Sucre - The White City of Bolivia

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-dyohs]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-syahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dees-kool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byehn. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, poor fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-loohd]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, poor fah-vohr]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Fuera!
  [fweh-rah]
• Call the Police!¡Llame a la Policía!
  [yah-meh ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llame a un médico!
  [yah-meh ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah kohm-prahr...]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-toh kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEsto es muy caro
  [ehs-toh ehs mwee kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Media (10)
  [meh-dyah (d'yeez)]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [sace]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está el/la...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah ehl/lah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rek-syon]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (autobús)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksee-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ....)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah)]

Sucre, originally founded as La Plata in 1538 by Spanish conquistadors, was established as a strategic settlement in the Viceroyalty of Peru. Its location was chosen for its mild climate and fertile land, making it a perfect administrative and religious center.

In 1559, Sucre became the seat of the Audiencia of Charcas, an important judicial and administrative body of the Spanish Empire. This transformed the city into a key hub for political, economic, and religious activities in the region.

On May 25, 1809, Sucre became the cradle of Latin American independence movements when its citizens led the first cry for freedom against Spanish rule. This event is commemorated annually, marking Sucre's significance in the fight for independence.

The Battle of Suipacha, fought on November 7, 1810, was a significant encounter during the Argentine War of Independence. Although it took place near present-day Tupiza, the victory bolstered the independence movement in Sucre and throughout the region.

Following the successful revolutions, Bolivia declared its independence from Spain on August 6, 1825. Sucre was named the capital of the newly formed republic, honoring its pivotal role in the liberation struggle.

In 1898, Bolivia's government officially moved its administrative capital to La Paz due to political and economic reasons. However, Sucre remains the constitutional capital and the seat of the Supreme Court, preserving its historical and judicial significance.

In 1991, Sucre's historic center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is renowned for its well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, including iconic buildings like the House of Freedom, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the National Library.

Sucre is home to the Universidad Mayor, Real y Pontificia de San Francisco Xavier de Chuquisaca, one of the oldest universities in the Americas, founded in 1624. The city continues to be a cultural and educational center, hosting numerous festivals, museums, and academic institutions.

Sucre is located in the south-central part of Bolivia. The nearest airport is Alcantarí International Airport, approximately 30 kilometers from the city center. You can take a taxi or a shuttle bus from the airport to Sucre, which typically takes around 45 minutes. There are also regular domestic flights from La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. For those arriving by bus, Sucre is well connected to other major Bolivian cities, with several bus companies offering comfortable overnight services.

Sucre is a relatively small city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, taxis are readily available and inexpensive. Public minibuses (micros) and trufis (shared taxis) operate throughout the city and are an affordable way to get around. If you prefer more flexibility, car rentals are available, but be aware that driving in Sucre can be challenging due to narrow, cobblestoned streets.

The official currency in Bolivia is the Boliviano (BOB). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are widely available in Sucre, and many offer the option to withdraw both Bolivianos and US Dollars.

Sucre is generally considered a safe city for tourists, but it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places, such as markets and bus terminals. Certain neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city have higher crime rates, so it is advisable to stick to well-known tourist areas and avoid venturing into less populated regions.

In case of emergency, dial 110 for police assistance and 118 for medical emergencies. Sucre has several hospitals and clinics that can provide medical care. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially in churches and during religious festivals. Public Transport: Do be respectful and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and say 'Buenos días' (Good morning) or 'Buenas tardes' (Good afternoon). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Sucre like a local, visit the Mercado Central where you can buy fresh produce and sample local dishes. Spend time in the Parque Bolívar, a popular spot for locals to relax and socialize. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about Sucre's rich history and culture. Don't miss the traditional Sunday outing to the nearby countryside, known as 'Campo', where locals enjoy picnics and family time. Visit the indigenous textile markets to see and purchase beautiful handmade weavings.