Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the bends in this street were an intentional attempt to inhibit the cold winds that would
otherwise whistle through and chill everything in their path. This concept is carried to ex-
which is an extension of Calle Ingavi, east of Junín. During colonial times Quijarro was
the street of potters, but it's now known for its hat makers. The intersection of Quijarro
and Modesto Omiste, further north, has been dubbed the
Esquina de las Cuatro Porta-
WARNING!
The cooperatives are not museums but working mines that are fairly nightmarish places. Anyone planning to take
a tour needs to realize that there are risks involved. People with medical problems - especially claustrophobia,
asthma and other respiratory conditions - should avoid them. While medical experts including the NHS note that
limited exposure from a tour lasting a few hours is extremely unlikely to cause any lasting health impacts, if you
have any concerns whatsoever about exposure to asbestos or silica dust, you should not enter the mines. Accidents
can also happen - explosions, falling rocks, runaway trolleys etc. For these reasons, all tour companies make vis-
itors sign a disclaimer absolving them completely from any responsibility for injury, illness or death. If your tour
operator does not, choose another. Visiting the mines is a serious decision. If you're undeterred, you'll have an
eye-opening and unforgettable experience.
Tours
In addition to mine tours, there are a variety of guided tours offered by the huge number
of local agencies, including a three-hour city tour (B$70 to B$100, not including entry
fees) of the museums and monuments. Other popular options include Tarapaya (B$50 to
B$100); guided trekking trips around the Lagunas de Kari Kari (B$160 to B$280); and
tours of colonial haciendas around Potosí (B$150). Agencies, offering all of these, include
the following:
Altiplano Tours
(
622-5353; Ayacucho 19)
At the end of its mine tours, you can try some of the work
yourself. This company also offers
tinku
excursions.
MINE TOUR, TINKU
Big Deal Tours
MINE TOUR
