Altiplano attractions

The privately owned Museum of Musical Instruments (Museo de Instrumentos Musicales) houses the most extensive collection of its kind in Bolivia. You’ll see native Bolivian volcanic rock flutes; thousands of percussion, string, and wind instruments; and much more.

La Paz Cathedral stands side by side with the Presidential Palace on Plaza Murillo, a historic space that draws everyone from strolling families to political protesters. While it’s less frequented than the nearby Church of San Francisco, the La Paz Cathedral’s lofty ceilings and brilliant stained glass are well worth a detour.

Displaying Bolivian art from the colonial era through the present day, the National Museum of Art (Museo Nacional de Arte) is one of the country’s premier art collections. The 18th-century palace where the artwork is housed is just as remarkable, with intricate baroque detailing in the building’s soaring courtyard, alabaster fountain, and galleries.

Famous for the immense amounts of silver mined from within it, Cerro Rico is an important mountain on the outskirts of Potosi. This still-active mine has long been a vital resource for the country of Bolivia and even earned its way onto the country’s flag, showing just how important Cerro Rico is as a cultural and historical landmark.

Hailed as one of South America’s best museums, the National Mint of Bolivia (Casa Nacional de la Moneda) should be at the top of your Potosi sightseeing itinerary. Only accessible on a guided tour, the 18th-century museum traces the history of Spanish silver, the world’s first global currency.

Located in the Amazon basin along the banks of the Yolosa River, La Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary is a privately run organization that has offered refuge to over 350 animals rescued from illegal trafficking and abuse. These monkeys, bears, ocelots, tortoises, and birds roam the 30-acre (12-hectare) nature reserve freely, and are cared for by a team of volunteers.