If you’ve got a layover in Potosi, don’t let it go to waste sitting at POI. The city, in Bolivia, is within easy reach — roughly 40 minutes by Taxi. Whether you have four hours or twelve, here’s how to make your stopover count.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of POI:
- Can you legally enter Bolivia? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 40-minute journey each way by Taxi, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the BOB. ATMs near the arrivals area typically offer better rates than the exchange counters.
Exploring Potosi on a Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Potosi, two standouts are:
- Plaza 10 de Noviembre — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
- Colonial Streets Exploration — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
If you’d rather stay inside POI — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Airport Waiting Area
- Souvenir and Snack Kiosk
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From POI, the Taxi gets you to Potosi in around 40 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 60 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Food & Dining Options
- In the city: Restaurant 4.060 and La Casona are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Potosi.
- At the airport: Airport Terminal Cafeteria and Departure Lounge Snack Stand will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
How Much Money You’ll Need
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Potosi might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$9 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$24 USD
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Staying Connected
Most airports offer free WiFi these days, and POI is no exception — connect and browse while you sort out your plans. If you’re heading into Potosi and want data on the go, pick up a local SIM from a shop in the arrivals hall or download an eSIM before you land. Airalo and Holafly are popular options that let you set up data access before you even touch down.
What to Do With Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at POI may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Potosi’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Rest Areas & Lounges
Long overnight layover? Your options at POI include terminal seating (look for areas away from the main walkways) and, if available, airport lounges with day passes. Some airports in Bolivia also have transit hotels or sleeping pods — worth checking availability before your trip.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Potosi with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Potosi may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.