Sucre DIY August 11 and 12
Because of the lost luggage I spent in Sucre less time than expected but, to tell you the truth, I did not fall in love with it, it is difficult to visit churches and buildings because they are closed long time, in some cases even when they should be open .. the Tarabuco market is picturesque, but if I think about the colors seen in Vietnam at Bac Ha.. well, it does not stand the comparison.. .
My BOA flight (nothing bad to say about the company) lands at 9.00, and as soon as I collect luggage, I try to figure out how to go directly to Tarabuco to see the market, which is held only Sunday morning, that’s to say now. The airport is tiny, there are no tourist offices, agencies, or buses. A foreigner who works at a kiosk informs me that the taxi is the only way. I do not like private taxis but I have no choice. Here, by the way, I will witness they are honest and reliable, contrary to what happens in other countries of the globe. Without even haggling too much, I accept the proposal of a guy for 200 BOB round trip, including waiting time, to be divided in two. I ask him a thousand times if it’s really Bolivianos and not American $ or Euro, if the price is really for two people, if it is a return journey and not only one way, if it is all inclusive. Maybe he will think I’m crazy, but he certainly has not been to Vietnam or India .. ..
The main square of Tarabuco is bordered by snow-white buildings, the contrast with the deep and pure blue of the sky is shocking
On the sidewalks, natives wrapped up in blankets and long skirts, some men even wear the traditional felt helmet headgear worn by the Spanish conquerors, sell souvenirs, a flock of sheep crosses the square diagonally. In the side streets, foodstuffs are sold
Our taxi leaves us on the main square in Sucre. Due to the early wake-up, and the altitude, 2900 meters, I do not have much energy to concentrate to the hotel searching. I choose a cardinal point at random, start walking and after a few steps I am in front of the Grand Hotel, with a beautiful patio decorated with bright colors
The rooms are decent, and the price is reasonable 160 BOB for a double. They propose us their best one, nr. 3, where Che Guevara slept. I can not believe it, he was here!!
However, since it is located next to the bar, we prefer something upstairs, potentially quieter
The rest of the day goes in the search of something to visit, but many churches or monasteries are closed.
The center does not even offer inviting restaurants at a good price, so I’ll settle for a plate of ravioli at La Cite Hostal, 60 BOB, they seem frozen. The attached hostel is fabulous.
The next morning, with a micro (3 BOB return) I reach the church of San Felipe Neri, and the Recoleta square, with beautiful views of the city, but nothing special.
Going down a quaint lane adorned with beautiful flowers, I reach the Mercado Santa Ana just at lunch time and I take this opportunity to devour a soup 4 BOB.
With other 3 BOB (return) in micro we reach the Cretaceous Park. Due to a road block for a car race, the micro leaves us a couple of kilometers away. Admission to the park costs 30 BOB. Let’s say it is unnecessary because it’s possible to see the footprints also from outside, anyway there is a small and interesting museum. A private society, starting some excavations works in its own quarry, discovered years ago footsteps of several species of dinosaurs, perfectly preserved. Because of the earth’s crust movements during millions of years, the soil where they are fossilized is now placed in a vertical position. You can admire them from a sort of lookout, but as I said, more or less with the same point of view, also from public street.
The museum exhibits dinosaur footprints, bones, and a complete awesome skeleton coming from Argentina
Outside, in the park, some reproductions of the best know species, such as the Tyrannosaurus rex, are exposed.
I disagree with those web reviews which state that it’s kids’ stuff, the footsteps exposure is unmatched worldwide.
WeI eat dinner at the hotel restaurant (47.5 BOB). Always through the hotel, we book a taxi compartido to Potosi, since the bus just costs a little bit less.