Sucre

Sucre is the most exquisite South American city I have been to. Snow-white houses, red tiled roofs, proud straight streets, European-style squares, magnificent churches with incredibly beautiful altars. All this struck me to the core. And most importantly: there is life in Sucre, it is not a museum of colonial history in the open. Here is a real bustling life, everywhere smiling locals, students, volunteers from around the world, travelers with backpacks.

I spent several months in Sucre studying Spanish. This is a fairly popular option among foreigners. There are a lot of good and almost free schools by Western standards. Oddly enough, in this seemingly small and very peaceful town it is never boring. There are a lot of interesting museums, colorful festivals, and several dozen cozy cafes in former colonial mansions, where you can always spend a languid and pleasant day with a good book.

How to get there

Get to Sucre directly will not work. Moreover, in principle, only two transfers can be made to Russia from Bolivia. Here you can check prices and timetables. In more detail about the most convenient and economical methods I wrote in this article. From other cities in South America and from La Paz, the largest Bolivian city, planes fly in Sucre and buses travel. There is no railway in Sucre because of its hilly nature.

By plane

Sucre is a small but modern Alcantarí International Airport. It opened in 2016, 30 kilometers south of the city. So far, the airport is served by 4 airlines: Amazonas, Boliviana, EcoJet and TAM. The main cities where you can fly to the official capital of Bolivia: La Paz, Cochabamba, Tarija, Santa Cruz de la Sierra.

From the airport to the city center

Collectively minibuses are on duty at the airport around the clock, which for 1 USD will bring you to the historical center of Sucre. Travel time is 40 minutes. The second option is to get by taxi, which is also located right at the exit of the airport. In this case, the trip will cost 5 USD.

By bus

Bus is the most popular and inexpensive way to travel in South America. In Sucre, it is most convenient to come from cities such as La Paz, Potosi, Oruro, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, Tarija. The ticket price by our standards is symbolic: from 2 USD to 7 USD depending on the distance. All the nuances of moving around Bolivia by bus I described in this article. In Sucre, a bus from any city arrives at the station, which is located 2 km from the city. A taxi to the center costs 1 USD. Travel time - no more than 15 minutes.

By car

I strongly advise against taking a car to move between cities of Bolivia over long distances. The roads are in a terrible state, there are no traffic rules, local drivers drive like God willing. It’s easier, more convenient and safer to use the bus.

hint: Sucre - time now15: October 5113Difference in hours: Moscow & plus; 7 Kazan & plus; 7 Samara & plus; 8 Yekaterinburg & plus; 9 Novosibirsk & plus; 11 Vladivostok & plus; fourteen

When is the season. When is the best time to go?

Sucre is a city with an amazing, in our understanding, climate. Here the weather is almost the same year-round from + 15 ° С to + 18 ° С during the day, from + 8 ° С to + 11 ° С at night. Three degrees is the maximum temperature fluctuation during the year. The rainy season and the “dry” season are not there either. Wind and rain can be both in June and in February. The sun is evenly distributed between the months. It is cloudy on average a third of the month, the rest days are sunny. That is, there is absolutely no difference in which month to visit this wonderful city. Housing prices are always the same, the tourist flow is also uniform.

I am not a fan of heat and extreme cold, so Sucre's climate delights me: it is always fresh, often a bit windy, many sunny days (but never exhausting stuffiness), moderate rainfall. According to my feelings, in Sucre is eternal spring!

Sucre - monthly weather

hint: Sucre - weather for the months of January January ± 15.9 February ± 15.1 March ± 15.4 April ± 14.8 May ± 14.3 June ± 12.4 July ± 12.4 August ± 13.5 September ± 14.6 October ± 15.8 November ± 15.8 16.6 December & plus; 15.9

Areas. Where is better to live

In Sucre, you can not waste time choosing a district. All hotels and hostels are located in the historic city center. So even if you don’t want to, you have to live in it.

In the European capitals, many avoid the Old City for living, because although it is usually remarkably beautiful, it is overcrowded with tourists. And in some places it completely turned into a fair with bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. But South America is not Europe. Tourists here are much smaller. In the historical center, a quiet, unhurried atmosphere of a cozy colonial city. Therefore, do not be afraid of noise.

