Pari Urqu, Mountain summit in Potosí, Bolivia
Pari Urqu is a 3,950-meter mountain standing west of Potosí city, forming part of the Andean range in Tomás Frías Province. A 33-meter observation tower with a rotating restaurant at the summit provides panoramic views across the city and surrounding landscape.
The name combines the Aymara word 'pari' meaning red-hot with the Quechua word 'urqu' meaning mountain, reflecting the indigenous languages of the region. This naming reflects how different cultural groups shaped the area over time.
The mountain holds significance in local traditions as one of several sacred peaks that surround the historical mining city of Potosí.
The ascent to the summit is manageable for most visitors, though the terrain is steep and requires good endurance. Warm clothing is important as temperatures at this elevation are significantly cooler than in the city below.
In 2013, officials proposed a cable car system to connect this peak with Cerro Rico, aiming to enhance tourism infrastructure between the two mountains. The project would have created a unique link between the two dominant summits overlooking the city.
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