Cooperative Mines
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TOUR DETAILS
Cooperative Mines
The cooperative mines in Cerro Rico (rich mountain), this barren conical hill is 4824 metres above
sea level and the world's highest city, that of Potosi, sits at its base at 4090
metres altitude. It is estimated that 70,000 metric tons of silver were produced
over a 400 year period.
During the almost 300 years of Spanish colonial rule the working conditions
in the silver mines were so appalling that the Indian and Negro miners survived
no more than 6 months. Smelter fumes and mercury from processing the silver ore
also took their toll.
Notable Highlights:
Today Potosi remains as a well preserved monument of Spanish colonial times.
Its population reached almost 200,000 in the silver boom times of the 17th
century, when it was larger than London or Paris.
A trip to Potosi is a must for travellers to Bolivia. Mining aficionados will
love the place. There is so much to see and reflect on. The European "transfer
of technology" produced enormous wealth for the Spaniards. Formerly the Indians
won the native metals (gold and silver) by primitive means. Now the hard rock
ores were being mined underground with the then latest techniques.
Suitable for:
Confident beginners to experts, average fitness and above.
Description:
Our first stop is in
the Miners' Market where coca leaves, cigarettes and dynamite can be bought as
gifts for the miners. We then continue to the Candelaria Mine where you can
crawl around inside the terrifying but awe-inspiring labyrinth in which over 200
miners are working. This is not a "touristy" or modern mine.
Tours leave at 9am every day from the centrally located office. We leave regardless of the number of tourists and there is a
maximum of 8 people in each group Our guides are ex-miners who are
knowledgeable and can actually speak English! All equipment is provided
including rubber boots, waterproof jacket and helmet. We are alsothe only
company to provide protective overpants, face masks and electric headlamps
(leaving your hands free).
We offer an extensive
Museum inside the mine. Tour to the mines includes a brief visit to the
refining plants and to the Mirador, a spectacular viewpoint from the Cerro Rico
of Potosí and one of the Kari Kari lakes. Private transport is provided to and from the market and the mine.
You don't have to walk or catch public transport.
Note:
As sundays are holidays the mine could be closed.
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| Book Tour Now |
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| VITAL STATS |
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| Prices From: | 10.00 USD |
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| Category: | Adventure Tour |
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| Fitness Required: | Moderate |
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| Runs: | On Request |
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| Duration: | 4 Hours |
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| Leaves: | Potosi |
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| Returns to: | Potosi |
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| Visits: | Cooperative Mines |
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| Location: | Bolivia |
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| Times: |
| Depart | Return |
| 9:00am |
13:00pm |
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 Ask us a question! |
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WHAT TO BRING
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| - Camera |
| - Water |
| - Waterproof Clothing |
| - Clothes: |
| Thermal shirt |
| Rainproof/windproof jacket |
| Long pants |
| - Provisions: |
| Chocolate or your favorite riding treat |
| - Odds and ends: |
| Bandana |
INCLUDED IN PRICE
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| - Tour Guide |
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Recommend this Site
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