Center of Sucre - Square on May 25, all streets diverge from it. Therefore, the farther from the square, the farther from people and fun places. There are many hostels in Sucre, because there are many students and backpackers. A bed in a common room costs from 5 USD. Modest double room - from 15 USD. Good 4 * hotel - from 60 USD. It’s convenient to choose and book accommodation at Bucking. You can see the prices for apartments here, and compare the cost of hotel rooms at this link.

I advise you to live in an old colonial mansion converted into a hotel. They make up half of the offers in the city.

What are the prices for vacation

Sucre is one of the most expensive cities in Bolivia, because it is popular with tourists and international students. But still, the prices in it are cheaper, say, Uruguayan or Argentinean. For instance:

• The price for a double room in a 3 star hotel in the historical center of the city is 20 USD.
• Lunch / dinner in an inexpensive restaurant - 6 USD.
• The average ticket price for a museum is 3 USD.
• One trip in city public transport - 1 USD.
• A pint of local beer in a pub - 1 USD.

hint: Cost of food, accommodation, transport and other currency: Euro, € US dollar, $ Russian ruble, Boliviano rub, $ b Prices in restaurants and cafes

Eating (lunch / dinner) in a reasonably priced restaurant	132 rub
Lunch / dinner for two, 3 course, middle class restaurant	755 rub
McMill at McDonald's or similar combo lunch	236 rub

More details

The main attractions. What to watch

All the main attractions of Sucre are connected with its colonial history. The Spaniards built magnificent palaces and mansions here. Today they have hotels, museums and government houses. Almost everything is open to the public. In general, I advise you to just walk around the city without the necessary "ticks" and maps. The historical center is very compact and understandable, it is impossible to get lost, you will still go to the main square.

Top 5

1. May 25 (Plaza 25 de Mayo) - the main square in the city, surrounded by the Cathedral, the City Hall, a number of other colonial buildings, as well as banks, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. A statue of Jose Antonio Sucre, the second president of independent Bolivia, is installed on the square. The area is always filled with tourists, locals and boys offering walkers to clean their shoes. I really liked to sit here on the benches under palm trees, watching the city life.
2. House of Liberty (Casa de la Libertad) - in my opinion, the most revered landmark of the city. After all, it was here that the proclamation of Bolivia's freedom from Spain took place. The Casa de la Libertad Historical Museum operates today in the House of Liberty, which houses the original Declaration of Independence. Honestly, I never saw him with my own eyes. But if you are a history buff, be sure to check out the country's main document. If not, just admire the wonderful colonial building of the Freedom House, along with baroque and neoclassical features. Casa de la Libertad is located right on the main square on May 25th.
3. La Recoleta - an observation deck on a hill with a wonderful view of the city. Here is the museum of the same name in the building of a snow-white Franciscan church. Inside - a rich collection of colonial art, sculpture and paintings of the XVI-XX centuries. The museum also has many exhibits from the life and work of Francis Aziski. For example, from the whole museum I most remember the priest’s room, a very simple room with one blanket and a whip, which was used for self-flagellation as a sign of repentance. From the city center to Recoleta 20 minutes on foot.
4. Park Bolivar (Parque Simon Bolivar) - a wonderful green calm park, which is famous throughout the country for small copies of famous world attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Entrance to the park is free, and I loved to sit there not even for the sake of sculptures, but just like that: to read and observe the colorful local population.
5. Church of St. Philip Neri (Oratorio de San Felipe de Neri) - a magnificent church built in the 18th century according to all the famous colonial canons: arches, columns, a courtyard with a stone fountain in the center, carved chairs on the terrace, frescoes. Everywhere silence, comfort, peace. But the main thing that attracts travelers to the Church of St. Philip Neri is an outstanding observation deck on the roof. They are in many churches and cathedrals of Sucre, but here is the best. For a very small fee (1 USD) you can view the city from a height. The views are phenomenal! But keep in mind that you can only go to church from 14:30 to 17:30.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

All of South America is incredibly religious. Sucre is no exception. The city has dozens of ancient beautiful Catholic churches. I will list the main ones:

