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My initial plan was to take a day bus from La Paz to Sucre and "enjoy" the 15 hours drive as much as this is possible, however and to my surprise all buses run overnight. This was the last little push I needed to switch plans and book a 50min flight with BoA. The price (around 40€) make it even easier.
The only problem was that there were no flights available for Friday as I had planned and had to stay one night longer in La Paz, flying on Saturday 15th. Because of this I will have to skip Potosí this time.
Sucre, also known as "the city of the four names", is the constitutional capital city of Bolivia. The names Charcas, La Plata and Chuquisaca were used in different times and show the importance the city had through its history. With a population of 250.000 people, a mild and temperate climate year-round, and an altitude around 2.800m it stays in direct contrast to La Paz.
Founded in 1538 by the spanish conquistadores, the city has a large number of catholic churches and monasteries most of them well preserved. Its narrow streets and colonial houses can be seen everywhere. Sucre is one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites.
There are a few churches where the towers and bell house can be visited. In this case I went to the Iglesia de La Merced. The weather was really nice and sunny and the view over Sucres´s streets showed that they are doing a good job avoiding high buildings.
La Casa de la Libertad located in Sucre´s main square is one of Bolivia´s most important monuments. This is the place where Bolivia´s independence was sealed and where the former Alto Peru became a country by itself in 1825. The house holds documents, pictures and art from this time.
The weather was so nice on Sunday morning that I preferred to stay in Sucre instead of visiting Tarabuco´s market (two hours bus drive one way). I walked to the Monastery de la Recoleta which is located in a hill not far from the city center and with a beatiful view over the whole valley.
I was lucky once more and had not just the view, but the city was celebrating the first music band and dance competition in preparation for carnival. There were small stands offering local food to participants and espectators.
At the end of the afternoon and to complete my last day in Sucre I walked to Parque Bolivar, a place where those not crazy for carneval folklore where spending the day with their families. Even Anticuchos were sold there. They look and smell the same as in Lima, that´s all I know.
Anticuchos!!! ... y picarones también?
ReplyDeleteSucre me recuerda el espíritu de algunas calles del centro histórico de Lima (solo que bien conservadas), al espíritu de la ciudad de Cajamarca por su serranía y arquitectura (aunque sin el desorden de la ciudad actual. Y hace evocar a la Córdoba del siglo XV por las piletas, las calles estrechas y las casitas blancas con balcones llenos de vida... Me gustan tus fotos, Pepe.
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