It was another early start as we prepared to embark on a tour of once the world's biggest silver mine in once the world's wealthiest city. We got all geared up in overalls, helmets, head torches and bandanas and set off in a jeep to the miners market to buy some gifts for the miners. Gifts were items such as dynamite, soft drinks, cocoa leaves and alcohol. As there aren't any toilets down in the mines, the miners chew on cocoa leaves all day for energy so that they will not need to go!

We entered the mine through a small hole in the mountain; the mine we entered was named the Devil's mine and contained a "devil" at the entrance to whom you gave gifts upon entering for good luck. The name of the mountain was Cerro Rico which as I mentioned previously once housed the largest silver mine in the world. Known as "the mountain that eats men" it is thought to have taken the lives of over 8 million workers since the 16th Century, and is still a massive employee for the locals of Potosi. Quite often if your family is in the mining industry you also enter. The conditions in the mines were pretty bad and the life span of miners is only around 40 years, with most dying from silicosis due to overexposure to noxious chemicals. Liv and I found it hard enough to breathe as it was due to the altitude, and for the first half an hour in the mine I found it really difficult to catch my breath and had to walk so slowly.

We spent approximately three hours inside the mines, climbing up and down levels, walking through sludge, avoiding trolleys filled with tons of minerals and learning a lot. This mine no longer contain any silver really so it is mostly zinc and tin that is obtained. Liv and I were chuffed because it ended up being just the two of us and or guide on the tour, as the other couple in our group freaked out and went back out right at the start. Parts of it were very narrow and at one point we turned out head torches off - it was so dark I couldn't see my own hand. I am very relieved that I don't have to work in a mine, and glad I did this tour as although I would not describe it as fun it was so interesting and an experience I'd recommend.

For the rest of the day we relaxed on the roof terrace as it was in the sun and thankfully was actually warm there! We also went to visit the Royal Mint of Bolivia where coins for Spain had been minted from the silver mined in Potosi. It was a chilled afternoon and we went for a drink before catching our night bus to Tupiza. We bought blankets in preparation and were slightly concerned as to what the bus would be like, but all our worries were for nothing as it was incredible! We basically had fully reclining leather armchairs - almost better than a bed! The bus arrived early in Tupiza at around 2 am and so we were really worried we wouldn't be able to check in to our hostel, plus it was absolutely freeeezing. But our prayers were answered when we were met by a concierge at Anexo Mitru Hotel and snuggled into bed to be well rested for another active day ahead.