• Cathedral (Iglesia Cathedral) - the main shrine of Sucre, located in the central square. The cathedral is in excellent condition, the interior literally struck me on the spot with its beauty. Even if you are in the city for just one day, this place is a must-see. Address: Plaza 25 de Mayo. Free admission.
• Church of St. Francis (Iglesia San Francisco) - I was very impressed: a well-thought-out wonderful altar, a carved wooden pulpit of the preacher, wonderful paintings on the ceiling, beautifully executed paintings. And most importantly: you can climb the roof (it is equipped for visitors), which offers an incredible view of the snow-white Sucre with red tiled roofs. And another rare opportunity: in the church of St. Francis is officially allowed to take pictures. Address: Ravelo Street 1. Entrance is free.
• Church of La Merced (Iglesia de la Merced) - a beautiful church with a magnificent altar and, again, a roof-viewing platform with a wonderful view of the city. A rare case in Sucre: the church asks for a nominal entrance fee (1 USD) for the upcoming major overhaul of the external facade. Address: Calle Juan Jose Perez.
• Church of Saint Miguel (Isglesia de Sant Miquel) - It is located just a block from the noisy main square, but differs in some unusual calm. I went to St. Miguel’s church several times and there is always such a fertile peaceful atmosphere that I don’t want to leave at all. From interesting facts: this is the oldest church that is currently operating not only in Bolivia, but also on the whole continent. But its main feature is not age, but in painting - Viti, a student of Raphael, worked on the decoration of the church. Address: Arenales Street 10. Admission is free.

Museums Which are worth a visit

There are a lot of museums in Sucre. After all, it is not only official, but also the cultural capital of Sucre. My favorite museums in the city:

• Treasure Museum (Museo del Tesoro) - an interesting museum, which is also located in a beautiful building on the main square of the city. He gives a complete picture of the history of minerals in Bolivia, talks about the methods of extraction and processing of metals and minerals. It sounds a little boring, but believe me, the museum is very interesting. Bolivian land is fraught with many precious stones that are not found anywhere else in the world. The museum has a very nice jewelry store. Address: Plaza 25 de Mayo Nro 59. Opening hours: 09:00 - 13:00, 15:00 - 18:30. Closed on May 25 on public holidays. Ticket price - 4 USD.
• Museum de Charcas (el Museo de Charcas) - A classic historical museum with artifacts from different eras. There are old pots, axes, skulls, and even mummies. I highly recommend to lovers of antiquities. It is nice that the museum is located in a beautiful mansion of the XVII century. Address: Bolivar 698. Opening hours: 8:30 - 12:00, 14:30 - 18:00. Sunday is the day off. Ticket price - 3 USD.
• Ethnographic and Folklore Museum - A completely stunning two-story museum of colorful Bolivian carnival masks and more. Here is a collection of ethnic items from various regions. I will tell you a small but very useful secret. On the second floor is the office of the head of the museum. You can feel free to look at him: he studied in Russia, adores Russian people, speaks Russian and will happily give you a tour for free. Address: Espana Street 74. Opening hours: 9:00 - 12:00, 14:30 - 18:30. Sunday is the day off. Ticket price - 1.5 USD.
• Museum of Indigenous Art (Museo de Arte Indigena) - Ethnographic museum dedicated to the culture of local tribes. Bolivia personally amazed me with the safety of Indian traditions and crafts. You come across them in every city, at every step. And, of course, it is very interesting to visit the museum dedicated to them. Most of all I remember the bright and insanely beautiful outfits of indigenous peoples. Address: Pasaje Iturricha 314. Opening hours: 9:00 - 12:00, 14:30 - 18:30. Sunday is the day off. Ticket price - 3 USD.

Tourist streets

In Sucre, it is difficult to distinguish the main tourist streets. The layout of the historical center is as follows: in the center is May 25 square, it makes sense to navigate to it, in parallel and perpendicular to the square are all the most significant and beautiful streets. Among them are: Calle Arenales, Calle Bolivar, Calle Audiencia. And everyone else deserves no less attention. The heart of the city was built at a time, there are no central avenues. All streets are equally beautiful.

What surprised me very much: the straightness of the streets, no chaos, everything is very orderly, all the streets intersect with each other at a perfectly right angle, which is a huge rarity for old cities. Local residents said that Sucre was built up immediately after the “silver rush” and is the result of wealth generated by the silver trade. Say, the neighboring city of Potosi is already completely different: poorly planned, with crooked lanes. It was just built earlier.

