Sucre - A UNESCO City

Google Maps would have you believe that Bolivia F6, the road that connects Oruro to Sucre, doesn't in fact exist, or at least there is a gap of 100 miles between two stub ends. It turns out F6 not only exists but is a cracking road over the central highlands, revealing a landscape I had not previously associated with Bolivia.

After navigating through the mining town of Huanuni the views became increasingly more engaging with some interesting rock formations in places.

   

More from the road in the video.

Hostal Solariega, in Sucre, is a world apart from the misery of the Oruro residencia. A delightful courtyard setting, close to the center of this UNESCO world heritage city. The accommodation and city center have an upmarket and wealthy feel, quite distinct from the areas visited in La Paz. The place hums with young people, mostly Bolivians supplemented by many tourists.

Originally named La Plata by the Spaniards for the rich deposits of silver in the area, the city was renamed in honor of General Sucre, a Venezuelan,  who was instrumental in the fight for Bolivian independence achieved in 1825. Old Sucre is a white city (not unlike Popayan) and was the seat of government for decades; it remains the constitutional capital of Bolivia.

The Casa de Libertad, the first meeting place of the Bolivian congress, is now a museum celebrating the birth of the country. During the morning some form of civic ceremony took place in front of the Casa de Libertad, with much military pageantry. Quite the spectacle as seen in the video which concludes with pictures from within the museum. 

The return to barracks for the grunts who had stood out in the sun in serge coats for a couple of hours was not so special. Canned sardines have more wiggle room!

Between the morning ceremonies and the afternoon visit to the museum I caught up with a couple of Brit moto travelers. Next month Steve and Janette will have been on the road in the Americas for five years, with a few short intermissions to return to the UK. Riding a Triumph Tiger 800XT they have covered 53,000 miles so far. Steve leaves a breadcrumb trail on their blog which I have checked into periodically over the years of my planning. Last week I saw they were in the area, made contact and we connected in Sucre for a most enjoyable, interesting and extended 3+ hour lunch. The possibility exists our paths may cross again, we both plan on being in Patagonia in October/November.

Safe onward travels Steve and Janette!

Cheers, T2