The most beautiful Bolivian city of Sucre is still the official capital of the country, although all government buildings are located in the second capital – La Paz. Locals call Sucre the White City – a lot of white colonial buildings have been preserved here. And to this day in the historical part it is forbidden to paint houses in any other color.
According to wholevehicles, the city is located on the high part of the white limestone plateau. At such a height, even dizzy – but not from increased pressure, but from the beauty seen. Tourists are drawn here by rich architecture, beautiful quiet streets and a relaxed atmosphere.
How to get to Sucre
There are no direct flights from Moscow to Sucre, moreover, you can fly with only two transfers – in Madrid and Santa Cruz de da Siera. Aeroflot and Air Europe operate flights from Sheremetyevo to Alcantari Airport. Travel time is at least 30.5 hours, round-trip tickets cost from 3,270 USD.
From airport to city
The airport is located 5 km from the center of Sucre. You can go to the city by minibus (they are on duty here around the clock) for 7 BOB or by taxi for 90-115 BOB.
Transport
The only and very popular form of transport in Sucre is minibuses (Micros): cramped, nimble, cheerful. Almost all of them start from the Central Market. Each has a sign indicating the route in Latin. Tickets are not purchased from the driver – each bus has its own “controller”, who at each stop sticks out the window and shouts out the names of the stations. And he also sells tickets. Fare: 2 BOB.
It’s reluctant to travel in a heap and “fun” – we take a taxi, there are simply no other options here. The car can be caught with a wave of the hand or called by phone (they are indicated on the car). Payment only in cash, it is better to agree on the price in advance, the cost of a trip around the city starts from 10 BOB.
Rent a Car
Not for the faint of heart: the roads are bad, local drivers drive as they want and where they want, besides, they are not distinguished by polite manners. In general, the city is small, here you don’t even need a car, it’s easier to walk. However, there are a lot of offers, so renting a car is not a problem if you have international rights, two years of experience and 23 years of age.
The main thing to remember is that there are no rules! We blame ourselves.
Sucre Hotels
You can’t really walk around, all hotels and hostels are located in the historical center. But do not be afraid that it will be full of people, noisy and too fussy – on the contrary, it will be quiet and calm. City Center – Sq. On May 25, the farther from it, the farther from civilization – restaurants, cafes and all sorts of other establishments.
There are many hostels in Sucre, and therefore there are many students. A bed in a dormitory room will cost from 110 BOB with breakfast. For decent “threes” and “fours” closer to the center, they ask from 400 BOB (with breakfast) for a double room. Well, you can go wild in a 5 * hotel, in some old mansion in the very center, for 1200 BOB for two.
The shops
The main place of attraction for those who want to buy fresh products, meat, unknown fruits and vegetables is the colorful Central Market in the Old City (Junin 366, Sucre). Vegetarians can go to the Drogueria Natural store on the main square (N°2, Plaza 25 de Mayo, Sucre, closed on Sundays). And finally, a large Pompeya supermarket nearby (Espana, Sucre), where the prices are even lower.
Those with a sweet tooth should definitely try the local Para Ti and Taboada chocolates.
Souvenirs are full in street shops scattered throughout the center. Tourists usually bring knitwear from Sucre: sweaters, alpaca wool scarves, as well as beautiful tapestries made by local craftsmen at very reasonable prices. They say that the production of the latter sometimes takes a whole year.
Cuisine and restaurants in Sucre
The cuisine here is different: local, Italian, French, Arabic, Mexican. So steaks, and burgers, and spaghetti and pizza, and even shawarma with pancakes will be prepared here.
The basis of the local cuisine is national Indian dishes with a Spanish touch. Every day’s menu includes meat: pork, beef, alpaca, as well as potatoes and corn. Some still cook and eat… guinea pigs. And they wash it all down with the main local drink – chicha corn beer.
Very tasty fried pies “salteñas” stuffed with chocolate.
Dinner at a mid-range restaurant will cost 75 BOB for two, a combo at McDonald’s – 25 BOB, a light lunch in a cafe – 15 BOB.
Entertainment and attractions
All the main attractions of Sucre are somehow connected with the colonial past of the city. From the Spaniards, luxurious mansions and palaces remained here – today many of them are museums and hotels. However, you shouldn’t look for something very special and walk along the list: it’s impossible to get lost in the historical center – all roads lead to the central square.
Plaza 25 de Mayo (25 May Square) is the most visited place. Here are the Cathedral and the town hall, there is a monument to Jose Antonio Sucre, the second president of independent Bolivia. It is always full of people, there are shops, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops.
The Cathedral is the holy of holies of Sucre. The magnificent interior decoration is striking in its beauty.
Casa de la Libertad (Freedom House) is one of the main attractions of all of Bolivia. It was here that the Declaration of Independence of the country was signed. Today, the Historical Museum is open here, where the original declaration, state seals and documents of the first years of independent Bolivia are kept.
The Church of St. Miguel, located in the Old City, has for many years been considered the starting point for missionaries to Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. From here began the path of Christians who preached in South America. It is the oldest functioning church on the continent.
The main feature of the church of St. Miguel is that Viti, a student of Raphael, worked on its decoration.
Of the museums, the Treasure Museum is very interesting (off. site in English), which occupies a magnificent building on the main square. Here you can learn about the precious stones of the local lands, how they are mined and processed. The Ethnographic and Folklore Museum (Espana Street 74) will impress with a collection of ethnic items and carnival Bolivian masks.
For a relaxing walk, the green Bolivar Park is perfect, famous for miniature copies of world attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. And you can capture the whole city with your eyes from the observation deck of La Recoleta, which is at the very top of the hill. From the city center it is only 20 minutes walk.
Weather
The climate is excellent, the weather is almost the same all year round. There are no seasons or off seasons. Sunny weather prevails, cloudy happens infrequently. Rains and winds happen both in summer and in winter. In general, there is no difference when to go to Sucre – all seasons are good.
