ATTRACTIONS

The Carnival is the biggest attraction in Oruro, but when the groups of Diablos and Morenos are not dancing through the city with their frantic and contagious movements, you will be able to know a series of places that will show you the other face of the folkloric capital city of Bolivia.

Visit the Sanctuary of El Socavón, walk down the streets of La Paz, where the artisans that manufacture the masks and clothes of the dancers live. It is also advisable to visit the Archaeological Museum and the Mineralogical Museum.

During your stay in Oruro, it is recommended to visit the following places:

Sanctuary of El Socavón: The place in which it is located was an old Uru ritual center, a pre-Columbian culture that reached a remarkable development in the elaboration of pottery. The temple -built in 1781- was initially named the Church of Nuestra Señora de Copacabana. The faithful people worshipped the Virgin of La Candelaria -patron saint of the miners- who in Oruro is known as the Virgin of El Socavón.

Church of Saint Francis: Its construction began in the 17th century, buy its actual facade corresponds to the 18th century. In 1610, people responsible for the temple headed the foundation of La Cofradía de Nuestra Señora de la Visitación, composed by the free black people residing in the city, what constituted a unique case.

Lighthouse of Conchupata: Place of great historical significance because here, during the government of Manuel Isidoro Belzu, the current flag of Bolivia was hoisted for the first time, on November 7th, 1851. Conchupata -previously called Corrralpata- is located at the intersection of Herrera and La Plata streets.

San Jose mine: The silver, lead and tin that were extracted from their tunnels were very important for the economy of the country. The mine, which is 5 kilometres from downtown, began to be exploited two centuries ago.

Spas of Capachos and Obrajes: Their waters, warm and curative, are a temptation for the tourists that arrive to Oruro. Capachos, located at 12 kilometers from the city, have covered single pools. Obrajes -at 25 kilometers- is an important recreational centre with comfortable lodgings, Sandbanks of San Pedro: The impressive dunes of sand that seem to have been extracted from a gigantic desert, give a special panorama to the skirts of the San Pedro Hill that is at least two kilometres from the city.

Cala Cala: This archaeological area located 20 kilometres from Oruro, holds pre-Columbian paintings in the rocks where flocks of flamingos, llamas and felines were sketched with simple lines by the ancient Bolivians.

Chullpares bridge: From this bridge, built in the colonial times, the beauty of the highlands can be enjoyed. The pre-Hispanic necropolis of Chusaqueri, with its stone and mud funeral monuments is to be found in its vicinities.

Lake Poopo: located at 65 kilometers from Oruro, in the route that leads to the neighboring department of Potosí. The biggest attraction is the island of Panza, ideal place for hunting and fishing.

Paria: A remarkable stone temple of "mestizo" style is the main "jewel" of the first town founded in the region by the Spaniards. According to the chroniclers, Paria was founded in 1535 by Diego de Almagro and Juan de Saavedra.