Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
EATING AND DRINKING
Uyuni has a limited selection of places to eat, though there are a couple of gems. Many res-
taurants are centred on pedestrianized Plaza Arce, though the majority only offer mediocre
gringo-oriented fare. Stalls in Potosí's
indoor market
are inexpensive, though hygiene isn't
always a top priority.
16 de Julio
Plaza Arce.
Despite recent price rises, this glass-fronted restaurant remains a
good choice for its hearty Bolivian staples such as beef and llama steaks,
pique a lo macho
(fried strips of beef with chips, tomatoes, onions and chillies),
silpancho
(thin breaded steak),
and passable pizzas. Mains Bs22-50.
Open daily.
Arco Iris
Plaza Arce.
Decent but rather expensive pizza and pasta in a cosy ambience with
good background music. Despite the very slow service, it's popular with travellers, particu-
larly in the evenings.
Open daily from 4pm.
Extreme Fun Pub
Av Potosí.
Although it doesn't quite live up to its name, this first-floor
bar has a sociable atmosphere, decent food (Bs30-50), a book exchange and a wide range of
tragos
(alcholic drinks) - as well as plenty of drinking games to go with them.
Daily mid-af-
ternoon-1am. Happy hour 7-9pm.
La Loco
Av Potosí.
This rustic French-run restaurant-bar has an open fire, candles pro-
truding from empty liquor bottles, and a wall covered with travellers' scribblings. The Gallic
touch is more in evidence on the desserts (Bs12-15) than on the mains (Bs30-48): on offer
is a trio of crêpes plus a decadent chocolate and Brazil nut tart. Mon-Sat 4pm-2am.
Happy
hour 7-8pm.
Minuteman Pizza
Av Ferroviaria 60.
Inside the
Toñito Hotel
, this pizzeria serves a truly
superbbuffetbreakfast(Bs50)featuringdelightslikeEnglishmuffins,bagelsandmuesli.The
pizzas (Bs35-100), sandwiches and desserts (Bs15) keep up the high standards, and there are
nice touches like photocopied crossword puzzles to keep you occupied while you wait. If you
drop off your old sunglasses here,
Minuteman
will donate them to salt workers in the Salar.
Open daily for breakfast and dinner.
DIRECTORY
Banks and exchange
The Banco de Crédito on Potosí between Arce and Bolívar changes
dollars and has a fairly reliable ATM. Many tour agencies also change dollars and travellers'
cheques (the latter for a hefty commission); some occasionally accept credit card payments.
Internet
Macinternet (Bs5/hr) on Potosí is one of the better cyber cafés.
Shopping
Street stalls along Potosí sell woollen jumpers, hats, gloves, socks and ponchos;
the Thurs market is a particularly good hunting ground.
Telephone office
The ENTEL office is just south of the clocktower on Av Arce.
