Sucre also known historically as Charcas, La Plata and Chuquisaca (population 247,300 in 2006) is the constitutional capital of Bolivia, the capital of the department of Chuquiasca, and the 6th most populated city in Bolivia. Located in the south-central part of the country, Sucre lies at an elevation of 2810 m. This relatively high altitude gives the city a cool temperate climate year-round. Famed throughout Bolivia for its pretty, well-kept centre, and for its agreeable climate, Sucre – "la ciudad blanca" or white city – is probably the most tranquil city in Bolivia (or perhaps South America). While it offers specific attractions in the form of historic buildings and renowned theatre as well as indigenous culture and prehistoric sites in the surrounding towns and countryside, the highlight of Sucre might be its relaxed atmosphere, which detains many travellers for far longer than expected.

Sucre's history has always been closely tied to that of Potosí. The city rose to prominence as an attractive retreat for wealthy and influential figures connected with Potosí's silver mines. Although Sucre can be considered a "colonial" city, its architecture is more an example of later, neo-classical style. The dishevelled, crooked streets of Potosí better reflect the chaotic urban planning of early colonialism and the silver rush, while orderly, elegant Sucre is a result of the wealth later spawned by the silver trade. Sucre’s original name, Ciudad de la Plata de la Nueva Toledo (city of the silver of New Toledo) reflects the huge significance silver played in the city’s development.

HOW TO GO

BY BUS

The bus terminal is about 2 kilometres from the city centre. A taxi to the centre should cost BOB4. This is per person not per vehicle. If you are not comfortable sharing a taxi, you should make this clear.

• The official prices for buses to and from Sucre are as follows.

La Paz - Sucre: minimum BOB45, normal bus BOB90, semi-cama BOB125, full cama BOB180.

Oruro - Sucre: minimum BOB30Bs, normal bus BOB50Bs, semi-cama BOB60, full cama BOB95.

Potosí - Sucre: minimum BOB10, normal bus BOB17, semi-cama BOB25, full cama BOB35.

Santa Cruz - Sucre: minimum BOB35, normal bus BOB80, semi-cama BOB90, full cama BOB110.

Cochabamba - Sucre: minimum BOB30, normal bus BOB52, semi-cama BOB60, full cama BOB100.

Tarija - Sucre: minimum BOB60, normal bus BOB83.

• For buses to Uyuni, Tupiza and the Southwest, change in Potosí.
• Buses leave hourly for Potosí and take 3-4 hours (you can also take a taxi for about BOB35 per person, it will take about two hours and the driver will go very very fast.
• All other destinations are an overnight ride away. Buses to La Paz or Cochabamba take about 12 hours. Buses to Santa Cruz take about 14 hours and pass through Samaipata.
• The roads out of Sucre are fairly rough, with the exception of the road to Potosí, which you also take to reach Oruro or La Paz. For this reason think hard about upgrading to a semi-cama or full cama bus, which are provided only by Trans Copacabana M.E.M. (not the various other "Copacabana" operators) and El Dorado. Other operators which claim to offer "full cama" seats are lying. The overnight normal bus to Cochabamba is definitely not fun.
• Tickets generally only go on sale the day that the bus will depart (although El Dorado will sell you a ticket the day before), so to be sure of getting a seat you need to arrive at the terminal before midday. Many tour agencies will offer to book tickets ahead for you, but understand that this is not how things are normally done in Sucre, so expect to pay more, and make sure you check whether you need to redeem the ticket from the agency for a ticket from the bus line. If buying at the terminal itself, make sure to go to the operator's office inside the terminal - the touts in the car park outside are usually genuine, but have been known to "double sell" seats.
• Whichever route you take or level of bus you opt for, do not expect to find a toilet on board unless you travel with the most expensive operators. Ask to make sure in any case. Do expect the bus to stop in the middle of the night somewhere close to a cheese vendor, and to see half of the male passengers lined up to relieve themselves against a convenient wall.

BY PLANE

Since the government of Bolivia pulled the plug on the national carrier, Lloyd Aero Boliviano, no international airlines currently serve Sucre's Lajas Tambo airport.Aerosur, a domestic carrier, operates flights to Santa Cruz, La Paz, and Cochabama. TAM is a cheaper alternative to Aerosur, and also flies to all the major cities. Also Boliviana de Aviación (BoA) provides flights via their hub in Cochabamba.

The airport is about 10 km from the centre. Transportation to the centre is either by taxi (BOB30) or by Micro. Micros do not drive up to the airport but only pass by it. Walk to the road passing by the airport, cross it, and wait for Micro 1 which is going to Av Hernando Siles for BOB2. The airport is notorious for closures in inclement weather. Sometimes no flights arrive or depart for several days. It is always worth checking ahead before arriving as the airport has limited waiting areas. It does have several shops, including a shop selling the chocolate the city is locally famous for.

GET AROUND

Sucre is a small town with regular hop-on buses and plentiful taxis. A tourist bus or private transport is needed to visit some of the attractions outside of Sucre, such as Tarabuco market and the dinosaur footprints. Mostly you will not move more than five blocks from Plaza 25 de Mayo, the main square.