Another interesting detail: absolutely all the houses on the streets of the Old Town are snow-white. Sucre is called in South America - the White City (Ciudad Blanca). This was originally an aesthetic idea of ​​the Spanish colonialists, which the locals continue to support with pleasure. When I walked along the streets of Sucre, the feeling of Spanish cities invariably overtook me. South American Native American flavor gives them even more charm. When you walk along the wonderful streets of the historical center, keep in mind that they were all built in the late XVIII, early XIX centuries.

What to see in 1 day

Sucre is a small town. If you do not travel around, one day is enough to inspect it. Here, in my opinion, the optimal program:

• 08:00 - Breakfast on May 25 Square. It is here - the most convenient starting point for walking around the city.
• 09:00 - Inspection and visit to the Freedom House (located here on the square).
• 10:00 - Free walk in the Old Town without "obligatory" places. Only in this way can you really feel it.
• 12:00 - Lunch in one of the restaurants of the historic center. I advise you to choose an institution with a picturesque patio.
• 13:00 - Walk to La Recoleta (20 minutes walk up). It is from here that you will have the best view of the snow-white Sucre.
• 15:00 - Return to the Old Town, visit to the Ethnographic Museum with carnival masks. In my opinion, it is the most colorful in the city.
• 16:00 - Coffee break in a cozy colonial mansion.
• 17:00 - Walk in the Bolivar Park. Be sure to find a small copy of the Eiffel Tower!
• 18:00 - Visiting the colorful Central Market and buying the first souvenirs.
• 19:00 - Dinner in one of the gourmet restaurants with candles and "high" cuisine.
• 20:00 - Evening walk in the historic center. In the light of lanterns he is especially good!
• 21:00 - Tasting Bolivian beer in local bars.

What to see in the surroundings

• The Palacio de la Glorieta, 5 km from Sucre - an 18th-century palace complex for important guests from Spain. Now functions as a museum. Personally, I liked the chambers of the infants and the magnificent decoration of the kitchens. You can get there by bus number 4 (this is its final stop) or taxi (5 USD one way).
• Cal Orcko, 6 km from Sucre - the largest paleontological site with traces of dinosaurs in the world. It was here, in 1994, that cement workers discovered an almost vertical wall of hardened limestone with approximately 6,000 dinosaur tracks. Personally, I am not a fan of archeology and paleontology. And still I liked Cal Orco. It very vividly transfers to the distant past and makes it possible to see the oldest traces of life on Earth, when dinosaurs were one of the most numerous species on the planet. I recommend Kal Orko for visiting all lovers of antiquities!
• 7 waterfalls (The 7 Cascadas), 8 km from Sucre - perhaps the main natural attraction in the vicinity. Waterfalls with crystal clear water where you can swim. Be sure to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, because you have to get along the paths through streams. Also bring food and water with you, there are no shops and cafes there. You can get there by taxi and then 30 minutes on foot.
• Tarabuco, 65 km from Sucre - a small mountain town. The culture center of the Yampara Indians, which means a great chance to observe authentic traditions and beliefs. The main attraction of Tarabuko is the local colorful market, which every Sunday attracts not only local residents from the surrounding villages, but also numerous travelers. At the Tarabuko market, you can buy anything from traditional textiles, handicraft handicrafts, fresh vegetables, fruits and medicinal plants to coca leaves. Another interesting detail: some of the goods on the market are not sold for money, but exchanged by barter. I just liked the Tarambuko market wildly. So, if possible, plan your trip on Sunday. You can get to Tarabuko by regular bus or rented car. Travel time one way - about three hours.

hint: Routes to neighboring cities Sucre - Torotoro 114 km Sucre - Samaipata 175 km Sucre - Cochabamba 207 km Sucre - Camiri 214 km Sucre - Uyuni 226 km

Food. What to try

Details about the national cuisine of Bolivia I wrote in this article. All of the dishes listed in it can be found in the restaurants of Sucre. Perhaps most of all the city is famous for fried Saltenias cakes and chocolate. So I advise you to try them first.

A huge plus of Sucre compared to the small Bolivian towns is the availability of international restaurants. Here you can find Italian, Mexican, Arabic, French cuisine. And everything is delicious. Sucre was generally remembered as a city with excellent food.

