Here we are, Jorge and I with our rubber suits! What is in store for us??

This is Cerro Rico! Not the best photo I've ever taken.

The beginning...the entrance we took!

Here is our lead guide. We had three! Notice his pouch of coca leaves...little did I know then!

It doesn't take too long before the mine shaft begins to narrow and narrow!

Soon, we come to a "museum" dug out from the rock of the mountain and filled with such colorful figures as this pirate.

At Cerro Rico, here is "El Tio". Here too, he is paid respect from the miners for he protects them while they are underground.

Here too, in the miner's museum, can be found another VERY strange character (Americano?).

I'm no rock guy... but is that SILVER ore?? This is how the roof the mine appeared to me most of the time.

Here is one of those fast-moving ore carts! Really..they are moving very fast..get out of the WAY!

And so...we begin to slip and slid downward into the mine.

This way down...please?? Further we go!!!

It's time for a short break! These are some of my fellow adventurers.

Here is Jorge and one of our guides.

At last we reach the miners! We are 450 meters below the Earth's surface! YIPES!!

One of the miners drinking that strong "home brewed" booze. We did the same..over and over!!

Please, someone, get me out of here! Tourism is great..Geography is wonderful...BUT GET ME OUT!!

Will this shaft's wall collapse?? It must be 400 years old???

Believe it or not, this IS the way OUT!

Back on the surface! Praise be!! Fresh air at last...and...blue sky. These dugouts are where the miners live while working the mines.