Cordillera de los Frailes – Pueblos Jalq’a – Cráter de Maragua

One of the most amazing side trips from Sucre takes you to the dramatic Cordillera de los Frailes, revealing wonderful scenery as well as the incredibly rich culture of the indigenous Jalq’a people. Though the ridge of the Andean mountain range can be reached from the city in just over an hour, the villages within it feel worlds away. Nestled at the foot of the mountains, they can be reached via trekking routes, ideally during the dry season from April to October.

The treks start about 35 km outside of Sucre, at an altitude of 3’600 m above sea level in Chataquila. This is the place where Tomás Katari, the leader of an indigenous rebellion against the Spanish rule, was murdered. The sanctuary, an important place of pilgrimage at the 7th of August, consists of a chapel and a shrine dedicated to the miraculous Virgin of Guadalupe. Enjoy typical cordillera mountain vistas hiking the 4,5 km down to Chaunaca on the prehispanic trade road, more commonly known as the Inca Trail. Landscape-wise the alternative route via the two rock painting sites Pumamachay and Incamachay is equally nice. The paintings date back maybe 1’500 years for the first site and about 2’500 for the latter.

The area is the homeland of the Jalq’a people. They are Bolivia’s only indigenous community depicting the underworld in their textiles. Located in a crimson-red landscape, Potolo is the area’s largest village. It is possible to watch the Jalq’a women at work, allowing you to witness the ancient weaving techniques. The black and red weavings, called aqsus, represent the “ukhu pacha”, a dark and chaotic underworld, inhabited by scary, mythical beings called “khurus”. The zoomorphic and geometric patterns were originally used for clothing. The Indigenous Art Revival Program created by ASUR in 1986 started recovering the nearly lost, ancestral weaving techniques with the idea of strengthening the cultural integrity and generating additional income for the indigenous communities.

The crater of Maragua, surrounded by shell-shaped layers of multicoloured rock, provides an incredible setting for the two weaving villages Maragua and Irupampa. A cemetery that exists since prehistoric times can be found in the center of the crater. Hiking through the quiet pastureland behind the ridge, dotted with small farms, you might find yourself handing out coca leaves every now and then, as you make your way to a spot called Niñu Mayu. Here you will come across dinosaur footprints, embedded in a large sloping section of rock, making it easy to step back in time and picture dinosaurs escaping from the crater. The Garganta del Diablo (devil’s throat), a cavern with stalactites and stalagmites situated behind a 40-metre waterfall, is shrouded in legend and only a 15-minute walk from Maragua. The nearby community of Irupampa is also worth a detour in order to drop by the small museum set up and run by Crispín. He is a charismatic local, who has worked along with all the archeological experts who came to the area and is happy to share his passion for archeology, history and culture.

Museo Nacional de Etnografía y Folklore (MUSEF)

The Ethnographic and Folklore Museum (MUSEF) started as an institute of research and has established itself as a cultural space. It shows Bolivia’s folkloric and ethnic diversity from the pre-Columbian era to the present. The temporary exhibition rooms are dedicated to displaying living cultures; ethnic groups; objects made of leather, wood and earthenware; weavings and photographs among others things.

Don’t miss out on the superb permanent exhibition on the ground floor showcasing masks used in festivals and religious ceremonies in communities throughout Bolivia. Learn more about Bolivia’s traditional dances, ethnic groups, music, history and customs by watching a collection of short films in the museum’s video library.

GOBLIN a family-run brewpub

GOBLIN BAR is a real hidden gem and a must-visit for craft beer lovers in Bolivia. Located in the heart of Sucre, this iconic bar stands out for its in-house brewed beer, which master brewer Marcelo produces, serves and shares with every visitor.

What makes it so special? You won’t find this beer anywhere else in the world. Brewed in small batches under the German Purity Law of 1516, known as the Reinheitsgebot, it guarantees exceptional quality and a 100% vegan process. The result: intense flavours featuring citrus notes, caramel and a subtle hint of coffee and a perfect balance of bitterness. Both travellers and locals agree: this is where you’ll find one of Bolivia’s finest beers.

