Potosi - Bolivia

Potosi is the highest city in the world at 4070 metres. Although it was once Latin America´s largest and wealthiest city it does have a haunted past!

They enter the opening knowing that over the past 300 years this location has claimed over 8 million lives. For the Indigenous People it is the home of the devil. Each year several llamas are sacrificed, their throats cut so that their blood will cover the soil. In return it is hoped that the devil will not harm more people. This is followed by daily offering of cigarettes, money and coca leaves. The offerings are obviously well received as the statue representing the lands owner has a large erection and cheeky smile. You could be mistaken to thinking this is the gate way to hell!

Armed with nothing more than a pick, shovel and coca leaves the men must hack away at the soil in temperatures of 30 plus degrees hoping they will struck it lucky and find silver.

This trip into Potosi Silver Mine was a real eye opener and even with all the protective equipment including face mask it was still difficult to breath due to the toxic fumes. These miners work long hours to produce more than 10 tonnes of material for which they are payed a dismal $A8.5. Even so the workers are in good spirits and happy for us to be there. An interesting place to visit a horrible place to make a living.