BO
Sucre
Bolivia’s white colonial capital, where the country declared independence
Bolivia’s white colonial capital, where the country declared independence
The leafy main square is surrounded by colonial buildings, government offices and the Metropolitan Cathedral, with its white bell tower. It is the natural starting point for exploring the old town on foot.
Sit in the plaza in the late afternoon to watch city life.
Photo: Maria Cristina Tajima, CC BY-SA 4.0
On the main square, this former Jesuit building is where Bolivia’s declaration of independence was signed in 1825. Today it is a museum displaying the original act, portraits of independence leaders and historical documents.
Guided tours are included with entry and explain the exhibits well.
Photo: Henry Ponce Barco, CC BY-SA 4.0
Up the hill from the centre, the Franciscan monastery of La Recoleta has a museum, cloisters and a carved choir. The arcaded viewpoint outside offers the classic panorama over Sucre’s white rooftops.
Walk up for sunset and have a drink at the café on the square.
Photo: Mario Falcetti, CC BY 4.0
On the outskirts of the city, a near-vertical limestone wall in a cement quarry is covered with thousands of dinosaur footprints from the Cretaceous period. The Parque Cretácico has viewing platforms, life-size models and guided visits closer to the wall at set times.
Take the dinosaur bus from the centre or a short taxi ride.
Photo: Caleidoscopic, CC BY-SA 4.0
Sucre’s central market is full of fruit, juices, cheeses and local food stalls. Upstairs, simple eateries serve cheap set lunches, and the juice counters downstairs are a local institution.
Try a fresh fruit salad or juice made to order.
Photo: Mx._Granger, CC0
Sucre is known for its chocolates and for chorizos chuquisaqueños (spicy local sausages). Try salteñas (baked pastries with a juicy filling) for a mid-morning snack, sopa de maní (peanut soup) and set lunches (almuerzos) in local restaurants.
The old town has cafés and restaurants for every budget, many aimed at the large student and language-school population.
Alcantarí International Airport is about 30km south-east of the city, with flights to La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba. Buses run from the terminal to Potosí (a few hours away), Cochabamba, Santa Cruz and La Paz; shared taxis are faster for Potosí.
The historic centre is compact and best explored on foot; taxis and micro buses cover the rest of the city cheaply. A popular day trip is the Sunday market at the Andean village of Tarabuco.
Bolivia uses the boliviano (BOB). Sucre is one of the most affordable colonial cities in South America.
Set lunches cost very little.
Spanish lessons are good value here.
Book ahead for national holidays.
Two days covers the city and its dinosaur tracks.
Start at Plaza 25 de Mayo and the Casa de la Libertad, explore churches and the Mercado Central, then walk up to La Recoleta for sunset.
Many museums close for lunch.
Morning at Cal Orck’o, afternoon at a museum or a chocolate shop. On a Sunday, swap this for a trip to the Tarabuco market.
Bring sun protection; the altitude makes the sun strong.
At 2,800 metres, take it easy on the first day and drink plenty of water.
Use sunscreen and a hat, even when it feels cool.
Nights can be chilly from May to August.
Sucre is a popular, affordable place for Spanish classes.
Quick answers for planning time in Sucre.
Sucre is the constitutional capital; La Paz is the seat of government.
About 2,800 metres, lower than La Paz and Potosí.
A limestone wall on the edge of Sucre with thousands of dinosaur footprints, visited through the Parque Cretácico.
A few hours by bus or shared taxi.
May to October is the dry season; November to March brings rain.
Planning a wider trip? Our Bolivia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.