Cerro Rico, Mountain peak in Potosí region, Bolivia
Cerro Rico is a summit near Potosí in Bolivia that rises to 4782 meters (15,689 feet) above sea level and stands out for its cone shape and reddish color. Hundreds of mine entrances dot the slopes, and in some areas you can see the different rock layers and ore veins that shape the entire relief.
Spanish conquerors discovered the silver deposits in 1545 and mined them intensively over the following centuries. Extraction accelerated in the 18th century and helped turn Potosí into one of the largest cities in the world.
The name means Rich Mountain in Spanish and refers to the enormous mineral wealth extracted here for centuries. Miners often enter the tunnels with offerings for El Tío, a figure from local belief whom they honor as a protective spirit of the underworld.
Tours into the mines require sturdy footwear, warm clothing and a headlamp, as the tunnels are dark and damp. The altitude can cause breathing difficulties, so spending a few days in Potosí beforehand to acclimatize is advisable.
In some tunnels miners work under conditions that have changed little since the 16th century, still using hand tools and dynamite. You can observe these active work areas during guided tours, offering a direct look at the daily life of the miners.
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