Oruro is a mining city in the Oruro Department of Bolivia, high on the Altiplano of South America. It has long been shaped by its mines, and that working history still gives the town its character. The city is also known by the older name Villa de San Felipe de Austria.
The Carnival
Oruro is best known for its Carnival, a spectacular celebration that UNESCO has recognised as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The festivities bring together dancers, music and colourful costume, and they draw visitors from across Bolivia and beyond. If you plan a trip around the Carnival, expect a busy city and book your accommodation well ahead.
What a visit offers
- A chance to see one of Bolivia's most celebrated cultural events up close
- A mining town with an industrial past, set on the high plateau
- A base for exploring the wider Oruro Department and the Altiplano landscape
Oruro suits travellers interested in living traditions and in the everyday life of a working city. Outside the Carnival season the pace is quieter, and the town is easier to explore on foot at your own speed. Plan for the altitude, which is considerable, and allow a day or two to adjust before taking on strenuous activity.
