Planning a Trip

Getting There

By Plane -- LAB (tel. 0800-3001) and Aero Sur (tel. 0102/2312-244 in La Paz, or 0104/6462-141 in Sucre) offer daily flights to Sucre from La Paz, Cochabamba, and Santa Cruz. One-way tickets cost about $70 each. All planes arrive at the Juana Azurduy de Padilla Airport, which is only a few miles outside of town. Taxis from the airport to the center of town cost 25Bs ($3.15).

By Bus -- The Sucre bus terminal is about 1.5km (1 mile) northeast of the center of town at the corner of Alfredo Ostria Gutiérrez and Bustillos. The 14-hour ride from La Paz costs 70Bs ($8.75) for a normal bus, 90Bs ($11) for a bus cama (bus with seats that fold out to almost become a bed). Buses from Cochabamba take about 12 hours and cost 30Bs ($3.75) for a normal bus, 50Bs ($6.25) for a bus cama. Buses from Santa Cruz take 12 hours and cost 60Bs ($7.50) for a normal bus, 80Bs ($10) for a bus cama. Buses from Potosí leave in the morning, midafternoon, and early evening (around 5pm). The 2 1/2- to 3-hour ride costs 20Bs ($2.50).

By Taxi -- You can take a taxi from Potosí to Sucre for 150Bs ($19) for four people. I recommend using Expreso Infinito (tel. 0104/6422-277).

Getting Around

Most of the banks, travel agencies, hotels, and attractions in Sucre are within easy walking distance of Plaza 25 de Mayo, the commercial heart of the city. If you want to get a bit off of the beaten path, the best option is to take a taxi. It's easy to hail one right off the street, but your hotel can also call one for you.

Visitor Information

The main tourist office is located on Estudiantes 35. There aren't any maps available here, but the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. The office is open daily from 8:30am to 12:30pm and 2:30 to 6:30pm. The very friendly staff at Candelaria Tours, off the central square at Audiencia 1 (tel. 0104/6461-661; www.candelariatours.com), can also answer any questions you may have about the sights in the city or nearby attractions (including Potosí).

Fast Facts -- You can exchange money and traveler's checks at Cambios "El Arca" on España 134 or Casa de Cambio Ambar on Ravelo 7 at the corner of Arce. You'll find ATMs on Calle España and all around the main Plaza. Hospital Santa Bárbara, Destacamento 111 at the corner of Arenales (tel. 0104/6460-133), and Hospital Gastroenterológico, Avenida Colón between El Villar and Japón (tel. 0104/6454-700), are the two best hospitals in Sucre. Farmacia Cruz Blanca, Junín 558 between Arenales and Ravelo (tel. 0104/6444-288), is open 24 hours. The post office is located on Junín and the corner of Ayacucho. You can take care of all your laundry needs at LaveRap, Calle Bolívar 617 between Olañeta and Azurday. It's one of the few laundromats in all of Bolivia that is open on Sundays (only until 1pm). You'll find Internet cafes on all the side streets that lead off the plaza.