Recommended Places

Sucre became for me a real gastronomic outlet during a trip to South America. Many international students live here and therefore restaurants with cuisine of various countries are constantly opening. Moreover, they are most often located in incredibly pretty courtyards of colonial houses, with trees and fountains. In Spanish, the patio is a "patio." I recommend paying special attention to restaurants in the name of which there is a catchy word.

Budgetary

• Bienmesabe - Venezuelan cafe with local shawarma and pancakes. Tasty, satisfying, cheap! Address: Calle Grau Numero 280.
• Florin - A bright, cute cafe with burgers, beer, fun music or football matches. It has the glory of the city with the best internet in Sucre. In my experience, the way it is. Address: Bolivar 567.
• El german - A simple cafe with homemade food and friendly staff. There are great daily weekday deals for a special price. Address: San Alberto 231.

Mid level

• Abis patio - A nice restaurant with international cuisine (the menu has burgers, spaghetti, steaks and much more). I really loved this cozy quiet place with a wonderful green terrace. Address: Calle Pérez 366.
• El patio salteneria - My favorite restaurant, where some of the tables are located on the balcony of the colonial house. It is an ideal place for breakfast. The coffee here is extremely tasty. And what meat pies - incredible! Address: Calle San Alberto 18.
• Condor cafe - A nice restaurant with English-speaking staff and delicious food. It seemed to me that this is the most popular place in the city. After seven in the evening it is sometimes impossible to stop by, not to take a table. So, I recommend to come early and order falafel, he is incredibly good here. Address: Calle Calvo 102.

Expensive

• La taverne - A great authentic restaurant offering delicious food and a cozy atmosphere. In general, in Sucre it is not so easy to find a “high” cuisine with unusual sauces and serve. La Taverne is just such a place. For my taste, it is here that the best steaks are prepared in all of Bolivia. La Taverne also has wonderful and very varied cocktails. Address: Aniceto Arce No. 35.
• La posada restaurante - A restaurant with a giant menu and the largest wine list in Sucre. Prices are two times higher than average, but justified: the service is excellent, the food is exquisite, the interiors are beautiful and not vulgar, which is often sinned in Bolivia. Address: Audiencia 92.
• Pueblo chico - A fun place with great food right in the central square. I warn you: the portions are huge. You can take one for two. Sometimes it takes a very long time to wait for food, Pueblo chico is an extremely popular place among locals. But you won’t be bored; life on May 25 is in full swing at any time of the day or night. Address: Plaza 25 de Mayo No 46.

Holidays

There are a lot of holidays in Sucre. There are Indian tribal festivals, there are Spanish, Catholic. I was in Sucre in the winter and the locals celebrated something weekly. They say the situation is the same in the summer. I will tell you about the main events of Sucre:

• Christmas (Navidad) - I arrived in Sucre exactly on Christmas Eve, December 24, and this day very much struck me in my memory. In the evening, it seems that all the families of the city came out in insanely elegant dresses to the main square of the city (May 25 square). On it stood a tree of lanterns. On the way, in small towns, I saw Christmas trees from sprite bottles. In front of the Cathedral, a stage was installed on which there were children's Christmas performances. Most importantly, in the hands of each family was a small cradle with a doll that imitated the newborn baby Jesus. And baby Jesus was in an Indian hat. Always, without exception. It amused and touched me a lot. Everyone congratulated each other and wished Feliz Navidad (Merry Christmas), then, at midnight, the main event took place: the midnight hour mass. Admission to it is free. So, if you find yourself in Sucre for Christmas, do not be shy and come to the main Cathedral by 12 at night. After the mass, everyone went to family dinners. I had local friends in Sucre, and I was invited to one of them. I must say right away: in spite of strong Catholic roots, there are no turkeys at local tables on Christmas, not accepted. The main Christmas Bolivian dish is called picaña. This is a hot chicken or meat soup with potatoes and corn. For dessert they eat turron, the local marshmallow. Immediately on December 25, everyone arranges picnics and goes to guests. The conclusion is this: Christmas in Sucre is perhaps not the most spectacular, but a very kind holiday, which I heartily advise you to visit.

