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Braving the Potosi Silver Mine

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January 25th 2010
The Potosi mine tour is something that would probably not be possible in any other country. That in itself is both reason to do it and not to do it. The mines are old, some working mines date from the 1500s when the Spanish first began mining Cerro Rico for it's silver, and conditions look to have improved little. It's uncomfortable, hot, claustrophobic, dusty and dangerous. But it has to be seen ... read more

South America » Bolivia » Potosí Department » Potosi

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Bolivia, named after independence fighter Simon BOLIVAR, broke away from Spanish rule in 1825; much of its subsequent history has consisted of a series of nearly 200 coups and counter-coups. Comparatively democratic civilian rule was established in 1... ... read more