A Sweet Escape to Sucre – Colonial Charm, Chorizo & Chocolate

May 2025

Hi travelers, and welcome back to a new blog post from La Paz!

Over the past few weeks, more and more people have been asking us about Sucre—Bolivia’s other capital city, full of history, sunshine, and whitewashed beauty. I realized I hadn’t been there in a few years, and with my kids on school vacation, it felt like the perfect excuse to go back. So, come along with me in this blog and let’s head to Sucre together!

And hey, if reading isn’t your thing, don’t worry. You can listen to our podcast episode this week all about Sucre too!

🎧 Let’s go!

Why Visit Sucre?

This peaceful little city is Bolivia’s constitutional capital, known for its great weather, calm vibe, and colonial architecture. With its white buildings, cobbled streets, and mountain views, it’s no surprise Sucre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Honestly, a lot of travelers don’t put it on their list, but I think you really should. There’s a completely different energy here compared to La Paz, and one of the best things about Bolivia is how much the culture, food, and lifestyle can change from one region to another. The more you travel in the country, the more you’ll feel it, and Sucre is one of those places that adds a special layer to the journey.

 My Sucre Trip – A Family Getaway

I visited Sucre many years ago, but lately I’ve been seeing so many positive things about it, online, in reels, videos, and just in conversations. So, during my kids’ school break, we decided to go for three days. It was a small escape, something I’d been meaning to do for a while, and it turned out to be the perfect little family trip.

We arrived around midday and had time to explore the city that afternoon and evening. Sucre is great for walking, and my kids loved spotting churches, grabbing snacks, and just walking around the plazas. The second day was full of visiting places, eating a lot, finding cozy corners in cafés, and just enjoying the slower pace. On the third day, we packed in a few last things before heading back to La Paz in the afternoon.

It was short and great, and it reminded me that travel doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful, it’s about the moments and simply a change of scenery. I had the idea of leaving Sucre to explore the surroundings, but there just wasn’t time for that on this trip. So that’s something we’ll have to save for next time.

How to Get to Sucre

The easiest way to get to Sucre is by plane. Direct flights from La Paz take about an hour and are available a few times a week. There are also more frequent flights with connections through Santa Cruz or Cochabamba, which take a bit longer but offer more options. The airport is called Alcantarí and is located about 30–40 minutes from the city center.

If you’re more adventurous (or on a tighter budget), you can go by bus. Just be prepared, it’s a long ride! From La Paz it takes around 12–14 hours, and from Santa Cruz even more. The roads can be curvy, so choose a good company and bring snacks and a neck pillow!

Once you're in Sucre, everything is close. You can walk to most places or jump into a micro (minibus) or taxi,just agree on the price first, since they usually don’t use meters.

And when it comes to sleeping, Sucre has lots of great options. From hostels to boutique hotels in colonial buildings, there’s something for every traveler. Try to stay near Plaza 25 de Mayo so you’re close to the heart of the city.

 What to Eat in Sucre – Local Favorites

One of the fun things about traveling in Bolivia is seeing how the food changes from place to place. In Sucre, there are dishes that you won’t find in La Paz—or if you do, they just don’t taste the same!

Oh, and don’t leave without visiting Para Ti, Sucre’s most famous chocolate shop. Their handmade chocolates are a great treat or gift to bring back.

🌿 Things to Do in Sucre – A Little Bit of Everything

Sucre is the kind of city where you don’t need to rush. You can walk, discover, sit, and just be. It’s perfect for slow travel and soaking up culture.

And if you’re into quirky sights, don’t miss Castillo de la Glorieta, a pink fairytale-like castle just outside Sucre. Yes, a real castle in Bolivia!

💬 Need Help Planning Your Sucre Trip?

If Sucre sounds like your kind of place and you want help planning, finding a flight, or figuring out what to do next, we’re here for you.

Whether you're already in La Paz or still planning your trip to Bolivia, feel free to reach out to us at Café del Mundo or through our travel agency, Travel del Mundo.

And when you write to us, we’ll gladly send you a small freebie with the names and prices of different places to visit in and around Sucre.

We want you to explore, enjoy, and make the most of your time in Bolivia. So if Sucre is calling your name… maybe it’s time to say yes.

Hope to see you around

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