Bolivia Guide
The southern Altiplano
Casa Real de la Moneda
Address: Half a block west of the Plaza 10 de Noviembre on Calle Ayacucho
Opening time: Tues– Fri 9.30am– noon & 2–6.30pm, Sat & Sun 9am–1pm
Price: $3
The unmissable Casa Real de la Moneda, or Royal Mint, one of the most outstanding examples of colonial civil architecture in all South America, is now home to the best museum in Bolivia. The vast and eclectic collection includes the original machinery used in the various stages of the minting process; some of Bolivia's finest colonial religious art; militaria; archeological artefacts; and a vast collection of coins and banknotes. Visits are by guided tour only: these are included in the entrance price and conducted in Spanish, English or French depending on demand. There are only two tours daily, usually beginning each morning and afternoon shortly after opening, so it's worth turning up on time; tours last about two hours. Be warned that even when the sun is shining outside it's very cold inside the complex, so bring something warm to wear.