Call 
Indigenous Urban Center
Oruro was once the most important source of tin in the world and an important economic center for Bolivia. Today, the city’s
cultural life is still very much thriving and is especially spectacular to observe during the famous Oruro Carnival festivities.
During the boisterous event, the town springs to life. Demonic dancers take to the streets along with an elaborately costumed
cohort, a giant procession parades through town, and the final day, Día del Agua, is marked by a massive water fight.
The Oruro carnival is one of the most popular annual events in South America, so naturally, you’ll have to make
plans to attend far in advance. For those planning Luxury Bolivia tours, Bolivia family tours, or indeed a vacation of
any kind to the country around the time of Mardi Gras, this renowned folkloric festival is a must.
Discover Oruro
CULTURE1 / 3
Oruro was once a pre-Columbian ceremonial site and an important mining area in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Oruro is one of the few cities in Bolivia where the two dominant indigenous communities in the country intersect: the Aymara and the Quechua. Walking down one of its bustling market streets, one would see both typical Aymara and Quechua dresses. Usually, the hats and skirts worn by the local indigenous women will indicate whether they are Aymara or Quechua. The communities that live in the area maintain their socio-economic as well as religious traditions, following the same pattern they have followed for almost 500 years.
NATURE2 / 3
The Bolivian Altiplano region is naturally surrounded by stunning scenery and epic natural wonders, and Oruro is no exception. Nature takes center stage in this hauntingly remote region due to the numerous natural attractions that are begging to be explored. Highlights include the reflective Huanakota Lake, quirky Queñoa forests, gushing geysers, and a series of epic volcanoes to challenge even the most intrepid climber. The region’s Sajama National Park is home to Bolivia’s highest peak, the ominous 6,542 meters Nevado Sajama which looms over the landscape at every turn.
ADVENTURE3 / 3
Adventure travelers are up for an exciting challenge when visiting Oruro, as the region is home to Bolivia’s highest peak – Nevado Sajama. While the trek is no small feat, it does offer an incredible opportunity to experience snow-capped volcanoes fringe the vast altiplano and high altitude lakes which lie only a hike away in the mountains. Finishing the trek, geysers and hot springs await and you can be sure to see a variety of typical Andean wildlife, such as llama, vicuña, alpaca, flamingos, and viscachas amongst many others. Beyond the climb to the summit, Bolivia’s Sajama Park offers many activities ranging from a relatively accessible two-day trek to kayaking along Laguna Huayña Khota situated at the base of Cordillera Occidental mountain range.
BROWSE THROUGH SAMPLE
Signature Bolivia Itineraries
Our custom-designed itineraries are suited to the needs and
preferences of each traveler, every time.
When booking a vacation to Bolivia, we’ll keep your travel goals in mind. Whether you’re looking to experience the art
and culture of La Paz, experience the salt flats of Salar De Uyuni, or enjoy lake life in Lake Titicaca- Bolivia has
something for everyone and our travel designers are eager to craft the perfect trip for your luxury tour of Bolivia.
LUXURY BOLIVIA TRIP
13D / 12N
Set off on a luxury trip to Bolivia for two weeks of history, culture, and adventure. Explore the highlights of cities teeming with life from…
JOURNEY TO THE UYUNI SALT FLATS
7D / 6N
Set off on a luxury trip to Bolivia to stand in the presence of the awe-inspiring Uyuni Salt Flats. Explore strange and stunning…
LA PAZ & THE ISLAND OF TITICACA
5D / 4N
Uncover one of the most unique cultures in South America with a trip to the world’s highest navigable lake. This luxury trip to…
DISCOVER THE
Best Time To Travel
Without a doubt, the best time to visit Oruro is during carnival period.
This generally happens in February, after Ash Wednesday, lasting 10 days. During this time, the city comes to life in a
can’t miss experience on your luxury tour of Bolivia.
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT
JANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC
Insider Tips
GET THE INSIDER KNOWLEDGE FROM EXPERTS IN TRAVEL
With travel experts who have explored Bolivia, the Kuoda team knows the ins
and outs of the country and the best way to experience it.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO1 / 3
Oruro Carnaval A party like no other, Oruro Carnival is Bolivia's most sought after tourist attraction, drawing crowds of up to 400,000 people annually. It was declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2008. The Carnival, which takes place every year, lasts ten days and gives rise to a panoply of popular arts expressed in masks, textiles and embroidery. The main event in the Carnival is the procession or entrada. More than 28,000 dancers and 10,000 musicians organized in about 50 groups take part in the procession which still shows many features dating back to medieval mystery plays.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO2 / 3
Sajama National Park Outside of the city of Oruro, The Sajama National Park includes geological natural wonders made up of flora, fauna, thermal springs and also cultural wonders such as polychromed chullpas (pre-hispanic burial buildings), cave paintings, pucaras and colonial architecture and art. The park is the first protected area in Bolivia. Famous for its abundance of alpacas, towering volcanoes, and bizarre high altitude flora, Sajama is a must for outdoor adventurers who yearn to escape the tourist crowds.The Sajama National Park is a perfect place for those looking for both adventure and meditation - while hiking through the plains, you’ll rarely hear other sounds than your own footsteps. For the more adventurous, the park also offers climbs of the impressive surrounding volcanoes and mountains.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO3 / 3
Sanctuary of El Socavon This beautiful church brings together Spanish architecture, painted glass, and of course - silver from the silver mines. The temple itself is dedicated to the Candlemas's Virgin. She is the local patron of the miners and receives the name of Virgin of the Mineshaft. It is an extraordinary image, painted on some clay bricks that were probably part of an interior wall during the end of the fifteenth century. Oruro’s famous Carnival is carried out in her honor. The place in which Santuario del Socavon is located was an old Uru ritual center, a pre-colombian town that reached a remarkable development in the elaboration of ceramics. The temple, built in 1781, was initially named as Church of Nuestra Senora de Copacabana, where the faithful people worshiped the Virgin of La Candelaria: patron saint of the miners.
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