Sucre, Bolivia
April 6-21, 2016
The city of Sucre is set in a valley surrounded by low mountains and is a Unesco world heritage site due to its immaculately preserved colonial architecture. Most of the city's colonial buildings have been white washed also earning its nickname "the white city". Sucre enjoys "spring like" weather all year round and many tourists come and stay to either volunteer or learn Spanish. In contrast to Bolivia's capital La Paz, Sucre is smaller and cozier and an attractive place to spend some time. After being on the move for many months it seemed like a good idea to unpack for awhile and renew our energies. We rented a lovely modern apartment and lived like a local for a few weeks enjoying our time in the white city.
Our Apartment in Sucre
Renting apartments in Sucre is all about who you know in order to actually track down an apartment. We were lucky to find a listing called "Condor View" through airbnb.com which offers shared or whole apartments in the same building. Its run by a lovely local family who attended to our needs and ensured we were happy renters! It was located only a few blocks from the centre and made a tranquil retreat in which to spend our time.
Things We Enjoyed About Sucre
The Colonial Architecture
Known as "the white city" Sucre has a plethora of ornate churches, buildings and museums in one shade of white or another and actually required to white wash them annually.
Known as "the white city" Sucre has a plethora of ornate churches, buildings and museums in one shade of white or another and actually required to white wash them annually.
La Recoleta View Point
Much of Sucre is build up along the low lying mountains and one of the best views of the city is at La Recoleta Plaza
Sucre Cemetery
It might seem like an odd place to visit but generally speaking in South America the dead are celebrated and cemeteries are often a more lively atmosphere where people enjoy strolling and having their lunch. Within the Sucre cemetery are hundreds of rows of "burial niches" which are leased a maximum of 7 years at which time the body must be removed by the family or its placed in a mass grave. A bold sign at the entrance states: "Me today, You tomorrow".
Local Markets
We loved buying our fruits and vegetables from the local markets. Its so cheap and the more often that Doug returned to the same seller the better the deals!
Central Plaza
The central plaza is always the hub of activity. Pleasantly shady and well manicured we often enjoyed ice cream walking around the plaza or people watching!
The Village of Tarabuco
The small village of Tarabuco comprised predominantly of indigenous people became famous for its quality textiles and Sunday markets. Unfortunately this has also meant a huge influx of tourists. Though it may not be the gem it once was its still a nice day trip to experience local life from the nearby mountainous communities.