• New Year (Año Nuevo) - It is noted in Sucre quite traditionally: everyone dances, sings, smartly go out to the main square, at midnight fireworks. From the interesting: only on this day in Sucre they sell a delicious Argentinean cider, they all drink it. Second: on December 31, yellow, red and blue shorts appear on sale in each store. The next day they disappear from the shelves. I found out that this is a traditional Bolivian New Year's gift. Red ones for love, yellow ones for money, blue ones for health.
• Carnival - held in February (floating dates). This is, without exaggeration, the most colorful event in Sucre that you can attend. The entire population of the city dresses up in costumes and masks. Thousands of spectators come together. Usually a carnival lasts a week, every day is devoted to a certain topic. For example, Monday is "the devil's dance." Keep in mind that booking accommodation for carnival dates is several times more difficult than usual. But if you have never seen a South American carnival (and this is a real delight!), Overpayment definitely makes sense.
• Holy Week (Semana Santa) - Easter festival. Throughout the week, a decorated statue of the Virgin Mary is carried along the streets in a procession. All churches are open, but large shops, banks and government agencies are closed. For tourists, Holy Week is a real test. I advise you to check the calendar in advance and try to avoid these numbers on the trip.
• International Festival of Culture - not carried out anywhere else in the country, except Sucre. Usually it is two weeks in October or November (once every 2 years), when Sucre becomes a platform for all possible types of art: modern and folk dance, poetry, theater, cinema, sculpture. The whole city turns into one big scene. What is especially nice: all events are completely free for the audience.
• independence Day - officially the main holiday in Sucre, is celebrated on August 6. It was here that the independence of Bolivia from Spain in 1825 was proclaimed. On May 25, a military parade takes place on the main square, and then a military orchestra performs.

Security. What to watch out for

Sucre is a quiet and sweet city. Here you can safely walk the streets without fear of thieves and the strange appearance of companies that are often found in less prosperous places in South America. I feel absolutely safe in Sucre and have never heard from anyone about any unpleasant incidents in this wonderful town.

Things to do

When I arrived in Sucre, I was very surprised at the number of foreign students on the streets. It seems that there are no famous universities in the city, and the atmosphere in the city is completely student! It turned out that Sucre is the center of volunteer and language programs in South America. So, if you liked the city in terms of climate and general atmosphere, but don’t want to sit around, you can stay for at least a week, at least a year with a good purpose: to learn Spanish in the host country or, conversely, pass on your knowledge and work as a teacher or teacher at school for housing and food. There are a lot of such offers in Sucre. The most famous international schools of Sucre: Fox Language Academy and Fenix ​​school.

If there is not much time in the city and you can’t go to a language school or volunteer, and you don’t want to go to temples and museums, I advise you to visit the Main Cemetery of Sucre. Do not wonder! In North and South America, cemeteries are the most interesting attraction. They are indicated on all maps and guidebooks, are incredibly well-groomed. I personally remember visiting the cemetery in Sucre. This is a majestic and impressive place with statues, family crypts, alleys, shady trees. It was a real surprise for me! Address: Plaza Pedro Anzures. Free admission.

Shopping and shops

For food, vegetables and fruits, fish and meat, I advise you to go to the Central Market (Mercado Central), it is located directly in the Old Town and is distinguished by simply outstanding racyness. Bolivians in colored ponchos sell dozens of varieties of potatoes, corn, and some completely unknown jellies, fruits, and juices. Many (almost all) do not speak English and will have to be explained on the fingers, but this is even more interesting.

If you like vegetarian products and healthy food, I recommend the wonderful Drogueria Natural store right on May 25th. There is something that is sometimes impossible to find in South America: soy milk, quinoa, dark peeled rice, dried fruits, granola. The store is closed on Sundays.

The main city supermarket is called Pompeya and is also on the main square on May 25th. I always went to him. The prices here, according to my observations, are lower than in other stores. There are no complaints about the quality of goods.

I recommend buying souvenirs in street shops. They have a large selection and you can bargain. From the shops I like Alpaca Andina (address Calle Calvo 64). It has a super selection of woolen products and very affordable prices.

Bars Where to go

Bolivians are passionate about beer. In the country it is produced only in large bottles (from 0.6 l), for small there is no demand. But the country is poor and there is no "drinking" culture as such. Everyone just sits in the courtyard or on the curbs. A typical Bolivian bar is a small room with tattered walls, tables with a floral oilcloth and a small TV with football or music videos.

