Torre de la Compañía de Jesús

The Tower of the Company of Jesus (Torre de la Compañía de Jesús) in Potosí is one of the finest examples of Mestizo Baroque architecture in existence. This tower is the sole remaining part of a large Jesuit complex built in the early 18th century after the original church was destroyed by a severe storm. Constructed between 1700 and 1707, it served as a monumental bell tower and triumphal arch, showcasing the immense wealth generated by the nearby silver mines of Cerro Rico. The intricate stonework features a fascinating blend of Catholic iconography and indigenous Andean symbols, such as local flora and geometric patterns. With its five domes and ornate columns, it is widely regarded as the most elegant religious structure in Potosí. Today, visitors can climb to the top for an unparalleled view of the city's red-roofed colonial center and the iconic Cerro Rico mountain. It stands as a testament to the religious influence of the Jesuits and the extraordinary skill of local stonemasons during the colonial era.

History & landmarks

Catedral de Potosí

An imposing neoclassical cathedral in the historic center of the old mining town of Potosí, whose towers dominate the cityscape.

Iglesia de San Lorenzo de Carangas

One of Potosí's most masterful churches, featuring an incredibly detailed carved stone portal facade in the mestizo baroque style.

Cementerio de Trenes

A surreal open-air museum near Uyuni where dozens of rusted 19th-century British steam locomotives are left to decay.

Nature

Madre de Dios River

The Madre de Dios River is an important river in the Amazon basin that flows through Peru and northern Bolivia.

More places

Church of San Lorenzo de Carangas

A beautiful church in Potosí, famous for its elaborately carved stone portal in the Mestizo Baroque style.

Casa de la Moneda

The old royal mint in Potosí, where coins were minted for the Spanish Empire from the silver of Cerro Rico during the colonial period.

Cathedral of Potosí

The most important church in the center of Potosí, reflecting the wealth of the silver city with its magnificent neoclassical architecture.

Convent of Santa Teresa (Potosí)

A historic Carmelite convent in Potosí dating from 1685, which now serves as a museum showcasing the strict life of the nuns.

Torotoro National Park

Spectacular national park famous for its deep canyons, limestone caves, and dinosaur fossils.

Cordillera de Lípez

The Cordillera de Lípez in southwestern Bolivia offers a rugged, extreme volcanic landscape with unique colored lagoons.

Lípez Quinoa Fields

On the harsh high plateau of southwestern Bolivia, indigenous farmers cultivate royal quinoa, a unique pseudocereal.

Cerro Zapaleri

Cerro Zapaleri is a volcanic mountain that marks the tripoint between Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.