Oruro, Bolivia: travel guide
The Altiplano mining city famous for its Carnival devil dances
Mining city on the Altiplano famous for the Carnaval de Oruro, a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage with its Diablada devil dances.
About Oruro
Oruro is a mining city on the high plains of the Altiplano, and its reputation rests on one event: the Carnaval de Oruro, with its parades of elaborate costumes and the Diablada devil dance. The festival is recognised by UNESCO as part of the world's intangible heritage.
Outside Carnival, the city is quiet but has a clear identity. The Santuario del Socavón, a church linked with the miners' patron, is the focus of devotion, and the Faro de Conchupata offers a view across the city. Plaza 10 de Febrero is the central square.
Oruro suits visitors with a particular interest in Andean folklore and a day or two in hand. Its altitude makes for cold nights, so bring warm layers.
- Country
- Bolivia
- Currency
- BOB
- Time zone
- America/La_Paz
- Nearest airport
- ORU
Last updated
Top places to visit in Oruro
Plaza 10 de Febrero
square · 4.2 rating · about 0.3 h · check the fee at the gate
The central square of Oruro, the heart of the city's civic life and Carnival route.
Santuario del Socavón
church · 4.7 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
The shrine of the Virgin of Candelaria, focal point of the famous Carnaval de Oruro, with an adjoining mining museum.
Faro de Conchupata
monument · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A hilltop lighthouse-monument and viewpoint over Oruro, where the Bolivian flag was first raised.
Things to do
- Carnaval de Oruro Grandstand Experience Cultural · 10 h · from BOB 400 per person
Where to stay in Oruro
- Centro about BOB 300 per night
Central Oruro near Plaza 10 de Febrero and the Socavón, best placed for Carnival and transport.
Hotels
- Gran Hotel Sucre Oruro 3-star · BOB 260 to BOB 360 per night
- Hotel Edén 3.5-star · BOB 420 to BOB 560 per night
Where to eat
- Nayjama Bolivian · about BOB 70 per person
- La Casona Bolivian, International · about BOB 65 per person
Getting to Oruro
Airport: Oruro (ORU)
Getting around
- Minibus
- Taxi
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Carnival crowd pickpocketing
Carnaval de Oruro route
Dense Carnival crowds are prime ground for pickpockets and bag theft.
How to avoid it: Carry only what you need, keep cash in a money belt, and watch your belongings during the entrada.
More in Bolivia
Frequently asked questions about Oruro
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Oruro?
- The highest-rated places in our Oruro guide are Santuario del Socavón, Plaza 10 de Febrero.
- Where should I stay in Oruro?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Oruro: Centro.
- How do I get around Oruro?
- Ways to get around Oruro covered in our guide: Minibus, Taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Oruro?
- Scams reported to us for Oruro include Carnival crowd pickpocketing. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Oruro?
- The nearest airport to Oruro has the code ORU.