I'm rich Potosi, The treasure of the world Cooperative Private Mines in Potosi, the silver factory, and the envy of kings

THE MINE VISIT. You will visit the private, cooperative mines of Unificada Cooperative Company, Rosario, Candelaria, Pailaviri and Santa Elena intercommunicated silver mines.
You will visit the most antique mines in the Rich Mountain, dated from colonial times. The Silver Mountain or Sumaj Orcko known for its silver mines has well relieved the title of the world cultural heritage site.
A trip to the private cooperative mines is an unique and unforgettable experience for everyone.

THE MINERS (WORK SYSTEM). You will be able appreciate: The sacrificed work of today’s miners. Exploitation work of the silver began in the colonial period and is maintained today using the same working tools.
You will also observe the galleries, putties and cupules made of stone, over 456 years ago.
You will enter more than 3 Kms. into the intercommunicated mines and descend 7 levels from 20 to 30 mts until you each the heart of the mountain.
Our knowledgeable guides will help you gain fascinating insights in to the lives of 980 working miners. Experience the excitement of dynamite explosions and receive explanations on the miner’s history, economy, culture, and working conditions.

MINERALS. You will see the exploitation of different mineral veins such as silver, zinc, lead, tin and others that are extracted in the different mine entrances of the Rich Silver Mountain.

CHILDREN AND WOMEN MINERS. You will be acquainted with actual situations of child miners and of women palliri who hold miner activities by selecting minerals from the rubble; while maintaining their role as home workers.

CUSTOM. You will gain an understanding of customs and beliefs. La ch’aIIa (the toast) with alcohol, coca leaves and Cigarettes, in honor of Tio (Uncle), God of the mines, owner of the silver, and the mine entrance spilt. Blood of llama which is traditionally done in honor to Pachamama, mother earth too.

Was born in lncahuasi (Potosí), descended from a family of miners and has been a miner himself. The pioneer of tourism, he is a private cooperative mines, Salt of Uyuni, Colored Lagoon, Official guide, genuine instructor of adventure tourism with registry N° 001 Pt., permission of national government tourism of Bolivia. He is a longstanding universally recommended guide, with 8 year or experience in the mine as a miner and has 20 years in adventure tours, whose experience and background well qualify him for the job; to found ANDES SALT EXPEDITÍONS Tour Operator. He invites you to visit Silver Mines and discover the Spectacular landscape of Uyuni Salt Flats, Colored Lagoon, is one of Bolivia most spectacular and most isolated marvels. Our services are guaranteed come with us.
Raul Braulio and Andes Salt Expeditions is definitely the best guide 1 have been with so far in Bolivia. I recommend Raul Braulio as a guide due to his direct links with the Inca Culture and with the mining community.

THE MILLS OR PLANT OF MINERAL REFINERY

You will be able to observe the deferent’s stages of the mineral refining process done manually and mechanized, located in the high up parted of the city and ruineds of ore –processed plant of the colonial time.

Social Help to Children and Women Miners. Throughout the seventeen years that we have been running tours to the mines, the group of guides from our company has been helping the children and women miners of Cerro Rico, by giving 15% of the price of tourist visits to the cooperative mines. This economic help supports education, particularly of orphaned miners’ children, medical assistance, by aiding the purchase of medicines for miners suffering from silicosis, and in the purchase of mining tools. For the future we have in mind several projects. These include the building of a sanitary post, the installation of hygienic toilets and the provision of drinking water. We also hope to construct a refuge for the mine caretaker. For these projects, we need help from financial donations and from the taxes levied on tour groups. If you want to help the miners, orphaned miners’ children and widowed women miners of Cerro Rico, any voluntary donations will be received gratefully. If you want to make a donation, contact us at turismo_potosi@hotmail.com

The darkness of the mine breaks weakly. There, in the distance is a light that warns of a miner approaching. Little by little, the sound of rubber boots on the mine floor is heard and the footsteps grow louder. Are the voices heard those of children? Who are they? Where are they? It is difficult to tell in the suffocating darkness. Then the light of a helmet appears and under it is the face of a boy. This boy is a miner, thin and vulnerable, like other children, but with the burden that is what it means to be a miner. Behind him comes another boy without a helmet, but carrying out the same tasks. In the mine the children speak but don’t laugh – the darkenss of the tunnel consumes their laughter.

Out the light transforms the environment but doesn't change the reality. The miner children don't have childhood because the work kidnaps them since they begin to walk, when they put them mineral in the hands to offer them to the tourists.

These images were photographed by Jean Christophe and Auri Even, two French journalists who came to Cerro Rico. They are a worthy testimony to the daily drama of life in the Silver Mountain.


