ll discover the impressive Pitantorilla mansion. This was once the residence of José Mariano Serrano, a Bolivian leader who helped declare Bolivia independent in 1825. Today, it’s a well-known attraction, allowing visitors to explore the history and architecture of the region.

16. Explore the Canyons of Icla

Icla is located around 62.1 mi (100 km) southeast of the main city of Sucre. The village offers great views of crystal water running through a nearby canyon. We highly recommend camping here as the whole weather and atmosphere are breathtaking. 

Best Things To Do in Sucre Bolivia – Food

17. Saltenas 

Saltenas are sweet and juicy variants of Bolivian empanadas. The snack is usually eaten during breakfast and lunch. The best place to enjoy this amazing dish is in El Patio Salteneria. They prepare delicious Saltenas with your choice of fillings. For vegetarians, a restaurant called Salteneria Flores offers a veg variant of the dish. 

18. Chorizo Chuquisaca

Chorizo Chuquisaqueno is a dish containing pork sausage. The dish is usually served with hot pepper toppings and grilled onions. You can find it at almost every restaurant in Sucre. However, we will advise you to try it at El Huerto. 

19. Local Food at La Taverne

La Taverne is quite popular for its steaks and French cuisine. The overall food quality is great, and the atmosphere adds extra flavor to most of the dishes they offer. The restaurant is located close to Plaza 25 de Mayo. They offer both outdoor and indoor seating. 

20. Bolivian Chocolate

You can’t end your trip without trying the famous Bolivian chocolate. There are two chocolatiers in Sucre Bolivia: Para Ti and Taboada. These two amazing places are located on Calle Audiencia, close to the city’s center. 

Transportation Options 

There are two convenient modes of transportation to the city: bus or airplane. Here are some details on how to get to Sucre. 

By Bus

Sucre is connected to most of the cities all over Bolivia. The main bus terminal is around 1.24 mi (2 km) away from the center of the city. Some bus services you can use to travel to Sucre are Cruz del Norte, El Dorado, and Trans Copacabana. The total time to reach Sucre by bus from different cities of Bolivia is as follows 

• 12 hours from La Paz
• 8 hours from Oruro
• 3 hours from Potosi 
• 8 hours from Tarija 

By Airplane 

Traveling from anywhere in South America, you can fly directly to Sucre via Amazonas, EcoJet, TAM, and Boliviana. Avianca Airlines offers direct flights from New York to Sucre for 12,300 BOB ($1,797) round trip for people traveling from the USA. 

The airport that serves Sucre is known as Alcantari Airport, located near Yamparaez. Travel about 19.63 mi (31.6 km) to reach the main city. 

Where To Stay in Sucre, Bolivia

If you plan to stay in Sucre, there is no better place than the city’s center. There are many great hotels and hostels located near Plaza 25 de Mayo. Here are some of the best hotels that you can choose according to your budget

• Colors House (Budget): For visitors traveling on tight budgets, Colors House is an ideal choice to spend a few nights. The rooms offer shared bathroom facilities, a seating area, and a kitchenette. The hostel has many other facilities, such as a library, games room, and coffee bar. You can also rent bicycles to explore the nearby areas. 

• Hostal Recoleta Sur (Mid-range): Recoleta Sur is only 328 ft (100 m) from the city’s center. The hotel offers great room service and comfortable beds. It is highly rated by couples visiting for short periods. You can also request services such as car rentals and ironing. 

• Mi Pueblo Samary Hotel Boutique (Luxury): The hotel is perfect for people who want to live in a place filled with local artwork and architecture. Mi Pueblo offers a luxury experience with a delicious continental breakfast of eggs, cereals, fruits, and cheese. You will find all the basic amenities at the hotel, such as WIFI, Minibars, private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and much more. 

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Tips To Stay Safe During Your Sucre Bolivia Visit

To get the best out of your visit to Sucre, Bolivia, here are seven expert tips for you 

• Due to high altitude, UV radiations can be pretty strong. Make sure to bring good-quality sunscreen.
• For hikes such as Maragua Crater, pack a SteriPEN or similar water purifying tools, as pure water can be difficult to find in those places. 
• Sucre can be pretty cold for some people, with an average minimum and maximum temperature of 50°F and 72°Fahrenheit (10° and 22°Celsius), respectively. So, make sure to pack a fleece jacket and other warm clothes. 
• Sucre is safe to walk aroundHowever, we still advise you to stay in crowds at night and avoid walking alone. 
• Be aware of your surroundings, as robbers sometimes disguise themselves as police officers and ask for your ID.
• Always try to bargain for prices. Vendors usually quote high prices to tourists.
• Learn some Spanish phrases to connect with the locals. 
• Consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Sucre Bolivia 

Why Does Bolivia Have Two Capitals?

The main reason behind Bolivia having two capitals is the 1899 Federal Revolution and its accompanying politics. The Liberal Party overthrew the Conservative Party, and they wanted La Paz to be the capital of Bolivia. 

Nowadays, La Paz is considered the de facto capital of Bolivia, where the executive and legislative branches of government are based. In contrast, Sucre is the second capital, where the judicial branch operates. 

Is Sucre Bolivia Worth Visiting?

Sucre, Bolivia has amazing architecture, delicious food, and exciting activities. It is an ideal place for someone who loves outdoor activities, as the city prides itself on the most thrilling and adventurous hikes in Bolivia. 

What Is the Nickname of the City of Sucre, Bolivia?

Sucre is also known as “The White City” or “Ciudad Blanca.” It got this name due to its white-colored architecture. Most of the city’s historical landmarks have white stucco exteriors and red tile roofs. However, this is not the only name the city has had. It has also been variously called Chuquisaca (pre-Columbian), Charcas (indigenous name), and La Plata (Spanish colonial times). 

Conclusion – Sucre Bolivia 

With its fascinating history, rich culture, gorgeous landscapes, exciting outdoor activities, and lively nightlife scene, you will never run out of things to do in Sucre. 

We hope you find this post helpful. Please bookmark it for reference when you plan your trip to this wonderful Bolivian destination.

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