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Potosi: Cerro Rico of Potosí Silver Mine Guided Tour

4.76
4.8(37 reviews)
Private Tour
4 hours
English, Spanish
Mobile ticket
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Overview

Available languages

English
Spanish

4 hours

Mobile ticket

Descend into the legendary Cerro Rico of Potosi and journey through centuries of Bolivian mining history. Our expert-guided tours offer a unique and profound insight into the lives of the miners, past and present, who have shaped this iconic silver mountain.

Witness firsthand the challenging conditions and the incredible resilience of those who extract the mineral wealth from the earth. Explore dimly lit tunnels, learn about traditional mining techniques, and gain a powerful understanding of the sacrifices and triumphs woven into the fabric of Potosí.

This isn't just a tour; it's an immersive experience that connects you directly to the heartbeat of Bolivia's mining heritage in a real cooperative mine. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure that is both educational and deeply moving.

- Choose either english or spanish speaking guide.

- Choose either private tour or shared tour.

- Included all transportation, fees & mining security equipment (helmet, lamp, jacket, overpants and boots).

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

1

After taking mining equipment, our first stop y Mercado Minero. Miners before enter to work to the mines, they buy food and mining issues

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable
2

Potosi Underground Mine

Most of the tour is go inside an active mine. You will get shocked with mining conditions as spanish colonial times. Tio and Pachamama traditions. It is possible to talk with miners

2 hours • Admission Included

Options

Tour Minas guia en Español

Tour Minas guia en Español: Tour a Minas de Plata de Potosi en un grupo compartido en idioma Español

Shared Mine Tour in English

Shared Mine Tour in English: Potosí Silver Mines Tour in a shared group with an english-speaking guide

Private Silver Mine Tour

Private Silver Mine Tour: Private Potosí Silver Mines Tour with an English/Spanish-speaking guide

What‘s Included

Mining equipment. helmet, boots, rucksack, jacket, overpants

Specialized Bilingual Tour Guide

Entrance fee

Public transportation

Meals

Tips

Gifts for miners

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.76

37 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

32
3
1
0
1
  • Great tour of Cerro Rico

    saidarshana,May 11, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    The tour is a great way to explore the silver mines. The guide was very friendly and took time take us to the different parts of the mines and explain the history. We also got to meet the miners and hand them gifts. The mines are dark and we did have to wade through ankle deep water in some places - but we were given the necessary clothing, so my own attire was unharmed. People who are claustrophobic might find it difficult being in the mines for about 1.5 hours. But I’d recommend this tour to everyone visiting Potosi.

  • An intense tour.

    dianehO4834IN,Mar 14, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    It was a very intense tour. If you are any bit claustrophobic, be prepared for some issues. It was very informative and interesting. You do walk down active mine tunnels. You do need to jump out of the way of mine carts. Sometimes there is very little room. In our tour, we climbed up ladders and scurried up rock chutes. All is good if you are comfortable with that kind of activity. I am a little claustrophobic so I was uncomfortable and a little scared. You are breathing dust and you are at 13,000+ feet elevation. I did a lot of deep. breathing. However. I made it and it made me realize how tough the miner’s life really is. I am glad I did the tour but would not do it again. The guide was fantastic!

  • Unforgettable Experience in the Mines of Potosi, Bolivia

    Nalin C,Mar 13, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    An unforgettable and eye-opening experience visiting the silver mines of Potosí. This tour was incredibly powerful, emotional, and insightful, and a huge part of that was thanks to our amazing guide, Sol. Sol was patient, knowledgeable, and thoughtful throughout the entire experience. We were picked up and dropped off right on time, provided with protective clothing for the mine, and she even took us to the local market beforehand so we could buy gifts for the miners—things like tobacco, alcohol, and dynamite that genuinely help them in their work. Inside the mines, Sol guided us safely while stopping at different points to explain the mining processes, the daily realities of the miners, and the historical significance of Potosí’s silver industry. Her explanations of Bolivia’s colonial history, trade routes, and the enormous economic impact of these mines were fascinating and deeply moving. It’s a surreal experience to witness firsthand, and Sol made it both educational and respectful to the people who work there. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one I will never forget. Huge thanks to Sol and the tour team — highly recommended.

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  • Very good tour. Excellent guide.

    Martin S,Mar 1, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Very good tour. We were able to go through everything we could from the mine. Soledad (Sol) was an excellent guide.

  • Mine is interesting and must see- this tour includes too less information

    Sooeeexxx,Feb 27, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    3.00

    We booked a private tour which was supposed to be 3h. We were back after only 1.5h. We arrived at the pickup spot, were not greeted, no introduction, no explanation was done, just rushing to get the equipment. From what was advertised on TripAdvisor we have expected a longer and more informative tour. After picking the equipment we went for 2 min to the market (which btw is closed for most the stalls in the afternoon), then we were rushed through the mine, not really many explanations were given by the tour guide Sol, just when we asked. After leaving the mine on the way back to the drop off spot she even left the car before drop off because she wanted to help a friend. I then also contacted the organizer and explained him the situation- no feedback was given, showing the no care about customer attitude. In general seeing the silver mines is an incredible experience and we were happy being just the two of us since the mines are in operation and you must be careful with the carts passing through. Sol was also was very attentive to the mine workers which we liked a lot.

  • Visit Cerro Rico - a must-see in Potosi

    reisefreudige2020,Feb 17, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    The visit was well organized from start to finish, everything worked out fine! The equipment was very good, starting with the rubber boots, up to the helmet, which you really need, and the helmet lamp, which also provides really good light! important: don't put on too warm, in the cleats it is actually pleasant, possibly ask the guide about this. Our "Sun" as a guide explained everything very well, starting from the working conditions in the mountain in times gone by and nowadays. We walked through different tunnels and you get a oppressive feeling, which is also desirable when you do this tour. The only thing that I think could be optimized: if you go to the market to buy various gifts for the Mineros before visiting the mine, you could give a few more explanations in this market about special things that can be bought, such as the offerings for Pachamama, etc.

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  • An experience that changes you

    Lidia Biondi,Feb 5, 2026

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    After the visit I have begun to understand deeply the people who believe in God

  • The biggest Silver Mine in the world

    LUISSERGIO S,Jan 28, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    4.00

    The local guide Sol was excelent! She worked two years inside the mine. On the other hand, the gift fir workers and Food were not included as is mencioned in the advertisment of this webside. Therefore, it is necessary to bring adittional money in cash for it (pesos bolivianos).

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  • Veins of Latin America

    AnaClara C,Jan 12, 2026

    - Review from Viator

    5.00

    Enter the mine and learn about the past of colonization, the present of life exploration and the doubts about the future of this millennial activity. More than 500 entries. 30,000 workers being 10,000 women . The beliefs and traditions blend the strength of hard work in a walk through various underground tunnels. An anthropological experience. The guide Sol, who once worked as a miner, was extraordinary. He shared knowledge and made all the difference to make the experience unforgettable.

  • Great visit to the famous silver mines

    denniss697,Nov 21, 2025

    - Review from Tripadvisor

    5.00

    Great tour in the famous silver mines of Potosi. First we stopped at the miners market to buy some gifts for the miners. After we went to a nice viewpoint and finally we went in to the mines for 2.5 hours. Great experience

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