Besides the carnival, which was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, Oruro has several attractions that are worth seeing.

How to get to Oruro

Several bus companies communicate with the main players Oruro cities of Bolivia. Travel time to:
La Paz: 3-4 hours; Potosi: 5 hours; Cochabamba: 4-5 hours; Sucre: 8-10 hours; Santa Cruz de la Sierra: 18-20 hours. There are also buses to Chile.

You can also travel by train from Oruro to Uyuni and Villazon.

Many attractions in Oruro are related to mining activities and native cultures and traditions.

Our Lady of the Tunnel's Shrine (Santuario de la Virgen del Socavon) is one of the most visited attractions in Oruro. The Virgin of the Tunnel is worshiped by the miners in Bolivia and many devoted pilgrims come in pilgrimage from all parts of the country to pray. On carnival Saturdays the virgin is visited by thousands of dancers.

The Carnival of Oruro is the most important celebration in Bolivia. Thousands of dancers and musicians parade with their troupes. During the carnival it is difficult to find accommodation.

Attractions to visit in Oruro:

Obrajes thermal baths
Very famous thermal baths located 25 kilometers from Oruro. An ideal place for relaxing and therapeutic bathing.

Capachos thermal baths
These hot springs are located 10 kilometers from the city of Oruro.

Lake Poopo (Lago Poopo)
Poopo Lake is one of the main lakes in Bolivia. It is located 55 km from Oruro. On the lake you will find the Panza island, ideal for fishing or spending a day outdoors. Near Lake Poopó live peasant and indigenous families with ancestral customs. The most popular villages are Poopo, Pazña and Aullagas. The area is considered an ecological reserve for its diversity of fauna, including many species of birds (such as flamingos).

Uru Uru Lake
Uru Uru Lake is located south of rail town Machacamarca. At the lake you can fish and learn about coastal population customs. Machacamarca has a comprehensive railway museum.

Coipasa's Salar
After Uyuni, Coipasa Salar is the second largest in Bolivia. It is located 225 km. from Oruro and it has an area of 2,218 km2. The salar's landscape is impressive. In the salar you will find communities living from salt mining and some lagoons.

Yarvicoya Church
The Church of Yarvicoya is a few kilometers from Oruro, within the jurisdiction of Caracollo, near the road to La Paz. The temple, declared a national monument, has a mestizo-baroque style.

Calacala
Calacala is an archaeological site located 21 kilometers from Oruro. Among the mountains and watersheds you will find an important collection of cave paintings.