Sucre: Getting there & around

All flights on the national airline, Lloyd Aereo Boliviano (LAB), were suspended on March 31, 2007 until further notice. Aero-Sur and TAM have flights (some direct, some not) to most major cities. Note that the airport is frequently shut in bad weather, so check with the airline before heading out there.

The bus terminal (tel:644-1292) is a 15min walk uphill from the center, and most easily accessed by micros (minibuses) A or 3 from along Calle España, or by taxi (as the micros are too crowded for lots of luggage).

Unless you're headed for Potosí, it's wise to book long-distance buses a day in advance in order to reserve a good seat. To save a trip to the bus station, book at the Trans Real office. Numerous daily buses run to Cochabamba (12hr) departing in the early evening; several of these continue on to Santa Cruz. There are also afternoon services to Santa Cruz (15-20hr), mostly via the rough but scenic Samaipata route. Lots of flotas (long-distance bus lines) have morning and evening departures for La Paz (14-16hr) via Oruro (10hr).

There are around 40 departures a day for Potosí (3hr); some persevere to Tarija (15hr), Oruro and Villazón. You'll find daily connections to Uyuni (10-12hr), but they normally entail changing buses at Potosí. Alternatively, you can take a shared taxi (2.5hr), which is quicker and comfier, to Potosí. Expect speed. Whenever the road is passable, Flota Chaqueño does the beautiful-but-brutal trip to Camiri (18hr), with connections to the Argentine border at Yacuiba.

A recently implemented train service from Sucre to Potosí was, at the time of writing, temporarily suspended but due to resume. The schedule had trains leaving from El Tejar siding (near the cemetery) early in the morning for the scenic (6hr) journey. Call Epifanio Flores (tel:7287-6280) to check whether the service is in operation.

The airport, 9km (5mi) northwest of town, is accessed by micro (minibus) 1 or F (allow an hour to be safe) from Av Hernando Siles, by the banderita blanca (white flag) taxi trufi from Av España or by taxi.

Lots of buses and micros ply circuitous routes around the city's one-way streets, and all seem to congregate at or near the market between runs. They're usually crowded, but fortunately Sucre is a town of short distances. The most useful routes are those that climb the steep Av Grau hill to the Recoleta, and micro A, which serves the main bus terminal.

Taxis between any two points around the center, including the bus terminal, charge ( US$0.45 ) per person, a bit more after midnight. Several places rent bikes and rental cars, including 4WDs.