Downtown Sucre

 The overnight bus arrived in Sucre at 4:30 am, much earlier than our expectations, so I only had time to squeeze my sleeping  gears into bags like a refugee, and got out of the bus in my sports sandals without socks in 50f weather. Sucre's elevation is approximately 2,790 meters (9,150 ft) above sea level, making it notably higher than Cochabamba at a lower altitude of about 2,558 meters (8,392 ft). Fortunately, my travel mates were more prepared for taxi to get in the hostel earlier. The hostel owner showed up around 5 am to check us in. 

I woke up around 8:30 am, did some research about sights to see in Sucre, and chatted with one hostelmate about hiking the Inca trail nearby. Sucre is the official capital of Bolivia., and also known as ‘la ciudad blanca’ or white city. Although Sucre can be considered a ‘colonial’ city, its architecture is more an example of later, neo-classical style. Sucre is a result of the wealth later spawned by the silver trade. Sucre’s original name, Ciudad de la Plata de la Nueva Toledo (city of the silver of New Toledo) reflects the huge significance silver played in the city’s development. In 1624 St. Francis Xavier College of Chuquisaca was founded in the city. This university is still operating, and is considered one of the finest in the country, as well as being the second oldest university in the Americas.

It took me 5 hours to cover all the sights in town. I started from the central market  to look around and got a Bolivian cold cut sandwich for breakfast. I then explored historical sites like Plaza 25 de Mayo, the Casa de la Libertad, Cementerio General de Sucre, Glorieta Castle, Bolivia Park, etc.  There was a protest in the center lasting the whole day. I got BEEF ROAST (Asado de Res) at a local restaurant Picanteria Doña Irma. The sauce reminded me of Indian red curry.  

After the big lunch, I went back to the hostel to take a shower and a nap. Around 4:30 pm, I visits a big supermarket to get water and a fish can, and the central market again for fruits, vegetables, breads, and ham (for dinner as well as the Inca Trail hike). In the evening, I met with the other two members of the hike to go via some details of the plan. Time to pack then rest for the hike.