Places / South America / Bolivia
Sucre
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At a glance
- Country
- Bolivia
- Region
- Chuquisaca
- Population
- 300,000
- Best time to go
- April to October
- Main airport
- Alcantarí International (SRE)
- Coordinates
- 19.02°S, 65.26°W
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Overview
Sucre is Bolivia's constitutional capital and its most elegant city, a grid of whitewashed colonial houses, churches and leafy plazas at a comfortable 2,800 metres. The seat of government is in La Paz, which leaves Sucre with a calmer, university-town feel.
Independence was declared here in 1825, and the historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many travellers stay longer than planned, taking Spanish classes, eating well and using the city as a base for markets and hikes in the surrounding hills.
Things to see
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Photo: Jimmy Gilles ( Anakin ), CC BY-SA 3.0 Casa de la Libertad
The colonial hall where Bolivia's declaration of independence was signed, now a museum of the country's founding.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Mx._Granger, CC0 Plaza 25 de Mayo and the cathedral
The main square, shaded by palms, is overlooked by the cathedral and the city's grand public buildings.
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Photo: Mario Falcetti, CC BY 4.0 La Recoleta
A Franciscan monastery and arcaded viewpoint on the hill above town, best visited in the late afternoon light.
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Photo: John Martin Perry, CC BY-SA 4.0 Cal Orck'o
A tilted quarry wall covered in thousands of dinosaur footprints, with a park of life-sized models below.
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Photo: LAR1984, CC BY-SA 4.0 Museo de Arte Indígena
A beautiful collection of Jalq'a and Tarabuco weaving, with explanations of the symbols and techniques.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Jenni Frog, CC BY 2.0 Tarabuco Sunday market
A busy indigenous market a couple of hours away, famous for textiles and for locals in traditional dress.
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Photo: François Bianco, CC BY-SA 2.0 Hike to the Maragua crater
A multi-coloured natural amphitheatre of folded rock in the hills, often combined with dinosaur tracks and village stays.
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Photo: Mario Falcetti, CC BY 4.0 Learn Spanish
Sucre is one of South America's favourite places to study, with plenty of schools and homestays.
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Photo: Vanett Graneros, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat at the Mercado Central
Try salteñas for breakfast and fresh fruit juices at the stalls upstairs.
Where to stay
Historic centre
Colonial guesthouses within a few blocks of the main square; ideal for a first visit.
Hotels in Historic centreLa Recoleta
Quieter streets up the hill, with views and a short, steep walk to the centre.
Hotels in La Recoleta
Getting around
The centre is compact and walkable. Taxis are cheap and plentiful, and micros (minibuses) cover the rest of the city.
The airport is about 30 kilometres from the centre, roughly 40 minutes by taxi; overnight buses connect Sucre with La Paz, Potosí and Santa Cruz.
When to go
April to October is the dry season, with sunny days and cool nights. November to March brings afternoon rain, but the city stays mild all year thanks to its altitude.
Plan your trip to Sucre
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.