Top 22 Things To Do In Sucre, Bolivia

things to do in Sucre Bolivia
Isha
Isha 
Updated
| 10 min read

In terms of tourism, Sucre, the unassuming capital of Bolivia, often takes a backseat to La Paz, Salar de Uyuni, and the likes. But once you step into this beautiful city that feels more like a charming town, you will be surprised by the number of sights presented here. From red-roofed, whitewashed colonial buildings and historic churches to quaint museums showcasing the country’s cultural wealth, Sucre will leave you enthralled by its numerous attractions. Whether you choose to relax at Simon Bolivar Park, admire the features of Sucre Cathedral, learn about dinosaurs at Cretaceous Park, or bathe in the Seven Waterfalls, this city will surely leave you spellbound. So come along and take a look at all the things to do in Sucre, Bolivia.

1. See the amazing dinosaur replicas at Cretaceous Park (from USD 123.0)

Explore the beautiful city of Sucre on a full-day tour that also includes a visit to Cretaceous Park. Begin your tour in the main square of Sucre, admiring the wonderful colonial architecture along the way. On a walking tour of this city, check out the House of Liberty Museum, University San Francisco Javier, and other such landmarks. Sample local cuisine for lunch when you take a break from sightseeing. Thereafter, head on over to Cretaceous Park, where a world of dinosaurs awaits you! At the park, you will have the opportunity to see 12 species of dinosaurs and 24 dinosaur replicas from the Cretaceous period created to exact scale.

Visited this place?

Sucre City Tour With Visit to Cretaceous Park

Duration: 6 hours

2. Take in the period architecture and features of Recoleta Convent Museum

Bolivia church square
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jerry Daykin from... used under CC BY 2.0

Situated in a Franciscan Order convent built during 1601, Recoleta Convent Museum is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Sucre. Visitors can admire the period architecture of this museum building and take guided tours of the premises, which includes the museum, church, and gardens. The gardens are beautiful and the centrepiece is a 1500-year-old cedar tree, the lone survivor of a thriving cedar forest that once existed here. Inside, the main attractions are the intricate wooden carvings of the church choir from the 1870s and the beautiful paintings and sculptures, ranging in age from the 16th to the 20th centuries.

Recoleta Convent Museum

Address: Polanco 162, Sucre, Bolivia

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 11:30am, 2:30pm - 4:30pm; Sat: 3pm - 5pm (closed on Sun)

Visited this place?

3. Swim in the pools of the Seven Waterfalls

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Situated just eight kilometres (five miles) from Sucre are the magnificent Seven Waterfalls, locally known as Siete Cascadas. Consisting of a series of seven waterfalls tumbling into each other and a bunch of natural pools, this attraction is the ultimate weekend getaway for residents or visitors to Sucre. Besides swimming in these natural pools, you can also hike the surrounding valleys, rock climb, and explore the area. The picturesque natural gorge where the waterfalls are set is the perfect backdrop for a picnic with friends or family. Reaching the waterfalls will require some hiking and climbing over rocks, but it is easily managed by most people.

Visited this place?

4. Marvel at the stunning features of Sucre Cathedral

Catedral - Sucre
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Einar Paz used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Also known as The Metropolitan Cathedral of Sucre, Sucre Cathedral has a deep religious significance to the city. The architecture of this stunning church is a great example of Baroque, Renaissance and other styles. Construction is said to have begun in the 1550s and lasted for almost 250 years. Visitors can admire exterior features like hand-carved wooden doors, beautifully carved statuettes, a lovely cast iron gate and more. Inside, this structure features a cavernous nave, impressive oil paintings, hand-carved pews, crystal chandeliers, a silver crucifix, and ornately carved choir chairs. The almost-hidden Chapel of the Virgin of Guadalupe and Museo Catedralicio should also be visited here.

Sucre Cathedral

Address: Plaza 25 de Mayo esquina, Sucre, Bolivia

Visited this place?

5. Spend a relaxing day at Simon Bolivar Park

things to do in sucre bolivia | spend a relaxing day at simon bolivar park
Source: instagram

As one of Sucre’s largest parks, Simon Bolivar Park attracts many visitors every day. Named after the freedom fighter, Simon Bolivar, this park has plenty of recreational avenues, including walking paths, tree-lined gardens, manicured lawns, street food vendors and more. This area also features a beautiful rose garden, a replica of Arc de Triomphe in Paris, a miniature Eiffel Tower, a mesmerising water fountain that is lit up at night and more. A visit here is perfect for relaxing, soaking up some sun, strolling or just people-watching!

Simon Bolivar Park

Address: Kilometro 7 Av, Between Venezuela and Pilinco Street, Sucre, Bolivia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Visited this place?

