I have visited many Latin American great colonial gems: Cuzco, Quito, Buenos Aires (although different obviously), Ouro Preto, Rio de Janeiro (different again), Salvador in Brazil (again different), Cartagena, Guanajuato, etc. Do you personally think Sucre ranks among these places I have been to in regard to being a 'must-see' colonial destination? I only ask because I looked up Avianca Airlines and saw that the price is $754USD 1-way on a random Wednesday afternoon 1 month from now from Bogota to Santa Cruz (not even to Sucre)! Wow. Sucre is truly a difficult place to reach. Hence I am reconsidering going there unless I get some strong feedback (ultimately opinions) saying that Sucre truly ranks among South America's greatest sightseeing destinations rather than more of a place to visit ‘only if you are already in the area’. Regardless of the money involved, what do you think in regard to going out of your way to see Sucre?
Big Transportation Cost: Should I Reconsider a Visit to ‘Colonial’ Sucre?
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In my personal opinion, there's no competition. Sucre is handsdown a better place for colonial-era sightseeing than Bogota. Sucre is a charming, walkable city with lots of interesting sites, markets, museums, and tours in and around town. On the main plaza, you can sit on a balcony, enjoy the eternally spring-like weather, and watch daily life unfold. Sucre is one of those cities like Cusco and Cartagena and Quito that enchants travelers into staying longer than they intended (it happened to me). That said, is it worth an expensive detour? I'm not sure. Rather than a stand-alone destination, I think Sucre fits better in the context of an extended tour of Bolivia that also includes Uyuni, Oruro, La Paz, and especially the colonial-era treasures of Potosi. If you do fly to Sucre I would highly recommend including travel to at least Potosi or Oruro and La Paz for its excellent museums if you can swing it.
As for Bogota, I think it's an intriguing destination, but for its all-around feel & look, and the mix of old & new, not just it's colonial-era attractions, which are limited compared to the whole of what the city has to offer.
What other South American destinations are definitely on your list?
Happy travel planning,
Anabel
The following, which I welcome your thoughts on:
Argentina
1. Salta *Good seasons are April-May and September-November.
Brazil
1. Amazon
2. Olinda
3. Paraty
4. São Luís & Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (if close by)