Enjoy a Spanish language course in Bolivia

at our language school in the city of Sucre

Sucre is the constitutional capital of Bolivia and one of the country’s largest cities with 247,000 people. Located in the south-central area of Bolivia in a mountainous region, Sucre is in a beautiful part of the country and the high elevation (2750 m) makes the weather cooler and comfortable all year. Called “la cuidad blanca” (the white city) Sucre is known for its well preserved centre, historic buildings and sites, and relaxed and welcoming atmosphere that many come to love. Located nearby Potosí, Bolivia’s city made rich by impressive silver mines, Sucre became a city that those who became wealthy from silver settled in with the original name being “Cuidad de la Plata de la Nueva Toledo” (city of the silver of New Toledo). The city was the original capital of Bolivia after it gained independence in 1825 but the seat of government moved to La Paz at the end of the 19th century and only the judicial branch remains in Sucre. Nonetheless, it is still an influential and dynamic city and the gateway to many small villages in the area.


Sucre was founded in 1538 and in the same year King Philip II of Spain created the Audiencia de Charcas in La Plata. The Audiencia de Charcas allowed Sucre to have some autonomy but it remained under the Viceroyalty of Peru. In the early 1600s a number of religious buildings were founded and in 1624 Francis Xavier University of Chuquisaca was established which still operates today as one of the foremost in the country. Even now, with the grid structure of streets, the Andalusian architecture, and many Roman Catholic churches it is evident that Sucre has a strong colonial heritage. In 1809 one of the first independence movements in South America began in Sucre though, ironically, Bolivia was one of the last countries to achieve this in 1825. In honour of its revolutionary leader, Antonio José de Sucre, the city was renamed and in 1839 became the capital. In 1898 most of the government moved to La Paz and now Sucre is a relatively conservative city in the country. In 1991 the city was named UNESCO WOrld Heritage Site and draws thousands of tourists each year.


The heart of Sucre is the Plaza 25 de Mayo which is surrounded by some of the city’s most impressive architecture. The Casa de la Libertad is the most famous and most important national building. A restored convent from 1621, the chapel was used as a meeting hall and within it Bolivian independence was declared on May 25th, 1825. The building includes a museum with artifacts and information detailing Bolivian history. Also on the plaza is La Catedral Metropolitana built from 1559 to 1712. Not only is the Cathedral impressive it houses the country’s foremost religious museum, the Pinacoteca with a huge collection of paintings as well as many incredible works of jewelry. Most visitors to Sucre stop by the Cal Orkco. This once lake floor has the impressions of the footprints of a series of dinosaurs. Others explore the nearby beauty either hiking through the Seven Waterfalls or trekking through the mountains of the Cordillera de las Frailes. There are also nearby villages to explore like Tarabuco where you can experience authentic Yampara culture. For some of the best weather, relaxed and inviting culture and impressive history Bolivia has to offer Sucre is the best city to visit and a wonderful place to learn Spanish.


What we like about Spanish in Sucre:

  • Sucre features an interesting history of colonialism and liberation which has affected all of Bolivia.
  • As one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Bolivia, Sucre is welcoming to all vistors and an excellent place to learn.
  • The high altitudes give the city beautiful views and surrounding nature while keeping the temperature from getting too hot.