6. View Bolivia's declaration of independence document at Freedom House


Freedom House, or Casa de la Libertad, is a building with a special historical significance. This is where Simon Bolivar himself is said to have signed Bolivia’s Declaration of Independence in 1825. This document is now on display for the general public. Originally a Jesuit chapel, Freedom House now stores and displays important relics like the Bolivian Declaration of Independence, a portrait of Simon Bolivar by Peruvian painter José Gil de Castro, various other historically important documents, artefacts, oil paintings, and effigies of Bolivian presidents, among others.

Freedom House

Address: Plaza 25 de Mayo, Sucre, Bolivia

Website: Freedom House

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 12pm, 2:30pm - 6:30pm; Sun: 9am - 12pm (closed on Mon)

Visited this place?

7. Admire the ornate features of San Francisco de Asis Museum


Another building with a deep historical significance is San Francisco de Asis Museum in Sucre; it is the location of the ‘Liberty Bell’ that is said to have started the revolution for independence in 1809. The bell is located in one of the two towers flanking this church-museum complex. The building was formerly a convent and church of the Franciscan Order, but it now has a church, terrace, towers and a crypt that are open to visitors. The interior of the church has a Baroque influence, especially in the heavily decorated cedar wood ceiling, ornate altarpieces and carved wooden images. The crypt houses the remains of the city’s Spanish conquerors.

San Francisco de Asis Museum

Address: Aniceto Arce, #106, Sucre, Bolivia

Website: San Francisco de Asis Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 12pm, 3pm - 5:30pm; Sat: 9am - 12pm (closed on Sun)

Visited this place?

8. Learn about the gems and metals of Bolivia at Treasure Museum

PLATA! Metal lleno de misticismo y leyendas regalo de la luna bendición Potosína Sin duda una parte fundamental de...

Posted by Museo del Tesoro on Monday, 28 March 2016

Dedicated to educating the public about the art of metals and gems in Bolivia, Treasure Museum is a must-visit place in Sucre. The museum has four important areas, each dedicated to a specific topic. In the jewellery area, you can learn about the traditional Bolivian gold and silver jewellery-making techniques and their evolution over the centuries. In the mining area, visitors get a glimpse of the gold and silver extraction techniques and life in the mines. In the gemology area, visitors can learn about the bolivianite, a precious stone only found in Bolivia. In the architecture area, learn about the museum building that has been rebuilt over the years to its present Neoclassical style. A store selling gems and jewellery is also present on the premises.

Treasure Museum

Address: Esquina, Plaza 25 de Mayo # 59, Sucre, Bolivia

Website: Treasure Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 12:30pm, 3pm - 6:30pm; Sun: 9am - 12:30pm, 3pm - 6pm

Price: 4 USD

Visited this place?

9. Check out the opulent art and furniture at Gutiérrez Museum

Museo Universitario Dr. Alfredo Gutiérrez Valenzuela Lleva el nombre de un ilustre diplomático chuquisaqueño, quien a...

Posted by Sucre on Tuesday, 31 July 2018

Located in a French colonial-style house, USFXCH Museum Dr. Alfredo Gutiérrez Valenzuela, or simply Gutiérrez Museum, is an attraction that holds an astounding collection of art and antique furniture. Depicting the opulent lifestyle enjoyed by the wealthy residents of Sucre in the 19th and 20th centuries, this museum features several decorative objects from renowned European designers gathered by Dr. Alfredo Gutiérrez Valenzuela. Objects here include antique furniture made from fine wood and carved in period styles and motifs, fine porcelain from Rosenthal, Limoges, crystal chandeliers, alabaster and marble sculptures, priceless paintings, bevelled mirrors, stunning sculptures and more.

USFXCH Museum Dr. Alfredo Gutiérrez Valenzuela

Address: Plaza 25 de Mayo, Sucre, Bolivia

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 12:30pm, 2:30pm - 6:30pm; Sat: 9:30am - 12pm (closed on Sun)

Visited this place?

10. Appreciate the beauty of Florida Mansion

La finca “La Florida”, que perteneció a Don Aniceto Arce, tiene la estructura de un antiguo caserón colonial típico. Se...

Posted by Sucre on Saturday, 8 September 2018

Beautifully restored, Florida Mansion is a colonial mansion that is just a short distance away from the city centre of Sucre. This property is said to have been constructed in the late 1800s by Italian architect, Antonio Camponovo, who also built the larger Glorieta Castle nearby. Florida Mansion has many well-preserved rooms where visitors can admire murals, tiles, doors, and frescoes of that time period.

Florida Mansion

Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 8am - 12pm, 2:30pm - 6pm; Wed - Sun: 9am - 5pm

Visited this place?

