Museo de la Recoleta, Chuquisaca Department, Bolivia

4Ryan J 5:00 PM Feb 21, 2017

Sorry, No Tours in English
Guests are taken on a guided tour, but unfortunately, only in Spanish. You are not allowed to roam on your own as many of the doors are locked, so the guide not only leads you from room to room, but unlocks and relocks the doors along the way. This was a monastery for Franciscan monks and there are still 10 of them, but it was not clear due to language, if they are still residing here or elsewhere. Regardless, there are numerous rooms to explore as well as the organ loft. Most rooms and hallways are filled with religious art, even impressive for this non-believer; the art techniques were extraordinary. There are multiple gardens, but they are run down and unkempt looking, though the guide took great pride in pointing them out. At the end, see or try to hug the 1,500 year old cypress. You will need 7 more people to get your arms around it. Once on the hill, to view the Recoleta and Museo de Arte Indigena, it take little effort to stop by here. It is obvious the museum depends on the tours for support. Photography is not allowed.

3International_Mel 5:00 PM Feb 27, 2015

Heavy on the attitude, light on the information
This was a painful experience and I would not recommend the museum unless you're very, very interested in religious iconography and ephemera. They do have some nice art as well as vestments and chalices. And it's interesting that franciscan monks still live there. Nice, but the way you're treated by the staff really ruined the experience for me. Finger snapping, nasty looks and rude comments were on tap - I had inadvertently wandered a bit from the group and was hassled for the rest of the tour and treated like a criminal. The tour was mindnumbingly slow - basically you're locked in a room and forced to stay in a small area until everyone is done looking or asking questions. Then you move a few feet and do it all again. Sadly, the information provided is not that interesting or thorough. God forbid you walk too far away from the guide! Personally, I'd save the 15 bolivianos and relax and enjoy the mirador across the street. Lovely views of the city!