The atmosphere is cosy and intimate, with walls decorated with goblins and fantasy art that give it a unique character. It’s the ideal place to relax, meet new people and enjoy Sucre’s authentic nightlife, often accompanied by great rock music.

One detail that makes Goblin special: we love it when our visitors bring in beer coasters from breweries all over the world, turning the bar into a living collection of beer stories.

Although we no longer make pizza on the premises, you can easily order from the pizzeria next door and enjoy it here – a tradition much appreciated by our regulars.

With excellent reviews on Google Maps, Untappd and TripAdvisor, Goblin Bar stands out for the quality of its beer, its friendly service and its authentic atmosphere.

If you’re looking for the best beer experience in Bolivia, there’s no other option: you must come to the Goblin in Sucre.

Specialities:

Cosmo Café Restaurant

Cosmo Café is one of Sucre’s most popular café-restaurants, ideally located on the main square, Plaza 25 de Mayo, right in the historic center. Highly rated by travelers on TripAdvisor and Google Maps, it is known for its consistent quality, creative dishes and welcoming atmosphere.

Created by Sayda Quispe Solíz, Cosmo Café brings together European and Mediterranean cuisine, Asian influences, and Bolivian flavors, all prepared with a modern, gourmet touch. Guests particularly appreciate the daily changing lunch menu, available from Monday to Friday, which offers fresh and innovative dishes at great value. Details are published on our Facebook page.

The café also stands out for its homemade pastries, excellent Italian-style coffee, and a menu that includes vegetarian-friendly options. Its relaxed yet stylish ambiance makes it a favorite spot for tourists, locals, and digital nomads alike.

In addition, Cosmo Café provides event hosting and catering services, as well as technical service for Italian coffee machines (Whatsapp: +59171174632).

📍 Prime location on Sucre’s main square

☕ High-quality coffee & homemade desserts

🥗 Vegetarian options available

🍽️ International gourmet cuisine in Sucre

• Menu COSMO

Templo de San Felipe Neri

The Templo de San Felipe Neri is one of Sucre’s most remarkable hidden gems, blending history, architecture, and daily life in a truly unique way. Built between 1795 and 1800, this elegant neoclassical church stands out for its harmonious proportions, solid stone construction from nearby Churuquella hill, and refined artistic details.

But what makes San Felipe Neri truly special is its multi-layered identity: it is not only a church and a small museum, but also an active girls’ school. Because of this, access is limited to the afternoon—adding a sense of exclusivity and discovery to your visit.

Inside, visitors can admire a serene single nave divided into four sections, decorated with neoclassical paintings from the 18th and 19th centuries. Beneath the complex lies a crypt where notable figures from colonial and early republican times are buried, adding historical depth to the experience.

One of the absolute highlights—and a favorite among travelers—is the rooftop terrace. From here, you can walk along the whitewashed structures and sit on the original ashlar masonry seats while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views over the colonial rooftops of Sucre. At sunset, this spot becomes one of the most photogenic locations in the city.

Equally impressive is the peaceful inner courtyard, a beautifully preserved colonial patio that reflects the calm and contemplative atmosphere of the complex.

Access to the site is through the adjacent María Auxiliadora School, reinforcing the unique coexistence of education, heritage, and spirituality in one place.

👉 A visit to San Felipe Neri is not just about seeing a church—it’s about experiencing one of Sucre’s most authentic and atmospheric viewpoints.

Templo de San Francisco

The Templo de San Francisco is one of the oldest and most historically significant churches in Sucre, deeply connected to the origins of the city and the birth of independence in Latin America. Originally established in the 16th century by Franciscan friars, the current structure dates back to 1581, making it one of the earliest religious buildings in the city.

Architecturally, the church is a fascinating blend of styles, featuring a single nave adorned with richly decorated coffered ceilings that combine Renaissance, Mudéjar, and Baroque influences. The gilded altars and intricate wood carvings reflect the artistic mastery of the colonial period.

What truly sets San Francisco apart is its strong historical symbolism. One of its towers houses the famous Liberty Bell, cast in 1800. On May 25, 1809, this bell rang out across the city, calling the people to rise in what is now remembered as the first cry for independence in Latin America. Today, the cracked bell remains a powerful symbol of freedom and one of Sucre’s most iconic landmarks.

