Best things to do in Sucre

Walk the paths where dinosaurs once roamed on a tour at Cal Orck'o. This park displays fossilized dinosaur tracks that have been well preserved throughout the ages--including over 5,000 tracks of nearly 300 species of dinosaurs. As you enter, you'll see re-creations of the dinosaurs in lifelike statues at the front of the park to match the footprints. A tour of the attraction takes you relatively close to the prints, which are left in stone. Be careful to check before you head to the park, as not all tours are given in English.

Walk through the history of Bolivia during a tour at Museo Casa de la Libertad, a modest yet interesting museum dedicated to the country's past. The exhibits take you through Bolivian history, with artifacts from the time of the independence movement to modern day, including maps of the Spanish colonies, the armor of conquistadors, and swords. See the original Declaration of Independence for Bolivia and portraits of nearly all of Bolivia's presidents, too. At the attraction you can take a tour or walk through on your own, but keep in mind that most tours are only available in Spanish.

The town's central square, Plaza 25 de Mayo offers an exciting snapshot of the country's modern life. A hub of entertainment and commerce, the square draws visitors with its opportunities to buy freshly squeezed orange juice, browse handcrafted souvenirs from local vendors, and relax in the shade of tall trees. Traveling musicians and performers add to the atmosphere of this lively hangout area. The plaza also offers access to some the town's main buildings and includes a statue of the country's first president, Antonio Jose de Sucre.

To learn about the area's indigenous groups and their ancient weaving methods, visit Museum of Indigenous Art ASUR, which focuses primarily on woven textiles created by the Candelaria and Jalq'a cultures. As an added bonus, the museum hosts demonstrations of local artisans creating pieces of art in front of visitors. Stop by the onsite shop, where you can pick up a few souvenirs of your visit.

Take a short but steep walk up a cobblestone path to reach La Recoleta, a Franciscan monastery and plaza offering extensive views of the city. The whitewashed building was begin in 1600, with several expansion projects over the next two centuries as the community of monks grew. Today, the site stands as a well-preserved example of colonial religious architecture.

Take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the old town from the rooftop terrace of Church of San Felipe Neri (Oratorio de San Felipe de Neri), one of the city's most significant neoclassical structures. Built at end of the 18th century, the cloister and the church today host a private school for girls. As you approach, you'll notice the exterior's white walls and sturdy simple columns, while inside the classrooms you may feel like you've taken a step back into the 1950s. Ask the students to give you a guided tour of the place in English. Many notable figures, including presidents and archbishops, rest in the crypt under the cloister. To enter the church you'll have to find a door a few feet away from the building. Once inside, do not miss the four sculptures of angels.

Take a break from touring the city at Simon Bolivar Park, part of a network of green spaces that cover more area than New York's Central Park. Within this important lung of the city you can explore exotic plant life and walking paths, leading to a lake where you can rent a paddle boat. If you get hungry, look for a food stand or find a picnic table to enjoy a quick snack. The park also contains a concert venue, home to frequent musical performances.

Head to Basilica de San Francisco, a highly storied church built in 1538, at the same time as the establishment of the city. Beginning as a makeshift structure, the church as it stands today was not fully built until 1581. Look for the nation's "liberty bell", which tolled in 1809 as Bolivia celebrated independence. Be aware that you will need a photography permit before you take any photos of the church, though this comes packaged with a tour guide.

Admire the diversity of graves and peaceful surroundings of General Cemetery, a tranquil and ornate cemetery that shelters the graves of many of Bolivia's important political figures. This vast cemetery has countless graves, from massive mausoleums to small headstones, often decorated in colorful and personal ways with photos of the departed, offerings, and memorabilia. Stroll under the shade of tall trees lining the walkways, and pause for a break on one of the benches dotted around. Vendors outside the cemetery sell snacks and beverages, and you'll likely notice locals spending time walking the grounds, talking, drinking coffee, or simply reading a book.

Visit Museo del Convento de la RECOLETA for insight into the colonial era in Bolivia. Housed in a convent founded in 1601, the museum and its site boast a rich history, having also served as a barracks and prison in the past. Take a guided tour and see the church, museum, and gardens. When in the church, look for the choir's wooden carvings dating back to the 1870s. From the square opposite the church, take in views of the city of Sucre down the mountain. Don't miss the 1,500-year-old cedar tree in the garden, one of the only survivors from the area's once plentiful cedar forests.