Cerro Rico (11.06.2026) | the richest silver mine(s) in history

An attempt to hike up the mountain with the richest silver deposit in the world - Cerro Rico above Potosí (about 4800 m.a.s.l. ; sinking every year). The mountain has been mined since 16th century, there is a lot of mining infrastructure (old and new) along the way. Turns out the summit is not possible from the north - where I went. I later learned you need to traverse on the west slope and push to summit from the south/southwest. This however might change as the summit is a constantly shifting steep and cratered debris field. Hike stats (from GPS): Distance: 15 km Elevation gain: 1041 m (similar elevation loss) Lowest point: 4003 m.a.s.l. Highest point: 4754 m.a.s.l. 00:00 the hike (english subs for my few remarks) 06:00 english description/guide