Today we were heading out to explore the mines of Cerro Rico. After having been picked up at the hotel, we were brought to a place to get our mining gear.
The Miner’s Market was the next step to buy presents for the miners (coca leaves, juice, biscuits, etc.) and dynamite to play with for ourselves (no – I am not kidding here).

Working conditions in the mines are as in the middle ages, everything is done by hand under the most simple condition. Government owned mines used to have more up-to-date equipment (elevators, etc.), however had to close for economical reasons.

Before we left the mines (to conclude our mine tour) we had to visit to tio (roughly translates as uncle, however originally was meant to picture the devil). Some of us also took part in the ceremony of having some liquor with the devil (actually the 96% stuff).