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Sucre is the capital and most important city in all of Bolivia. With a population of just over 250,00 the city of Sucre is a great place to get away and enjoy the pleasures of South America. Sucre provides visitors with a rich history and exciting culture that bring thousands of visitors every year to the impoverished country of Bolivia. The city of Sucre is filled with historic buildings, cathedrals, libraries, chapels, and museums that teach visitors of the long and interesting history that the citizens of Sucre have lived through.
Sucre was originally founded in1538 by Spanish Conquistadors who voyaged in the name of King Philip II. The city today still resembles a Spanish city with narrow streets that are organized into a grid. The temperate climate that the city offers was highly sought after by much Spanish royalty and other wealthy families. For this reason, Sucre adopted many of the customs and traditions that were brought over from Spain. Downtown Sucre has been well-preserved and has 200 to 300 year old buildings linings its streets. Many visitors to Bolivia come to Sucre to learn what life was like for South Americans during the colonial era because the city is surrounded by many native villages.
The city's vast history eventually led to the adoption of four distinct names that each represent an era of the history. Charcas is the name given by the indigenous people for the place where Spain built its first colonial city. La Plata is the name given to the time shortly thereafter when the city was emerging as a Hispanic city based on rights, honor, and privilege. Chuquisaca is the name of the city during the time when Bolivia was obtaining Independence. And Sucre is the name given to the city in honor of Antonio Jose de Sucre who led the warriors in the Battle of Ayacucho, which eventually led to Bolivia's Independence.
The most important building in all Bolivia was constructed in 1621 among the streets of Sucre. The House of Freedom is the location where the Bolivian Constitution was written and the building still stands today as a reminder of the founders' extensive work to bring independence to Bolivia. The National Library was built during the same year and still contains documents that were initially written in the 15th century. The greatest religious museum in all of Bolivia is the Metropolitan Cathedran and contains a large amount of paintings from the colonial era. The cathedral was built over the course of more than 150 years. The Palacio de la Glorieta is also a popular tourist attraction and was one of the original palaces constructed in Sucre and now serves its function as a military school. Many other buildings line the streets of Sucre and some date back to the time the city was originally settled by the Spaniards.
Sucre is located more than 2790 meters (close to 9000 feet) above sea level and offers a mild and temperate climate. Average temperatures are around 20 degrees Celsius (68 Fahrenheit).
Getting to Sucre is easy through Juana Azurduy International Airport, located on the outskirts and a short 3 mile ride from Sucre city center. If coming from another country you will probably be coming through Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz since Juana Azurduy International Airport has no international flights at this time. Flight time is about 30 minutes between Santa Cruz and Sucre.
Driving time from Santa Cruz Bolivia to Sucre if you wish to drive is almost 10 hours at 417 miles.
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