Potosí and Cerro Rico: A Deep Dive into the Mountain That Built an Empire
Cerro Rico de Potosí, the conical mountain above the Bolivian altiplano, was the single richest silver source in human history. From 1545 to 1825 perhaps 50 000 tonnes of silver were extracted — at a human cost on the same scale.
Discovery 1545
Local lore credits the discovery to the Inca shepherd Diego Huallpa in 1545. The Spanish crown moved swiftly to organise extraction, and the city of Potosí grew to 160 000 inhabitants — larger than London or Paris — by 1610.
The mita system
Forced indigenous labour, the mita, was instituted by Viceroy Toledo in 1573. Each adult male in a vast catchment was conscripted for seven years' service over a lifetime. Conditions in the mine and in the patio amalgamation works were deadly.
The role of mercury
Mercury from Huancavelica and Almadén was used to refine the silver via the patio process. Mercury poisoning compounded the silicosis, accidents and altitude.
The Casa de la Moneda
The Mint of Potosí, established 1574, produced coins of standard purity that became the global trade currency: the 'piece of eight' or Spanish dollar. The Casa de la Moneda museum is one of the finest in South America.
UNESCO inscription
Potosí was inscribed in 1987 and added to the World Heritage in Danger list in 2014 because of the continued working of the cerro and risk of collapse.
Modern mining
The mountain is still worked — but for tin, lead and silver by miners' cooperatives in extraordinarily dangerous conditions. Tour operators take visitors into working galleries (the only such experience in the world).
The cooperatives
Around 15 000 men still work Cerro Rico in informal teams. Life expectancy is short. Tours bring gifts — coca leaves, dynamite, fortified wine — for the miners visited.
Tío del Cerro
The shrines to El Tío, the underground spirit who must be appeased with offerings, are among the most striking sights of the visit — a syncretic Catholic-Andean tradition unlike anything else.
Ethical visiting
Potosí tourism is contested. Tour with a properly licensed operator who pays into miners' funds. Keep to short visits; do not photograph workers without consent.
Explore on the map
Find Potosí and Cerro Rico and related mining heritage sites on the interactive map, with opening hours and accessibility notes.