Sucre

Proud, genteel Sucre is Bolivia’s most beautiful city and the symbolic heart of the nation. It was here that independence was proclaimed, and while La Paz is the seat of government and treasury, Sucre is recognized in the constitution as the nation’s capital. Set in a valley surrounded by mountains with a glorious ensemble of whitewashed buildings sheltering pretty patios, it’s a spruce place that has preserved its colonial architecture since it was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1991. Both the city and its university enjoy reputations as focal points of progressive thought within the country.

With a selection of excellent accommodations, a mild and comfortable climate, a wealth of churches and museums, and plenty to see and do in the surrounding area, it’s no surprise that visitors end up spending much longer in Sucre than they bargained on.

Explore Sucre

C
Casa de la Libertad
For a dose of Bolivian history, it’s hard to beat this museum where the Bolivian declaration of independence was signed on August 6, 1825. It has been…
M
Museo de Arte Indígena
This superb museum of indigenous arts is a must for anyone interested in the indigenous groups of the Sucre area, focusing particularly on the woven…
M
Museo Nacional de Etnografía y Folklore
Known locally as MUSEF and housed in the impressive former Banco Nacional building, this museum brings together a series of fascinating temporary…
P
Parque Cretácico (Cal Orck’o)
It seems that 65 million years ago the site of Sucre’s Fabrica Nacional de Cemento SA (Fancesa) cement quarry, 5km north of the center, was the place to…
M
Museo Eclesiástico de Sucre
Next door to Sucre's cathedral, this museum holds one of Bolivia’s best collections of religious relics. There are four sections, ritually unlocked as…
M
Museo de la Recoleta
Overlooking the city from the top of Calle Polanco, La Recoleta was established by the Franciscan Order in 1601. It has served not only as a convent and…
T
Templo Nuestra Señora de la Merced
After several years of restoration work (the completion date was still unknown at the time of research), this church's interior is still mostly bare, but…
C
Convento de San Felipe Neri
The view from the bell tower and tiled rooftop of the San Felipe Neri convent more than explains Sucre’s nickname – the ‘White City of the Americas.' In…
M
Museos Universitarios
Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century building with a picture-perfect colonial courtyard, the Museos Universitarios consist of three separate…

C
Casa de la Libertad
For a dose of Bolivian history, it’s hard to beat this museum where the Bolivian declaration of independence was signed on August 6, 1825. It has been…
M
Museo de Arte Indígena
This superb museum of indigenous arts is a must for anyone interested in the indigenous groups of the Sucre area, focusing particularly on the woven…
M
Museo Nacional de Etnografía y Folklore
Known locally as MUSEF and housed in the impressive former Banco Nacional building, this museum brings together a series of fascinating temporary…
P
Parque Cretácico (Cal Orck’o)
It seems that 65 million years ago the site of Sucre’s Fabrica Nacional de Cemento SA (Fancesa) cement quarry, 5km north of the center, was the place to…
M
Museo Eclesiástico de Sucre
Next door to Sucre's cathedral, this museum holds one of Bolivia’s best collections of religious relics. There are four sections, ritually unlocked as…
M
Museo de la Recoleta
Overlooking the city from the top of Calle Polanco, La Recoleta was established by the Franciscan Order in 1601. It has served not only as a convent and…
T
Templo Nuestra Señora de la Merced
After several years of restoration work (the completion date was still unknown at the time of research), this church's interior is still mostly bare, but…
C
Convento de San Felipe Neri
The view from the bell tower and tiled rooftop of the San Felipe Neri convent more than explains Sucre’s nickname – the ‘White City of the Americas.' In…
M
Museos Universitarios
Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century building with a picture-perfect colonial courtyard, the Museos Universitarios consist of three separate…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Sucre.

See
Casa de la Libertad
For a dose of Bolivian history, it’s hard to beat this museum where the Bolivian declaration of independence was signed on August 6, 1825. It has been…
See
Museo de Arte Indígena
This superb museum of indigenous arts is a must for anyone interested in the indigenous groups of the Sucre area, focusing particularly on the woven…
See
Museo Nacional de Etnografía y Folklore
Known locally as MUSEF and housed in the impressive former Banco Nacional building, this museum brings together a series of fascinating temporary…
See
Parque Cretácico (Cal Orck’o)
It seems that 65 million years ago the site of Sucre’s Fabrica Nacional de Cemento SA (Fancesa) cement quarry, 5km north of the center, was the place to…
See
Museo Eclesiástico de Sucre
Next door to Sucre's cathedral, this museum holds one of Bolivia’s best collections of religious relics. There are four sections, ritually unlocked as…
See
Museo de la Recoleta
Overlooking the city from the top of Calle Polanco, La Recoleta was established by the Franciscan Order in 1601. It has served not only as a convent and…
See
Templo Nuestra Señora de la Merced
After several years of restoration work (the completion date was still unknown at the time of research), this church's interior is still mostly bare, but…
See
Convento de San Felipe Neri
The view from the bell tower and tiled rooftop of the San Felipe Neri convent more than explains Sucre’s nickname – the ‘White City of the Americas.' In…
See
Museos Universitarios
Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century building with a picture-perfect colonial courtyard, the Museos Universitarios consist of three separate…

Guidebooks

Learn more about Sucre

Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.