Sucre, Bolivia: travel guide
Whitewashed colonial streets in Bolivia's constitutional capital
Bolivia's constitutional capital and a UNESCO World Heritage city of whitewashed colonial buildings. Mild climate, rich independence history, and a relaxed student-town feel.
About Sucre
Sucre is Bolivia's constitutional capital, a calm and graceful city of whitewashed colonial buildings, courtyards and church towers. Its mild highland climate and student population give it an easy pace compared with other Bolivian cities.
The Casa de la Libertad tells the story of Bolivia's independence, and the Plaza 25 de Mayo is the centre of local life. The Convento de San Felipe Neri has a rooftop terrace, the Museo de Arte Indígena ASUR shows regional textiles, and the Parque Cretácico displays dinosaur footprints on a vast rock wall. La Recoleta Mirador is the place to watch the sun go down.
Sucre suits history lovers and those who want a gentler stop between La Paz and Potosí. It is pleasant year-round, though the dry season is easiest for sightseeing.
- Country
- Bolivia
- Currency
- BOB
- Time zone
- America/La_Paz
- Nearest airport
- SRE
Last updated
Top places to visit in Sucre
Parque Cretácico (Cal Orck'o)
paleontology · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A quarry wall preserving over 5,000 dinosaur footprints — one of the world's largest sets of tracks — with a dinosaur park.
Casa de la Libertad
history · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The birthplace of Bolivia, where independence was declared in 1825. Now a museum of the republic's founding.
Convento de San Felipe Neri
church · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A colonial convent whose whitewashed rooftop terraces give one of the best views over Sucre's tiled roofs.
Plaza 25 de Mayo
square · 4.4 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The elegant palm-lined main square of Sucre, surrounded by whitewashed colonial buildings and the cathedral.
Museo de Arte Indígena ASUR
textiles · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
A museum dedicated to the intricate weavings of the Jalq'a and Tarabuco peoples, with live weaving demonstrations.
La Recoleta Mirador
panorama · 4.6 rating · about 0.7 h · check the fee at the gate
Hillside plaza and monastery with arcaded viewpoint over the white city.
Things to do
- Tarabuco Sunday Market Tour Cultural · 6 h · from BOB 200 per person
- Maragua Crater Trek Hiking · 9 h · from BOB 400 per person
- Sucre Walking & Chocolate Tour Food Tour · 2.5 h · from BOB 120 per person
Day trips and tours
- Sucre & Tarabuco Market Day Trip 6 h · from BOB 200
Where to stay in Sucre
- Centro Histórico about BOB 350 per night
The whitewashed UNESCO old town, where almost all of Sucre's sights, cafés and hotels are within walking distance.
Hotels
- Parador Santa María La Real 5-star · BOB 950 to BOB 1,500 per night
- Hostal CasArte Takubamba 3-star · BOB 240 to BOB 330 per night
- Hotel de Su Merced 4-star · BOB 450 to BOB 620 per night
- KulturBerlin 2-star · BOB 80 to BOB 260 per night
Where to eat
- El Huerto Bolivian, International · about BOB 90 per person
- Condor Café Cafe, Vegetarian · about BOB 45 per person
- La Taverne French, Bolivian · about BOB 85 per person
- Mercado Central de Sucre Bolivian, Street Food · about BOB 25 per person
Getting to Sucre
Airport: Sucre (SRE)
How visitors arrive in Sucre
- Bus from major Bolivian cities By road from La Paz, Potosi, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba · common
Long-distance buses arrive at the Sucre bus terminal from La Paz, Potosi, Oruro, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba and Uyuni; roads can be rough and blockades occur. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Domestic flight to Alcantari Airport By air from La Paz, Santa Cruz, Cochabamba · common
Alcantari airport has domestic flights only, from La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the bus terminal to the centre
- Taxi from the bus terminal to the centre unconfirmed
The bus terminal is a short ride from the centre and taxis wait there. Agree the fare before setting off. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Micro routes 3 and A unconfirmed
Micro routes 3 and A link the bus terminal with Junin street near the main plaza. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Getting around
- Minibus
Micros are small set-route buses in Sucre with no formal stops; you flag one down and tell the driver where to get off.
- Taxi
Taxis are plentiful in Sucre, while the compact centre is also small enough to walk.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Bus terminal bag theft
Sucre bus terminal
Bags left unattended or stored carelessly on buses are stolen.
How to avoid it: Keep valuables in your hand luggage, watch your bag at boarding, and keep a copy of your ticket.
Best time to visit Sucre
- Jan 22°C
- Feb 21°C
- Mar 22°C
- Apr 22°C
- May 22°C
- Jun 21°C
- Jul 21°C
- Aug 22°C
- Sep 23°C
- Oct 23°C
- Nov 23°C
- Dec 22°C
More in Bolivia
Frequently asked questions about Sucre
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Sucre?
- The highest-rated places in our Sucre guide are Casa de la Libertad, Convento de San Felipe Neri, Museo de Arte Indígena ASUR, La Recoleta Mirador, Plaza 25 de Mayo.
- Where should I stay in Sucre?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Sucre: Centro Histórico.
- How do I get around Sucre?
- Ways to get around Sucre covered in our guide: Minibus, Taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Sucre?
- Scams reported to us for Sucre include Bus terminal bag theft. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Sucre?
- Average daytime highs in Sucre run from 21°C in Jul to 23°C in Oct.
- Which airport is nearest to Sucre?
- The nearest airport to Sucre has the code SRE.