Visitors can climb the bell tower for a closer look at this historic artifact and enjoy panoramic views over the city. The on-site museum further enriches the experience, showcasing religious art, colonial artifacts, and historical narratives linked to Sucre’s past.

Another advantage of San Francisco is its accessibility: compared to many other churches in Sucre, it is open more frequently throughout the day, making it easier to include in your itinerary.

Beneath the church lies a crypt that holds the remains of Spanish figures associated with the founding of the city, adding another layer of historical depth.

👉 A visit to San Francisco is essential for anyone who wants to understand Sucre’s colonial heritage and its pivotal role in the history of independence.

Plaza 25 de Mayo

In colonial Sucre the main square, surrounded by the most important governmental, religious and civil buildings, was located in the heart of the city. Colonial life revolved around the Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Armas as it was called back then.

Its original layout as a square and its size still remain the same. Its main features like the diagonal and circular paths, the monuments dedicated to the liberators, the pavilion, the main stone fountain as well as other smaller fountains stem from the French influenced era that started after the country’s independence.

Sucre’s citizens used to go to the square to court; the women walking clockwise and the men anticlockwise around the square so that the men got the opportunity to greet the women each time they passed each other. Stories like this one add to the plaza’s charm.

Metropolitan Cathedral of Sucre

The Metropolitan Cathedral of Sucre, officially known as the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is the most important religious monument in Sucre, Bolivia, and a cornerstone of the country’s colonial heritage. Its construction began in 1551 and, after more than two centuries of continuous development, was completed in 1712, reflecting a dynamic evolution of architectural styles from Renaissance origins to Baroque and later Neoclassical influences.

Located on Plaza 25 de Mayo, the cathedral serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Sucre and showcases a remarkable fusion of European and Latin American mestizo baroque architecture. The structure features three richly adorned naves, a towering bell tower with a working clock from 1772, and intricately decorated façades that anchor the city’s historic skyline.

Inside, visitors encounter elaborate altars, wooden sculptures, historic paintings, and precious metals including gold and silver from nearby Potosí, alongside the revered image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Sucre’s patron saint, adorned with jewels and decorative metals. A cathedral museum of sacred art further enriches the cultural experience with collections of colonial ecclesiastical art and artifacts.

A vital site for worship and cultural heritage, the Metropolitan Cathedral remains an active center of liturgical life and a key destination for travellers and scholars exploring Bolivia’s religious and architectural history.

The Mannerist portal stands on paired Tuscan columns and the baroque portal on the plaza side was designed by architect Gonzales Merquete.

The church’s vestibule is surrounded by a bevelled stone balustrade. The cross stone on its ledge is known under the traditional name of “RUMI CRUZ”.

The clock on the top of the tower dates back to 1772 and is still working. The tower is Sucre’s most characteristic landmark.

Chapel of the Virgin from Guadalupe

The size of the chapel, built in 1602 on the orders of Bishop Alonso Ramírez de Vergara, was increased in 1617 by Brother Gerónimo Mendez de la Tiedra. The chapel being dedicated to the worship of the Virgin of Guadalupe, it houses Brother Diego de Ocaña’s 1601 painting of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The public’s veneration of the image showing Sucre’s patron saint continues unabated.

A gold-plated silver layer was added to the original canvas in 1784, covering the Virgin’s mantle. Of the original painting only the Virgin’s head, her arms and the baby can still be seen.

For centuries, the canvas has been adorned with pearls and gems by humble followers and Bolivia’s historical figures alike.

Pique a lo Macho

Originally, Pique Macho is typical Cochabamba food that eventually became one of Bolivia’s favourite dishes. This speciality is based on pieces of beef that are cooked in their own juices, boiled eggs, chips as well as slices of hot dog, sweet pepper, tomato, onion and locoto chillies, served with a good amount of mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup drizzled over the top.

