Posts Tagged ‘Potosi’

Photo of the Day: Cerro Rico in Potosi Bolivia

| by Jason | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

Potosi Bolivia has always been dominated by mining for minerals, specifically silver.  The storied past surrounding the infamous Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain) is heart breaking and one that you can’t escape even walking through the narrow streets of downtown Potosi.  In this photo of the day, Cerro Rico and the danger it poses to miners looms in the distance.

Read more… Ethics of Tourism: Mines of Potosi Bolivia

Potosi Bolivia

Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain) as Seen From the Streets of Potosi Bolivia

Ethics Of Tourism: Mines Of Potosi Bolivia

| by Aracely | 9 Comments » | Bolivia, Reflections, South America

Potosi Bolivia

Cerro Rico, Potosi, Bolivia

When I first heard that in Potosi there are organized tours allowing visitors to see how miners work, my first reaction was “Why?  What do tourists do there, take pictures?”

At first thought, to be very honest, I was sickened that people do this.  Imagine a group of gringos who are dressed in protective clothing, rubber boots, helmets and headlamps, which by the way are all likely better than the equipment the real miners are wearing, coming into the mines to take pictures and then getting back on the bus to continue their travels.  It sounds so wrong.  And then I heard that people bring gifts for the miners, such as dynamite, cigarettes, and coca leaves.  “Is this to make the tourist feel better?”  I wondered. (more…)

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