11. Glimpse the religious artefacts at Cathedral Museum

Posted by Museo De La Catedral Sucre Bolivia on Monday, 6 May 2019

Adjacent to the Catedral Metropolitana (The Metropolitan Cathedral) is Cathedral Museum, a religious museum that showcases various religious artefacts. The museum consists of ten rooms, each displaying different kinds of religious art and objects. Some of Sucre’s most precious artwork is housed here, including ornaments and objects made of gold, oil paintings on canvas and copper, sculptures in wood and agave, and sacred relics. The latter includes a replica of the Shroud of Turin, liturgical objects, depictions of the Virgin of Guadalupe, furniture with mother-of-pearl detailing and many more priceless artefacts.

Cathedral Museum

Address: Calle Nicolas Ortiz 61, Sucre, Bolivia

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 12pm, 2:30pm - 6:30pm; Sat: 2:30pm - 6pm (closed on Sun)

Visited this place?

12. See some ethnic textiles at ASUR Museum of Indigenous Art


At ASUR Museum of Indigenous Art, visitors can feast their eyes on indigenous art that represents Bolivia’s ethnic and cultural diversity. This museum has nine exhibition rooms, each housing objects like textiles, dance and musical instruments, figurines, ritualistic items, tapestries, and archaeological artefacts ranging from pre-Colombian times to the present day. Textiles have special importance in the displays and local weavers also hold live demonstrations for the benefit of visitors. A shop selling souvenir items like various handicrafts, ceramics, books, and textiles can be found on the premises.

ASUR Museum of Indigenous Art

Address: Pasaje Iturricha 314, Sucre, Bolivia

Website: ASUR Museum of Indigenous Art

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 6pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 4 USD

Visited this place?

13. Enjoy the fresh air at Los Libertadores Park


After undergoing extensive renovations, Los Libertadores Park was reopened in August 2018 and has since been enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike. The park boasts several walking and jogging paths, a synthetic turf soccer field, a small pond, covered rest areas, and several benches scattered across the grounds. The park is popular with kids since there are many children’s play areas.

Los Libertadores Park

Address: Ismael Montes 109, Sucre, Bolivia

Visited this place?

14. Peek into Sucre's colonial-era life at Colonial Museum Charcas U. S. F. X.


Situated in a three-museum complex, Colonial Museum Charcas U. S. F. X. is a unique place where visitors can get a glimpse of colonial times in Sucre. This place is home to many types of colonial-era objects like paintings, religious artefacts, sculptures, silverware, and furniture from centuries ago. Noteworthy paintings at this museum include those by local artists Gaspar Miguel de Berrio and Melchor Pérez Holguín, portraits of the presidents of Bolivia, paintings by European masters and more. Other admirable exhibits here are furniture from the 1600-1800s and Potosi silverware.

Colonial Museum Charcas U. S. F. X.

Address: Bolivar 698, Sucre, Bolivia

Website: Colonial Museum Charcas U. S. F. X.

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 12:30pm, 2:30pm - 6:30pm; Sat: 9:30am - 12pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 2.90 USD

Visited this place?

15. Dine on delicious French fare at La Taverne

Posted by Café restaurant LA TAVERNE on Thursday, 7 September 2017

The first thing that will catch your attention when you enter La Taverne is the colourful mural covering an entire wall of the restaurant. At this chic eatery specialising in French and international cuisine, diners can tuck into delicious meals accompanied by the best wines in town. From classic French dishes, seafood, salads, soups, and succulent meats to lip-smacking desserts, La Taverne is said to serve the best food in Sucre.

La Taverne

Address: Aniceto Arce #35, Sucre, Bolivia

Website: La Taverne

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 8:30am - 11pm; Sun: 7pm - 10:30pm

Visited this place?

16. Feast your eyes on classic cars at Club "CLASICO" Volkswagen SUCRE

Posted by Club Clásico Volkswagen Sucre on Monday, 24 December 2018

Lovers of classic cars, especially from the Volkswagen brand, should definitely visit Club “CLASICO” Volkswagen SUCRE. With members meeting every Friday night, visitors can grab the opportunity to admire the beauty of classic Volkswagen cars like the Brasilia, Beetle, Campervan or Bus, Kever, Golf Cabriolet and more. The cars are well-maintained and much loved by their owners. You can even pose and get your pictures taken with these classic Volkswagen beauties!

Club "CLASICO" Volkswagen SUCRE

Address: Avenida Las Americas, Sucre, Bolivia

Website: Club “CLASICO” Volkswagen SUCRE

Opening hours: Fri: 8:30am - 10pm (closed Sat - Thu)

Visited this place?