Café Florin – Your Café, Restaurant & Bar in the Heart of Sucre, Bolivia

Located in the centre of Sucre, Café Florin is a Dutch-Bolivian café, restaurant, and bar that has been delighting locals and visitors since 2008. With its charming colonial patio, relaxed atmosphere, and fast Wi-Fi, Florin is perfect for work, lunch, or a casual coffee break.

Enjoy a menu that blends Bolivian and international cuisine, from traditional dishes like pique a lo macho and llama loin to classics like pork ribs, pad thai, and bitterballen. Several vegan options are also available. A special lunch menu is served daily from noon.

In the evenings, Café Florin transforms into one of Sucre’s most popular bars. From 21:30, enjoy an extended Happy Hour with mojitos, cuba libres, local beers like Brewcraft, or the traditional Bolivian chuflay. Special weekly events include Tuesday Burger Night, Wednesday free acoustic concerts, and Thursday Steak Night with juicy steaks at special prices.

Sports fans are welcome to watch Premier League and Champions League games in a lively atmosphere. Combine excellent coffee, delicious food, and a vibrant nightlife experience in one place – Café Florin is a must-visit spot in Sucre.

Templo de Nuestra Señora de la Merced

Built in the middle of the 16th century by the Order of Mercy, the church’s main highlight is its cedar carved main altar. The carved and gilded altarpieces inside of it are sure to catch your eye. One of them is considered to be the Audiencia of Charcas’ oldest altarpiece. Sixteen famous and Bolivia’s only in situ paintings by the esteemed artist Melchor Pérez de Holguín, along with the baroque-style pulpit, are part of the church’s artistic interest. The pulpit as well as the left side altarpiece were done by the indigenous artist Luis Niño.

The central nave is covered with coffered vaults; one of the aisles with two half-orange-shaped vaults and the other one with a Mudejar coffered ceiling as well as two coffered Renaissance ceilings with four-leaved carvings.

La Dolce Vita

Desde 2007, la Dolce Vita, una casa de huéspedes familiar franco-suiza, brinda un cuadro encantador para su estadía en el centro de Sucre. Nuestras 10 habitaciones son amplias, confortables y coloridas; ¡se sentirá como en casa! Todas las habitaciones se encuentran dotadas de suelo de madera. Los baños, que sean privados o compartidos, tienen duchas con agua calentada a gas natural las 24 horas del día. La Dolce Vita también le ofrece una cocina bien equipada, una terraza soleada, un patio agradable, una sala de estar con tele con cable y lector DVD, WIFI gratis así que un ambiente distendido.

La Dolce Vita se encuentra a una calle del mercado central, a dos calles de la iglesia San Francisco y sus tiendas de recuerdos así que a tres cuadras de la plaza principal “25 de Mayo”. Con mucho gusto les ayudaremos a ubicarse en la ciudad, dándoles consejos sobre los lugares para visitar y comer.

Tenemos habitaciones familiares con capacidad de hasta 5 personas. No tenemos dormitorios. Descuentos para estadías de 5+ y 21+ días.

Horario de atención para llegadas: 7 am a 9 pm.

Parador Santa María La Real

The Parador Santa María La Real is an artsy, historic hotel. Steeped in a rich past, it showcases past and present traditions that awaken our senses. This 18th century manor house has been lovingly restored and refurbished with an eye for architectural details while keeping its original structure intact. Staying in this remarkable hotel is a chance to relive the history of America’s White City. Every single corner has plenty of stories to tell and each decorative element, be it pictures, paintings or furniture, recalls snapshots of life in the old days.

– Single room with private bathroom accommodating 1 adult and 1 child under 12

– Twin room with 2 double beds and private bathroom accommodating 2 adults and 2 children under 12

– Double room with private bathroom accommodating 2 adults

– Junior suite with private bathroom accommodating 2 adults

– Master suite with private bathroom accommodating 2 adults

Service features:

Rates include American breakfast buffet

Wi-Fi in all rooms and common areas

Room service

Laundry service

Cafeteria Restaurant Watanay

Los Tejados Spa

Airport transfer (additional fee)

Business centre

Sponsoring

Links

            

Facebook

Contact

www.parador.com.bo
info@parador.com.bo

Calle Bolívar 625

Sucre – Bolivia

+591 71162191 

+(591) 4 6461688