Parks and the outdoors in Sucre

Parks and the outdoors in Sucre

1. Do

   7 Cascadas

   Go for a hike to the 7 waterfalls. Take a taxi from Sucre to the tiny village of Alegria for Bs. 20 (or catch the red 12 micro bus to the last stop for Bs. 1.50), then walk the remaining 3 km. Or negotiate for the driver to take you all the way. Take food, water, towels, bathing suit, sunscreen as there are no services nearby. The waterfalls make for a pleasant day-trip. You can hike around (wear sandals not shoes, as the path crosses streams) and swim in the natural pools. This attraction may be better in wet season. Besides frequent robberies in this area in the past, as of 2016, it was a very popular spot with locals and tourists, and seems very safe. While the waterfalls are almost entirely dry in April and May, it is still a beautiful place to swim and jump from the cliffs.

2. See

   Cal Orck'o

   Parque Cretácico

   More than 5,000 dinosaur footprints imprinted on a 70 degree sloping wall of a limestone quarry, which used to be a lakeshore. This is the world's largest set of dinosaur tracks, and includes many different species (though contrary to rumors, none of them are T. rex, which only lived in North America). To visit the footprints and the museum that accompanies them, you can take the Dinobus at 09:30, 11:00, 12:00, 14:00, 15:00; return times 10:00, 11:30, 13:30, 14:30, 16:00, 17:00. This red double-decker bus leaves from the front of the cathedral at Plaza 25 de Mayo (Bs. 15 round-trip, 30 min) - come a few minutes early and you'll see it waiting there. Or take Bus 'H' or Bus number '4' that leaves every 5 minutes and returns every 5 minutes from the dinosaur park and to the city (Bs. 1.5, 45-60 min). You can take this bus from Arenales street at the corner of Junin street, one block from 25 de Mayo square. Alternatively, you can get there by taxi at whatever time you want for a bit more money. A guided visit takes about 1½ hr and is included with admission. Only the guided visits at 12:00 and 13:00 get to go down into the quarry to see the footprints up close; otherwise you'll just be able to look at them from a distance. You need closed shoes to go down the quarry. The park also includes two museum exhibits, a cafe, and a collection of pretty good life-size dinosaur sculptures.

   Tue–Fri 09:00–17:00, Sat Sun holidays 10:00–18:00; tours to the footprints are at 12:00 and 13:00 only·Foreigners Bs. 30, plus an extra Bs. 5 if you want to take pictures

3. Do

   Centro Ecológico San Antonio de Aritumayu (Resort)

   If you stay longer and want to escape the city for some fresh air and nature, consider the ecological centro in Aritumayu. Splendid clean river with waterfalls nearby, and basic but clean accommodation available (romantic: no electricity nor cellphone coverage).

4. Do

   La Recoleta

   Walk up Calle Dalence ("Pantaleón Dalence"), Grau, or Calvo ("Daniel Calvo") from the central plaza to La Recoleta, a spot up on a hill with a plaza and old buildings. Although there are often events here, as well as a monastery (Convento de la Recoleta), church and museum, the main attraction is definitely the view of Sucre from the Mirador Cafe. The drinks and food here are of European price level. Adjacent Hotel Kolping also has excellent views and a lunch buffet. If you don't want to pay, there are nice views from the plaza itself. At the entry to La Recoleta there is a small but rich market where native people sell weawings and handicraft.

5. Do

   Maragua (crater and village)

   One of the most popular destinations outside of Sucre is Maragua crater, a region of unusual rock formations. The crater is not volcanic (contrary to what some say), but was formed by erosion. Fossils of marine shells are still found in the region and sold by local children. There can be nice children on the way, who may ask for some gift, so buy some pens, notebooks, dried fruits, or nuts in Sucre (no sweets please, people may not have access to dentist service)—you'll like making these children happier. It is possible to spend a night in Maragua village inside the crater (i.e. Bs. 60 a night)—ask local people, other tourists, or local kids will organize you a place. Conditions are basic but the experience unique. Simple meals are available too. Offered by many companies as a tour, but can also organised independently with a proper map. Buy food and water beforehand. You may want to take some chlorine pills to purify some water on the way. Take the minivan to Potolo (ask people in Sucre for the proper place to catch such a minivan; Bs. 12; a breathtaking ride), and get off at the chapel (ask the driver for "Chataquila" or "camino del Inca"). Start following the Inca trail from Capilla de Chataquila. When down (Chaunaca; lady takes Bs. 10 for the community), turn left and follow the river (don't cross the river yet). Further (where you see trees, church, some houses), cross the river over suspension bridge (Puente en el camino al Maragua; the lady takes Bs. 10 for the community), then hike up to Maragua (a waterfall and some water spots on the way). Here you could stay overnight, or you choose the camping site right at the beginning, depending on when you start the trek. From Maragua down to the dinosaur footprints, from where you continue further to Potolo (2nd night?). From Potolo there are regular buses back to Sucre. Alternatively, you can continue from Potolo into the valley for another half day hiking. Yet another alternative is to walk the main way from Marag

6. Do

   Parque Simón Bolívar

   Take a stroll in the park, the city's favourite lovers' hangout. Just don't step on the grass. You can watch people (nice people there), watch street performances, eat. People have their small Eiffel tower there, just next is a big playing park for kids. At the upper end of Parque Bolivar stands Bolivia's supreme court. At the lower end is Estacion Aniceto Arce, Sucre's train station which is not in use. If you don't get your fill of old trains in Uyuni, there is another one within the station precinct. Ask permission from the token security guard before you enter, as there is a guard dog here (although she is usually playing with her puppy).

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Sucre (CC BY-SA 4.0).