Sucre is an exception. Firstly, it is still the capital. Secondly, there are many students from all over the world. Generally, white people in South America are called "gringos." And just for gringos all Sucre beer houses are designed. There is no local Indian flavor in them, but there is a great desire to be like classic western pubs. Most often, the result is very nice.

All the main pubs are located on the streets, departing from the main square on May 25. They are always crowded. Students like to have fun, and there are many tourists in Sucre. The only night when it’s not accepted to go to pubs is from Sunday to Monday.

The main drinking Sucre:

• The Red Lion English Pub. Address: Bolivar 490.
• Alaska. Address: Calle Arce 415.
• Menfis. Address: Bolivar 650.

Clubs and nightlife

There are not many night clubs in Sucre. Pubs, coffee houses, restaurants are in excess, and the dance clubs literally "cried the cat." The ones that I know:

• Stigma. Address: Calle Bolivar.
• KulturBerlin. Address: Calle Avaroa 334.
• Tabaco's Soul. Address: Calle San Alberto.

On weekdays, all clubs are closed; maximum activity is on the night from Friday to Saturday and from Saturday to Sunday. Almost all establishments open at 20:00, but before 22:00 it does not make sense to come. They close no earlier than seven in the morning. For South Americans, face control is pretty strict. But foreigners are allowed in. Moreover - there is no need to pay entrance fees. The average price for a cocktail at Sucre Dance Club is 3 USD.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

About what can be brought from Bolivia, I wrote in detail in this article. But in Sucre, in addition to the listed goods, there is a unique product!

For example, the city is known for its wonderful tapestries, which are sold in the market and in stores. Locals say it may take up to one year to make some of them. The variety of colors and symbols depicted on tapestries is huge and depends on what tribe the product is made. The best tapestries, in my opinion, are sold in the Inca Pallay store and in the Ethnographic Museum. Price from 20 USD. Here you can also buy bags, scarves, ponchos. Everything is done manually by local craftsmen.

Sucre is also famous for its chocolates. My favorites are Para Ti and Taboada. If you do not have time or forget to buy them in stores, keep in mind that they are also sold at the airport and at the bus station. Price from 3 USD per pack.

How to get around the city

The only and, correspondingly, insanely popular type of public transport in Sucre is minibuses ("micros"). If you do not like dashing close funny buses, you can use a taxi. No more options.

Taxi. What features exist

There are a lot of taxis in the city. They can be caught with a traditional hand movement or called by phone. Call service numbers are usually written on the machines themselves. The cost of the trip is from 1 USD. Cards cannot be paid.

Buses

The starting point for virtually all Sucre micros is the central market. Just like in the cities of Russia. On the windshield, the bus number (sometimes a letter) and a route sign. All in understandable Latin letters. Say, microcircuit 7 will take you to Ricoletta, and microcenter A to the bus station. Money for the ticket should not be given to the driver, but to a colorful young man who hangs out of the bus all the way, whistles and shouts the names of the stations. The cost of the trip depends on the distance, but never exceeds 1 USD.

Vehicle rental

Personally, I would never dare to rent a car in Sucre. Too bad around the road and daring drivers. Nevertheless, there are many such offers in the city, because in the vicinity there are landmarks for Bolivia. In Sucre itself, a car is completely useless; it is more convenient to overcome all distances on foot.

You can rent a car in Sucre after reaching 23 years old if you have international rights and a credit card (or a cash deposit of 1000 USD). The driver's experience must be at least two years.

Price per day from 40 USD to 130 USD depending on the make of the car and the duration of the rental. Each mile covered is paid extra - about 0.2 USD. You can rent a car immediately for a week, it comes out a little cheaper - an average of 400 USD. Here you can compare offers from different distributors.

Tips for motorists

The most important advice is to understand that there are no rules. Bolivians drive, frankly, just awful, never give way, they rebuild as they want, park cars where they want. So think a thousand times before you rent a car.

Sucre - holidays with children

Young children in Sucre may be bored. Still, the city is more about history, churches and architecture. Amusement parks and attractions are not here. And, frankly, I have not seen playgrounds. But adolescents may be interested: in Sucre there are a lot of pretty youth from different countries, there is an opportunity to attend Spanish classes or to participate in one of the many volunteer projects.

Ski vacation

Watch the video: TRUTH OR DARE - Sucré Official Video (April 2024).