BOLIVIA - Potosi mines
The mines of the Cerro Rico are the richest mines in all of world history and might have produced 70,000 tons of silver in the last centuries.
During the colonial period, millions of labourers died in mines and the silver was taken by llama and mule train to the Pacific coast, shipped to Panama, carried again by mule train across the isthmus of Panama, then carried to Spain on the Spanish vessels.
We recommend a visit to one of the cooperative mines, even if it's a difficult experience because the working conditions haven't been improved much since the beginning.
BEST TIME to VISIT BOLIVIA
BEST TIME to TRAVEL to POTOSI
Best for all Bolivia : April and May ; September to November
statue dedicated to minors
only men are allowed to work inside the mine
a painting which is a good summany of minor"s life
Suzy - 78 years old - 10 children - works for the mine since 48 years
Suzy - 78 years old - 10 children - works for the mine since 48 years
Shop where minors buy their mining equipment
Bolivians are superstitious and near the mine entrance there is a little cave that contained a statue of "El Tio," a diabolic figure. The miners make offerings for good luck.
Women are not allowed in the mine. They worked outside the mine.
cooperative buildings
mine entrance
tunnel
Bolivians are superstitious and near the mine entrance there is a little cave that contained a statue of "El Tio," a diabolic figure. The miners make offerings for good luck.
cooperative buildings
inside the mine
shop for minors equipment
a "Tio" figure on tunnel wall inside the mine
loading a truck