Private and Shared Tours :: All Days
THE MINE VISIT. You will visit the private, cooperative mines of Unificada Cooperative Company, Rosario, Candelaria, Pailaviri and Santa Elena intercommunicated silver mines. You will visit the most antique mines in the Rich Mountain, dated from colonial times. The Silver Mountain or Sumaj Orcko known for its silver mines has well relieved the title of the world cultural heritage site. A trip to the private cooperative mines is an unique and unforgettable experience for everyone. THE MINERS (WORK SYSTEM). You will be able appreciate: The sacrificed work of today’s miners. Exploitation work of the silver began in the colonial period and is maintained today using the same working tools. You will also observe the galleries, putties and cupules made of stone, over 456 years ago. You will enter more than 3 Kms. into the intercommunicated mines and descend 7 levels from 20 to 30 mts until you each the heart of the mountain. Our knowledgeable guides will help you gain fascinating insights in to the lives of 980 working miners. Experience the excitement of dynamite explosions and receive explanations on the miner’s history, economy, culture, and working conditions. MINERALS. You will see the exploitation of different mineral veins such as silver, zinc, lead, tin and others that are extracted in the different mine entrances of the Rich Silver Mountain. CHILDREN AND WOMEN MINERS. You will be acquainted with actual situations of child miners and of women palliri who hold miner activities by selecting minerals from the rubble; while maintaining their role as home workers. CUSTOM. You will gain an understanding of customs and beliefs. La ch’aIIa (the toast) with alcohol, coca leaves and Cigarettes, in honor of Tio (Uncle), God of the mines, owner of the silver, and the mine entrance spilt. Blood of llama which is traditionally done in honor to Pachamama, mother earth too.
ORGANIZED MINES TOURS COSTS INCLUDED
The visit starts at 8:30 am and 01:00 pm every day from our office Andes Salt Expeditions Tour Operator, our first stop is in the miner’s market “Calvario”, where you will be able to choose from coca leaves, cigarettes, Coke, or water, dynamite and fuses which can be take presents for the miners.We then continue to the plant of mineral Refinery (silver factory) and silver mines Rosario, Candelaria ,you will be able to appreciate, the sacrifice and work of the miners. Exploitation of the silver began in the colonial period and is maintained today using the same working tools. This is not a touristy or modern mine.
You will be able to see many miners their work conditions.
We leave regardless of the numbers of tourists and there is a maximum of 7 persons in each group.
Exclusive transport by 4x4 WD Toyota Land Cruiser or Bus round trip. You do not have to walk or catch public transport.
Specialized ex-miner, English speaking Guides, who are knowledgeable, expert with 20 years of experience.
We donate 15% of your ticket price is forwarded to the miners, of their fee to support on-site health-care facilities like food, medicines.
In the tour the guide, like ex-miner to do Dynamite explosion.
We supply special mining equipment such as helmets, rubber boots, and waterproof jackets.
We are also the only company to provide protective over pants and electric headlamps leaving your hands free.
Visit to the observatory a spectacular viewpoint from the Rich Mountain of Potosi (4500m), one of kari kari lakes, by 4x4 WD.
Visit to there mines and miner’s market.
You will visit women, boy miners.
Duration 4 to 5 hours.
Visit to the mills or the Plant of mineral Refinery
We are at “Andes Salt Expeditions” promise to make it a unique experience. We offer bilingual tours with expert guides.
REMEMBER TO BRING
Eat good breakfast (American breakfast).
Wear old clothes a handkerchief to filter the dusty air.
Camera and small handbag.
For extra energy (you’ll need it)
Water, Sodas, Chocolate bar, bananas and snacks.
VISIT TIME
Hard adventure tour: At 4 to 5 hours.(cooperative mines tour)
Soft tour: At 1 to 2 hours.(cooperative mines tour)
PRICE: 10U$D PER PERSON ALL INCLUDED
ABOUT DE GUIDE - RAUL BRAULIO MAMANI
Was born in lncahuasi (Potosí), descended from a family of miners and has been a miner himself. The pioneer of tourism, he is a private cooperative mines, Salt of Uyuni, Colored Lagoon, Official guide, genuine instructor of adventure tourism with registry N° 001 Pt., permission of national government tourism of Bolivia. He is a longstanding universally recommended guide, with 8 year or experience in the mine as a miner and has 20 years in adventure tours, whose experience and background well qualify him for the job; to found ANDES SALT EXPEDITÍONS Tour Operator. He invites you to visit Silver Mines and discover the Spectacular landscape of Uyuni Salt Flats, Colored Lagoon, is one of Bolivia most spectacular and most isolated marvels. Our services are guaranteed come with us. Raul Braulio and Andes Salt Expeditions is definitely the best guide 1 have been with so far in Bolivia. I recommend Raul Braulio as a guide due to his direct links with the Inca Culture and with the mining community.
THE MILLS OR PLANT OF MINERAL REFINERY
You will be able to observe the deferent’s stages of the mineral refining process done manually and mechanized, located in the high up parted of the city and ruineds of ore –processed plant of the colonial time.
Tours Cost Included: Transport by 4x4 WD / Specialized Guide / Tickets /
Duration: 2 Hrs.

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