Bird-eye View of Potosi, Bolivia in Latin America
using ASTER Ortho Image

Potosi is located in the southwest of Bolivia in Latin America at 4,100 meters above sea level, the highest city in the world.

Vast amounts of silver had been drilled and exported from Cerro Rico Silver mines since these mines were discovered in the 16th century, during the period of Spanish colonial rule.
This mining forced many Native Americans to serve as labors and costed their lives.

All the silver ran dry in the 19th century. Then tin was exploited until itsdepletion.

Cerro Rico silver mine and its surrounding cityscape were added to World Heritage List in 1987.