17. Buy indigenous art from Sucre Art and Culture Gallery

Posted by Arte y Cultura Sucre on Tuesday, 7 June 2016

With an aim to promote contemporary indigenous art, Sucre Art and Culture Gallery is a must-visit place for connoisseurs of local art. The gallery works with many Bolivian and other South American artists to exhibit and sell unique artworks that use techniques passed down from generation to generation. You can view artworks in the form of original silver and precious gem jewellery, stone carvings, ceramics, exquisite woodwork in local rosewood, marble statues, and paintings from several renowned local, regional, and international artists. Small souvenir items like postcards, magnets, posters, and keyrings are also available at the gallery.

Sucre Art and Culture Gallery

Address: Calle Audiencia No. 89, Sucre, Bolivia

Website: Sucre Art and Culture Gallery

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 12:30 pm, 2:30pm - 7:30pm; Sun: 2:30pm - 7:30pm

Visited this place?

18. Enjoy panoramic city views from the Convent of San Felipe Neri

Desde la terraza del museo San Felipe Neri podrás apreciar la belleza de la ciudad. No puedes perderte la oportunidad de tomar fotografías de un lugar maravilloso.

Posted by Museo San Felipe Neri on Saturday, 21 September 2019

Known for the amazing views from its terrace, Convent of San Felipe Neri is a popular attraction for visitors and locals alike. Built in the Neoclassical style, this church has a massive terrace adorned with beautiful stone seats from where you can take in panoramic views of the city. Inside the church, several remarkable paintings from the 1700s and 1800s can be viewed, and visitors can also go to the crypt where notable colonial officers and rulers are buried.

Convent of San Felipe Neri

Address: Nicolás Ortiz 165, Sucre, Bolivia

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 2:30pm - 6pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 1.5 USD

Visited this place?

19. O'Finnigan's Irish Pub

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Get a taste of Ireland in the cosy environs of O'Finnigan’s Irish Pub in Sucre, Bolivia. At this pub, you can enjoy craft beers and cocktails alongside pub grub like fish and chips, delicious burgers, and the biggest hot dogs in town! The pub also offers live music or DJ on weekends. Board games, sports telecasts, or a game of darts can be enjoyed on the weekdays. The atmosphere here is laidback and the decor is authentic too.

O'Finnigan's Irish Pub

Address: Calvo 281, Sucre, Bolivia

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 7pm - 2am (closed Sun - Tue)

Visited this place?

20. Take in the beauty of the quaint Glorieta Castle


Situated on the outskirts of Sucre, Glorieta Castle is a colonial-style mansion that looks like a castle. This beautiful property was once the home of a wealthy couple, and its exterior features three different styles of towers. The interior has stunning decorative ceilings, ornate fireplaces, colourful windows, beautiful frescoes, and murals on the doors and tiles. The entire exterior of the mansion is painted in a vivid pink colour lending it a fairy-tale quality.

Glorieta Castle

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 3 USD

Visited this place?

21. Obelisco

Cae la noche y Sucre se pone más hermosa ? ¿Y tú ya conoces Sucre ? ? (Obelisco Plazuela de la Libertad, Sucre) #sucretravel #SUCRECAPITALIBEROAMERICANADELAPAZ #SucreCunaDeLaLibertad

Posted by SucreTravel on Saturday, 3 August 2019

Situated close to Bolivar Park, at Freedom Plaza, is Obelisco. It is a decorative yet simple obelisk created as a symbol of Bolivia’s freedom movement. The white obelisk is three-tiered, with a small, circular, manicured garden around it. The obelisk also serves as a roundabout for vehicles passing through Freedom Plaza. Several beautiful red-roofed buildings surround this attraction.

Obelisco

Address: Plaza Libertad, Sucre, Bolivia

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Visited this place?

22. Central Market


Aptly named as Central Market, this charming bazaar is multi-faceted and very eclectic in its offerings. Located just a few blocks off the main plaza, you’ll find multiple levels, each with different products for sale. The main level sells fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, local spices, bread, dried foods, cheese, and flowers. Downstairs is where fresh meat of all kind can be bought, and further below is where you can buy freshly squeezed juices and fruit plates of all kinds. The top floor sells local food that you can sample from various stalls.

Central Market

Address: Junin 366, Sucre, Bolivia

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6am - 8pm; Sun: 6am - 2pm

Visited this place?

Stunning Sucre!

Though it is Bolivia’s capital, Sucre has a distinct small-town charm that attracts many tourists every year. Compacted within this capital city is a range of tourist attractions. Before you make a trip to this beautiful city, do remember to check out our list of the things to do in Sucre, Bolivia.

Visited this place?
Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

History


Get Trip101 in your inbox

Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data

Isha is a former corporate employee who now leads a tranquil life centered around travel, writing, and minding her own business.

 Want to contribute as a Local Expert?
Explore Sucre
x
Good things are meant to be shared!
Back to top
Visited any of these places? Click this button to activate our "Add a Tip" feature to share your experience.